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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.

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 marksSoftware Basics Swap Remove

An operating system manages the files stored on a computer.

Explain one purpose of file management in an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Files can be organised into folders/directories (1) so users can find/store files easily (1)
  • Files can be located/opened/saved (1) because the operating system keeps track of where each file is stored (1)
  • Access permissions can be set on files (1) so only allowed users can read/modify them (1)
  • Files can be copied/moved/deleted (1) because the operating system controls where data is written/removed on a storage device (1)
  • Free disk space can be monitored/managed (1) so storage does not run out / files are stored efficiently (1)

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

Do not accept 'manages files' or 'organises files' on its own as it repeats the question.

Allow 'makes it easier to find files' as the linked reason for organising files into folders.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

File management lets the operating system organise files into folders so that users can find the files they need more easily.

Why: Point (1) for organising files into folders and linked reason (1) for making files easier to find.

Some marks1/2

It organises files into folders.

Why: Point (1) for organising files into folders; no linked reason.

No marks0/2

It manages the files on the computer so the files are managed properly.

Why: Repeats the question; no purpose or linked reason credited.

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

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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

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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