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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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1Describe2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

The operating system creates a process when a program is opened.

Describe what the operating system does when it creates a process.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Allocates memory/RAM to the process (1) so its instructions and data can be stored (1)
  • Loads/moves the program instructions into RAM (1) so the process is ready to run (1)
  • Adds the process to the ready queue (1) so it can be scheduled onto the CPU (1)
  • Gives the process a process ID (PID)/identifier (1) so the operating system can track/manage it (1)

For both marks, the development must follow/be linked to the point.

Only award one of the first two bullets in any one response; allocating memory and loading into RAM are the same stage.

Accept 'memory' for 'RAM' and vice versa.

Accept 'added to a queue for the processor' for the ready queue point.

Do not accept responses that say the process is run on the CPU straight away.

Do not accept descriptions of the program executing/running its instructions, or of the program file being created/saved.

Do not accept responses about the process being blocked or terminated.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It allocates memory to the process so its instructions and data can be stored.

Why: Allocates memory to the process (1) linked to storing its instructions and data (1).

Some marks1/2

It loads the program into RAM.

Why: Gives the creditworthy point that the program instructions are loaded into RAM (1), but does not develop the point.

No marks0/2

It runs the program on the CPU straight away.

Why: A newly created process is not normally run immediately; it becomes ready. This is explicitly not accepted, so no marks.

2Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
  • Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
  • Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
  • Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

Do not accept 'it backs up the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails.

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

Why: This describes file repair software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

3Explain2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

An operating system carries out process management.

Explain one reason why an operating system needs to manage processes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The CPU can only execute one process at a time (1) so the operating system must decide which process runs next (1)
  • Each process needs CPU time (1) so the operating system must share the CPU between processes (1)
  • One process could use the CPU for too long (1) so the operating system must give other processes a turn (1)
  • A process may be waiting for a resource or user input (1) so the operating system can run another process that is ready (1)
  • The user wants to run more than one program (1) so the operating system must manage which process uses the CPU and when (1)

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

Allow 'program' for 'process'.

Do not accept 'to manage processes' / 'so processes are managed' without a reason.

Do not accept answers about managing files, memory or peripherals.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The CPU can only run one process at a time, so the operating system must decide which process gets the CPU and for how long.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system decides which process runs next.

Why: A correct point (1) but no linked reason.

No marks0/2

So that files can be saved in the right place.

Why: This is file management, not process management, so 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

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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

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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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