Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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.

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

• People who should not use the computer are kept out (1) because the operating system only allows access when the password matches the one stored for that username (1)
• The operating system can identify the user who is logging in (1) so it can load the correct account for that person (1)
• Access to the computer is controlled (1) because each user must enter their own username and password before the operating system lets them continue (1)
• Each user has a different password (1) so one user cannot log in as another user (1)

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

Do not accept 'it keeps the computer safe/secure' without saying who is kept out or what they cannot do.

Do not accept 'it stops hackers' or 'it stops viruses' on its own; the answer must say that the username and password are checked before access is allowed.