Menu
Exam Questions

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

4 questions · 8 marks

Pick again
Print
1Short recall2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer can run more than one process at a time.

Give two tasks carried out by the process management function of an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Deciding which process runs next on the CPU/scheduling processes (1)
  • Allocating processor/CPU time to processes/allowing multitasking (1)
  • Managing the process life-cycle/process states (ready, running, blocked) (1)
  • Handling interrupts so a running process is suspended and another can run (1)
  • Stopping/terminating a process when it has finished (1)

Do not accept 'managing processes' on its own.

Do not accept 'handling interrupts' on its own.

Do not award two marks for the same task expressed twice, e.g. 'deciding which process runs next' and 'scheduling processes', or 'allocating CPU time' and 'giving each process a share of processor time'.

Do not accept 'managing memory/memory management', 'managing files/file management' or 'managing devices/peripherals' (these are other functions of an operating system).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Deciding which process runs next on the CPU and stopping a process when it has finished.

Why: Scheduling a process (1) and terminating a process (1) are two different named tasks.

Some marks1/2

Deciding which process runs next and scheduling processes.

Why: Both points are the same task expressed twice, so only one mark is awarded under the guidance.

No marks0/2

Managing processes and managing files.

Why: 'Managing processes' repeats the question and earns nothing; 'managing files' is file management, not process management, so it is not credited.

2Describe2 marksMemory Management Swap Remove

A program is stored on secondary storage before it is run.

Describe how the operating system manages memory when a program is started.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The program (and its data) is copied/loaded from secondary storage into main memory/RAM (1) so that the CPU can fetch/execute its instructions (1)
  • An area of main memory is allocated/reserved for the program (1) that is large enough to hold the program and its data (1)
  • The operating system checks that there is enough free main memory (1) before the program can be started/loaded, otherwise it cannot run/an error is reported (1)
  • The operating system keeps a record of the memory addresses used by the program (1) so that its instructions and data can be found when it runs (1)

Allow 'loaded into RAM', 'stored in memory' and 'put into main memory' as equivalent to copied into main memory.

A single statement that the program is loaded/stored in main memory, with no linked development, can be given one mark only.

Do not accept descriptions of the CPU fetching/executing instructions that do not refer to the operating system loading or allocating memory.

Do not accept responses about virtual memory (moving processes to secondary storage) or about which process runs next on the CPU.

Do not accept the program being run from secondary storage/hard disk.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system copies the program and its data from secondary storage into main memory so that the CPU can fetch and execute its instructions.

Why: Copying the program and data into main memory (1) linked to the CPU fetching/executing instructions (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system loads the program into main memory.

Why: The program is copied/loaded into main memory (1), but there is no linked development of how or what this leads to, so only one mark is given.

No marks0/2

The CPU fetches the program's instructions from main memory and executes them one at a time.

Why: This describes the fetch-decode-execute cycle, not the operating system loading or allocating memory, which is the Do not accept line; no creditworthy point is made.

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.

4Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A family shares one computer and each person has their own login.

Explain one reason why the operating system needs user management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system checks usernames/passwords at login (1) so only allowed users can access the computer (1)
  • The operating system stores a list/database of users and passwords (1) so it knows who is allowed to log in (1)
  • The operating system sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so a user can only open/edit their own files (1)
  • The operating system restricts programs/drives/settings by user (1) so certain users cannot change them (1)
  • The operating system keeps each user's files separate (1) so one user cannot access another user's private files (1)

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

Do not accept 'so the computer is safe/secure' without saying what is protected and from whom.

Do not accept answers that say user management makes the computer faster.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It sets access rights for each user so each person can only open their own files.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): access rights and file privacy.

Some marks1/2

It checks the username and password at login.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.

No marks0/2

It makes the computer faster because more users can log in.

Why: Misconception: user management is not for improving speed; 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

Build a paper on this topic 56
Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 65
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.