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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 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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3 questions · 6 marks

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1Short recall2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

An operating system provides file management.

Define the term file management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The part/function of the operating system (1)
  • That manages/organises files (and folders) (1)
  • On a storage device/disk (1)
  • So files can be stored/found/retrieved (1)

Do not accept managing processes/peripherals/users as the whole definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The function of the operating system that organises files and folders on a disk so they can be found and retrieved.

Why: Names the operating system function (1) and managing/organising files on a disk so they can be retrieved (1).

Some marks1/2

Organising files.

Why: Names managing/organising files (1), but does not name the operating system, storage location or retrieval.

No marks0/2

Managing the CPU and peripherals.

Why: Describes process and peripheral management, not file management.

2Short recall2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A user must log in before using a computer.

State two methods, other than a password, that an operating system can use to authenticate a user.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Fingerprint scan (1)
  • Face recognition (1)
  • Iris/retina scan (1)
  • Voice recognition (1)
  • Palm print/vein scan (1)
  • Smart card (1)
  • Security token (1)
  • Authenticator app (1)

Allow one-time passcode (OTP) for authenticator app.

Do not accept password (given in the question).

Do not accept username/user ID (it identifies the user but does not authenticate them).

Do not accept 'two-factor authentication' on its own (it is a combination of methods, not a method itself).

Do not accept 'encryption'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Fingerprint scan and a smart card.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1) and smart card (1) are two accepted methods.

Some marks1/2

Fingerprint scan and a username.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1); username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user.

No marks0/2

A username and two-factor authentication.

Why: Username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user, and two-factor authentication alone is not accepted because it is a combination of methods.

3Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A family shares one computer and each person has their own login.

Explain one reason why the operating system needs user management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system checks usernames/passwords at login (1) so only allowed users can access the computer (1)
  • The operating system stores a list/database of users and passwords (1) so it knows who is allowed to log in (1)
  • The operating system sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so a user can only open/edit their own files (1)
  • The operating system restricts programs/drives/settings by user (1) so certain users cannot change them (1)
  • The operating system keeps each user's files separate (1) so one user cannot access another user's private files (1)

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

Do not accept 'so the computer is safe/secure' without saying what is protected and from whom.

Do not accept answers that say user management makes the computer faster.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It sets access rights for each user so each person can only open their own files.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): access rights and file privacy.

Some marks1/2

It checks the username and password at login.

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

No marks0/2

It makes the computer faster because more users can log in.

Why: Misconception: user management is not for improving speed; no creditworthy point.

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

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Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

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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

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Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

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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

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Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

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E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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