System Software: Question 2

Worked solution

Why C is correct

Checking spelling as a user types, and suggesting corrections, is a feature built into a specific piece of application software, a word processor, to help the user carry out the particular task they want done (writing a document). It has nothing to do with managing the computer system itself, so it is not a function of the operating system.

Why the other options are wrong

• A: Keeping track of used and free memory, and allocating memory to programs, is memory management, a core operating system function. Without it, the operating system would not know where it is safe to load a new program into RAM, or which memory belongs to which running program.
• B: Deciding which running program gets the processor’s attention next is process management. A processor can only actually execute one program’s instructions at any single instant, so the operating system rapidly switches its attention between running processes so that each one appears to run continuously. This is an essential operating system function.
• D: Keeping track of the logged-in user and controlling which files that user may open is part of the operating system’s security and user management. This protects each user’s files from being opened or changed by a different user of the same computer.

Final answer

C. Checking spelling and suggesting corrections is a task performed by application software (a word processor), not a management function of the operating system. Options A, B and D are all genuine operating system management functions (memory, process and security/user management respectively).