A1.3 Operating systems and control systems

All knowledge base resources related to A1.3 Operating systems and control systems. This category is part of A1, Computer Fundamentals.

This section introduces key concepts related to how computer systems are managed and controlled, with a focus on the operating system and its critical functions. Students will explore the role of the operating system in managing hardware, executing software, handling input/output, and scheduling processes. Higher-level students will further examine how operating systems manage multitasking and resource allocation, and how control systems—composed of sensors, actuators, and controllers—are used in real-world automated environments such as robotics, manufacturing, and smart systems. These foundational ideas are essential for understanding how modern computing systems operate efficiently and respond intelligently to user and environmental inputs.

A1.3.1 Describe the role of operating systems.

A1.3.2 Describe the functions of an operating system.

A1.3.3 Compare different approaches to scheduling.

A1.3.4 Evaluate the use of polling and interrupt handling.

A1.3.5 Explain the role of the operating system in managing multitasking and resource allocation. (HL only) . HL

A1.3.6 Describe the use of the control system components. (HL only). HL

A1.3.7 Explain the use of control systems in a range of real-world applications. (HL only). HL