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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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2 questions · 3 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

An operating system manages the programs that are running on a computer.

Identify the operating system function that decides which program will next run on the CPU.

[1 mark]
  • AFile management
  • BMemory management
  • CPeripheral management
  • DProcess management
Mark scheme
  • D Process management (1)
  • The only correct answer is D. The correct answer is process management.
  • A is not correct because file management organises files and folders on storage
  • B is not correct because memory management keeps track of where programs and data are held in RAM
  • C is not correct because peripheral management sends data to and from devices such as printers
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

D Process management

Why: Correct option: process management gives each program a turn on the CPU (1).

No marks0/1

B Memory management

Why: Near miss: memory management tracks where programs and data are in RAM, but it does not choose which program runs next (0).

No marks0/1

A File management

Why: Misconception: file management is about naming, saving and moving files, not about running programs (0).

2Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

Routers on the internet choose a route for each packet.

Explain one benefit of a router being able to choose a different route for a packet.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
  • Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
  • Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

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

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

If one route is busy, the data can still get there because the router can choose a different path.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): a different path avoids the busy route.

Some marks1/2

It can choose the fastest route because routers are quick.

Why: Point (1) for choosing the fastest route, but 'routers are quick' is a speed statement that does not say how the route is chosen, so it does not earn the second mark.

No marks0/2

It means more devices can connect to the internet.

Why: No link to choosing a route for a packet; does not answer the question.

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