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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 12 marks

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1Short recall2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Files can be compressed before they are stored.

Define the term lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Reduces/makes the size of a file smaller (1)
  • No data is lost/removed (during compression) (1)
  • The original file/data can be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'the compressed file takes up less storage space' for the first mark.

The second and third bullets are two ways of making the same point: award a maximum of one mark for them, so a response that says no data is lost and that the original file can be restored, but does not say the file is smaller, scores one mark.

Do not accept descriptions of lossy compression, e.g. 'it removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller'.

Ignore reference to download/transmission times, bandwidth and streaming, as these are benefits of compression and not part of the definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossless compression reduces the size of a file without permanently removing any data, so the original file can be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1) and no data is lost, so the original can be restored exactly (1); maximum of two marks reached.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller so it downloads more quickly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); the faster download is ignored as a benefit, not part of the definition.

No marks0/2

It removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller.

Why: Describes lossy compression, which the do-not-accept line rules out, so the mention of making the file smaller is not credited.

2Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A computer can lose power while a file is being saved.

Describe what file repair software does.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

  • Attempts to repair/rebuild the corrupted file (1) so that it can be opened by its program again (1)
  • Recovers/retrieves the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose all of the data in the file (1)
  • Reconstructs the file from data held in other parts of the disk (1) because part of the file/the disk is corrupted (1)
  • Saves a new/repaired copy of the file (1) as some of the data in it may not be recoverable (1)

Do not accept 'it repairs the file' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about restoring a backup/previous version of the file, as this is backup software.

Do not accept responses about scanning for or removing malware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It recovers the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose everything that was saved in it (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the effect (1).

Some marks1/2

It rebuilds the damaged file from other parts of the disk.

Why: A valid point is made (1) but there is no development of what this achieves, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It restores the last backup of the file so the user gets the data back.

Why: This describes backup software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

3Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

A bank's website can use HTTP or HTTPS.

Explain one benefit to a customer of the bank's website using HTTPS.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

  • Data is encrypted/scrambled (1) so it cannot be read/understood if it is intercepted (1)
  • The customer's bank/personal details are kept secure/private (1) because the data is encrypted/scrambled during transmission (1)
  • The customer's login details/password cannot be read by an eavesdropper (1) because HTTPS encrypts/scrambles the data sent to and from the web server (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow 'scrambled' as an alternative to 'encrypted'.

Do not accept 'it is more secure/safe' or 'the data is secure' on its own, without saying how it is made secure (e.g. encryption/scrambling).

Do not accept faster loading/speed, or claims that HTTPS stops viruses or always proves the website is genuine.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data is encrypted (1) so anyone intercepting it cannot read the customer's bank details (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): encryption means intercepted data cannot be read.

Some marks1/2

The data is encrypted (1) so the website is secure.

Why: Point (1) for encryption, but 'secure' on its own is a near-miss that the mark scheme does not credit as the linked reason; it must say why, e.g. that intercepted data cannot be read.

No marks0/2

HTTPS is faster than HTTP (0) so the customer can log in more quickly.

Why: Speed is not a benefit of HTTPS and is named in a 'Do not accept' line, so no creditworthy point is given.

4Discuss6 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A home computer is used to stream music, edit a video and download files at the same time.

Discuss how the operating system manages the processes running on the computer.

Your answer should include:

  • how the CPU is shared between processes
  • the states a process can be in
  • how the operating system responds when a process needs attention
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

How the CPU is shared between processes

  • The operating system uses multitasking to give each process a short time slice on the CPU, so the music, video editor and download appear to run at the same time.
  • The operating system decides which ready process will run next, so one program cannot keep the CPU to itself.
  • The operating system can stop a running process and move it back to ready when its time slice ends, so all processes make progress.

The states a process can be in

  • When a program is opened, the operating system creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready.
  • The operating system moves a ready process to running when the CPU is free.
  • A running process becomes blocked when it is waiting for input or data, such as the download waiting for data to arrive.
  • When the process finishes, the operating system terminates it and releases the resources it was using.

How the operating system responds when a process needs attention

  • An interrupt is a signal to the CPU that needs immediate attention, so the operating system suspends the current process and runs the interrupt handler.
  • A hardware interrupt could be a printer out of paper, and a software interrupt could be an error in a program.
  • After the interrupt has been handled, the operating system can return the interrupted process to the CPU.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must cover at least two of scheduling, process states and interrupts.
  • A response that only states that the OS 'manages processes' or gives a program a turn, without expansion, is limited to Level 1.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The OS uses multitasking to share the CPU. It gives each process, such as the music player and the video editor, a small time slice so they appear to run at the same time. It decides which ready process is next and how long it runs. When the video editor is opened, the OS creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready; when the CPU is free it moves it to running. If the download is waiting for data, the OS marks it blocked so the CPU is not wasted. If the printer runs out of paper, a hardware interrupt tells the CPU to stop and run the interrupt handler; afterwards the OS returns to the process.

Why: Covers scheduling with time slices, process states (ready, running, blocked) and interrupts, with sustained application to the music, video editor and download. Level 3.

Some marks4/6

The operating system uses multitasking so the music and video editor can run at the same time. It gives each program a small amount of time on the CPU. When a program is opened it creates a process and puts it in RAM. If a process is waiting for input it is blocked.

Why: Covers CPU sharing and process states, with some application, but says nothing about interrupts. Level 2.

Some marks1/6

The operating system manages processes by giving each program a turn on the CPU. This stops the computer crashing when too many programs are open.

Why: Gives only a basic, undeveloped point about giving each program a turn, with no linkage or application. Level 1.

Questions by topic

2.1 Binary

Build a paper on this topic 58
Adding Binary Numbers 6 questions Binary and Hexadecimal Basics 10 questions Binary Shifts 6 questions Binary to Denary Conversion 6 questions Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Binary Conversion 6 questions Denary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Negative Binary Conversion 6 questions Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion 6 questions

2.2 Data representation

Build a paper on this topic 56
Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
Embedded Systems 17 questions Fetch Decode Execute Cycle 15 questions Primary Memory 15 questions Secondary Memory 15 questions Stored Program Computers 15 questions

3.2 Software

Build a paper on this topic 124
File Management 18 questions Memory Management 16 questions Peripheral Management 11 questions Process Management 12 questions Purpose & Function of Operating Systems 17 questions Software Basics 13 questions User Management 18 questions Utility Software 19 questions

3.3 Programming languages

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
Addressing 16 questions LANs & WANs 16 questions Network Speed 5 questions Packet Switching 16 questions Protocols & Layers 17 questions The Internet 16 questions Topologies 17 questions Wired Connections 17 questions Wireless Connections 18 questions

4.2 Network security

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 23
E-waste 15 questions Manufacturing Technology 8 questions

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