Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Frees/releases the memory/RAM used by the process (1) so other processes can use it (1)
• Removes the process from the ready queue/scheduler (1) so it is no longer selected to run on the CPU (1)
• Releases other resources (files/peripherals) held by the process (1) so they can be used by other processes (1)
• Removes/updates the process entry in the process table (1) to show the process is no longer running (1)

Allow 'process queue' / 'queue of processes' for ready queue/scheduler.

Allow 'program' for process.

Do not accept responses that only restate that the process/program has ended/closed.

Do not accept responses that only say the process stops running / the computer stops using the program, with no linked description.

Do not accept responses that say the program/file is deleted from storage or that the user closed/deleted the program.

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

• A process is created for the program (1) so that its instructions can be loaded into RAM (1)
• The process is put into the ready state (1) so that it can wait for the CPU to become available (1)
• The operating system adds the process to a queue of ready processes (1) so the scheduler can choose it when the CPU is free (1)
• The operating system allocates the resources the process needs (1) so that it can start running when it is given CPU time (1)

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

Allow 'main memory' for RAM.

Do not accept 'the browser is downloaded/loaded from the internet'.

Do not accept 'the program is run immediately on the CPU' without the ready step.

Indicative content

Administrator accounts

• An administrator account can create new user accounts for new employees and delete accounts when employees leave.
• The administrator can reset a forgotten password, so an employee can get back to work without sharing another person's account.
• The administrator can set the access rights for each user or group, so designers get access to project folders and only directors can open salary files.
• Administrator privileges should be given to only a few trusted employees, as administrators can change any settings on the system.

Standard user accounts

• Designers should use standard user accounts, so they cannot install unauthorised software or change system settings.
• A standard user can be given permission to read and write files in the project folder that their team uses.
• Standard users should not be able to change other users' permissions, so the access rules cannot be removed by accident.
• If a standard user tries to open a file without permission, the operating system denies access.

File permissions

• Each file or folder can have permissions that allow a user to read, write or delete it.
• Project folders can be set so all designers can read and write the files inside them.
• Salary files can be set so only directors can read them, and other users are denied access.
• Permissions can be set for a group of users, such as all designers, which is quicker than setting them for each person.
• A file can be made read-only for standard users, so they can view it but cannot change it.

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Level 3 responses must cover administrator accounts, standard user accounts and file permissions, and apply them to the design company.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as managing the processor or memory unless they are explicitly linked to controlling what a user can access.