A company backs up its files to an external hard drive.
Give one reason why the company compresses the files before backing them up.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following:
- More files/data can be stored (in the same storage space) (1)
- The files take up less storage space (1)
- The backup is quicker/faster to complete (1)
- Less data needs to be transferred to the backup device (1)
Do not accept 'makes the files more secure' or 'encrypts the files'.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
The compressed files take up less storage space, so more files can be backed up.
Why: The files take up less storage space (1).
No marks0/1
It reduces the amount of disk fragmentation.
Why: Near-miss: compression does not reduce disk fragmentation.
No marks0/1
It encrypts the files so they are safer if the drive is stolen.
Why: Misconception: compression does not encrypt files, and security is not accepted.