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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 631 exam-style questions, each with its mark scheme and example answers. Print it, or answer it on paper and then open the mark schemes. Or browse the questions by topic.

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4 questions · 8 marks

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1Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

File management is one function of an operating system.

Describe what the operating system does to the folder structure when a file is moved to a different folder.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Updates/changes the location/path stored for the file (1) so the file can be found in its new folder/location (1)
  • Removes the file's entry/reference from the old folder (1) so the file no longer appears/is listed there (1)
  • Adds/creates an entry/reference for the file in the new folder (1) so the file appears/is listed in its new location (1)
  • Updates the folder/directory listing/structure (1) to show the file's new location/path (1)

Do not accept descriptions of copying the file or leaving a duplicate in the old folder.

Do not accept deleting and recreating the file, or moving the file's data to a different physical location on the disk; the marks are for updating the folder/directory structure.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It updates the location stored for the file so the file can be found in its new folder.

Why: Linked point (1) and development/outcome (1).

Some marks1/2

It removes the file's entry from the old folder.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) but no linked development.

No marks0/2

It deletes the file from the old folder and saves it again in the new folder.

Why: Describes deleting and recreating the file, which the mark scheme does not accept.

2Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.

Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
  • The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
  • Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.

Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.

Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.

Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.

3Explain2 marksMemory Management Swap Remove

When a program closes, the operating system frees the main memory it was using.

Explain one reason why the operating system frees main memory when a program closes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The memory can be reused/allocated to another program (1) so other programs have enough main memory to run (1)
  • Freeing the memory stops main memory becoming full (1) so the computer can load/run new programs (1)
  • The closed program's data is no longer needed (1) so keeping it would waste main memory (1)
  • The operating system can give the freed memory to a program that needs more (1) so that program can continue to run (1)

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

Do not accept 'to make the computer faster' on its own without saying how freeing memory helps.

Do not accept 'to delete the program' or 'to save the program' because closing a program does not remove it from secondary storage.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The memory can be reused by another program, so other programs have enough main memory to run.

Why: Linked point (1) about reusing the memory and reason (1) that other programs then have enough memory.

Some marks1/2

So that the memory is free.

Why: Gives the point (1) but does not give a linked reason saying what the free memory is used for.

No marks0/2

So the program is deleted from the computer.

Why: No creditworthy point; closing a program does not delete it from secondary storage.

4Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer stores many files on its hard drive.

Explain one reason why an operating system needs file management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored (1) so files can be found/retrieved later (1)
  • The operating system keeps files in separate storage locations (1) so files are not overwritten/lost (1)
  • The operating system allocates files to folders/directories (1) so it can keep track of the files stored on the disk (1)
  • The operating system deletes/moves files (1) so storage space is freed/reused (1)

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

Do not accept 'it manages files'/'it organises files' without expansion as to what is managed or organised.

Do not accept 'so files are managed/organised' as the linked reason.

Do not accept 'so the computer works' as the linked reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk, so a program can find and open the file later.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): record of file location and retrieval.

Some marks1/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.

No marks0/2

The operating system manages the files so the files are managed.

Why: Repeats the question ('manages files') and the expansion restates the point ('so the files are managed'); no creditworthy point under the Do not accept lines.

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