Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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'.

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

• Instructions can manipulate/control the hardware/memory/registers directly (1) so the driver can control the specific device it is written for (1)
• The code is written for one specific processor/architecture (1) so it works with the exact hardware it will control (1)
• The programmer controls exactly how memory/registers are used (1) so the code is efficient and needs little memory, which suits a device that has limited memory (1)
• Each instruction maps to one machine code instruction (1) so the driver code is small enough to fit in the memory of the device (1)

Extra detail, such as naming the device the driver controls, is not needed to earn the marks.

Do not accept 'it is closer to machine code' on its own: it must be developed to show how this helps the driver, e.g. it can control the hardware directly.

Do not accept 'it is faster/quicker' with no link to the hardware/device, e.g. the device responds quickly.

Do not accept 'it is easier to learn', 'it is easier to debug' or 'it takes less time to write'.

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

• 1110 (1)
• 0100 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Indicative content

User accounts

• Each student and teacher should have their own user account, so the operating system can identify the person who is logged on.
• The operating system keeps a record of all valid users on the computer, so unknown users are not allowed to log in.
• A separate home area or folder can be created for each account, so a student's saved work is kept apart from other users' work.
• An account can be disabled when a student leaves the school, so they can no longer access the computers.

Authentication

• A username and password can be required at login, so only users with the correct details can use the computer.
• The operating system checks the entered password against the stored password for that account before allowing access.
• Users should be encouraged to choose a strong password, which makes it harder for someone else to guess and log in.
• The operating system can lock an account after several failed login attempts, which reduces the chance of someone trying passwords repeatedly.

Benefits for the school

• Many students can share the same computers because each person's files are kept separate.
• Work is less likely to be deleted or changed by another student, because users only see their own files.
• The school can see which account was used on a computer, so misuse can be traced to a user.
• Teachers can be confident that only authorised people can use the library computers.
• The school does not need a separate computer for every student, so it saves money.

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)

Level 3 responses must cover both user accounts and authentication, and apply them to the school library.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as file management or process management unless they are explicitly linked to managing users.