What an operating system does
How one computer runs many programs, shares memory and keeps files.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
The Lantern's mini PCs each serve many thin-client screens at once. The operating system shares the processor, memory and files among all of them.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 8–11 · JSS 2 to SSS 2
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 60 minutes
- Topic
- Operating systems · core, 2 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 60 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: The operating system as manager
What the operating system does: it runs programs, shares memory, keeps files and talks to devices.
Explain15 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Processes and taking turns
How a scheduler gives each program short turns on the processor.
Explain15 min, from minute 15
Lesson 3: Watch a task manager
Open the task manager, see processes start and stop, and watch memory use.
Investigate15 min, from minute 30
Lesson 4: Files and permissions
Why one learner can't open another's files.
Discussion10 min, from minute 45
Lesson 5: Check your skills
Match jobs to the operating system parts that do them.
Review5 min, from minute 55
End-of-module test
Describe the main jobs of an operating system and explain how many programs appear to run at once.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 60 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
A computer has one processor core, yet music keeps playing while you type. How?
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Describe the main jobs of an operating system.
- Explain how many programs appear to run at once.
Needs first
This module has no prerequisites of its own. Like every first step, it assumes the Digital skills gateway: the first module on using a computer, which a Challenge Test clears in minutes.
Level
Level 8–11 · JSS 2 to SSS 2
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
2 of 4 · Core
Time
About 60 minutes
Alignments
None drafted yet.
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Computer Engineering, Computer Science
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
This module has no prerequisites of its own. Like every first step, it assumes the Digital skills gateway: the first module on using a computer, which a Challenge Test clears in minutes.
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.