Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Keeps a record/index of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so the file can be found and opened later (1)
• Allocates space on the disk for each file (1) so files are stored without overwriting each other (1)
• Provides facilities to name file(s) and organise them into folder(s)/directories (1) so the user can find and manage their files (1)

Do not accept responses about process management, peripheral management or user management.

Do not accept bare statements of storing/saving, e.g. 'it stores files', 'it saves files' or 'it keeps files safe', with no development.

Do not award a mark for responses that repeat the question, e.g. 'it manages files', with no development.

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

• A compiler produces object code/machine code/an executable (file) (1) whereas an interpreter produces no object code/translated file (1)
• A compiler produces a machine code file (1) that can be run on its own/without the compiler/translator being present (1)
• An interpreter produces no object code/file (1) because it translates and executes each line instead of saving translated code (1)
• The compiler's output can be saved/stored (1) and run again later, while interpreted code has to be translated again each time it is run (1)

Allow binary for machine code.

Allow executable/an executable for object code.

Do not accept responses about translating the whole program, reporting errors or the speed of execution.

Do not accept 'the interpreter translates/executes one line at a time' on its own: this is how it translates, not what it produces. It earns the development only when linked to no object code/translated file being produced.

Do not accept the interpreter producing object code/an executable.

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

• Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
• Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
• Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

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

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.