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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 · 10 marks

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1Short recall2 marksSoftware Basics Swap Remove

Utility software helps to keep a computer system running efficiently.

State two examples of utility software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • File repair (software) (1)
  • Backup (software) (1)
  • Data compression (software) (1)
  • Disk defragmentation (software) (1)
  • Anti-malware (software) (1)

Allow antivirus software.

Do not accept file management, process management, peripheral management or user management, as these are functions of the operating system.

Do not accept operating systems (e.g. Windows, Linux) or application software (e.g. word processor, web browser).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Anti-malware software and backup software.

Why: Two creditworthy examples from the list, one mark each (1) + (1).

Some marks1/2

Anti-malware software and file management software.

Why: Anti-malware software earns one mark (1); file management is a function of the operating system, so it is not a second mark.

No marks0/2

Windows and a word processor.

Why: Windows is an operating system and a word processor is application software, so neither is utility software and no mark is awarded.

2Describe2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A laptop stores many files on its hard disk.

Describe one way the operating system manages the files on the laptop.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Keeps a record/index of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so that the file can be found and opened when it is needed (1)
  • Allocates each file to a folder/directory (1) so that files used for the same purpose are kept together (1)
  • Decides where on the disk each new file is written (1) so that it does not overwrite an existing file (1)
  • Allocates space on the disk for a file (1) so that the file has somewhere to be saved (1)

Allow 'files are organised into folders so that they are easy to find', with the folder point (1) and its purpose (1).

Do not accept responses that only state that the operating system 'organises' or 'controls' the files, with no way of doing it given.

Do not accept 'stores the files' or 'saves files to the disk' without a way of doing it.

Do not accept responses about backing files up, or about the amount of storage space left on the disk.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk so that the file can be found and opened again later

Why: Linked point (1) - keeps a record of where each file is stored - and development (1) - so the file can be found later.

Some marks1/2

The operating system puts the files into folders.

Why: Gives the point that each file is allocated to a folder (1) but no linked development about why files are grouped.

No marks0/2

The operating system backs up the files to the cloud so that they are not lost.

Why: Backing up is not file management on this specification, so no point or development is credited.

3Discuss6 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A school library has 24 computers that are shared by students and teachers throughout the day. Each computer runs an operating system. The school wants users' work to be kept private and the computers to be used only by authorised people.

Discuss how the operating system's user management features can be used to share the computers securely.

Your answer should include:

  • user accounts
  • authentication
  • the benefits for the school.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

User accounts

  • Each student and teacher should have their own user account, so the operating system can identify the person who is logged on.
  • The operating system keeps a record of all valid users on the computer, so unknown users are not allowed to log in.
  • A separate home area or folder can be created for each account, so a student's saved work is kept apart from other users' work.
  • An account can be disabled when a student leaves the school, so they can no longer access the computers.

Authentication

  • A username and password can be required at login, so only users with the correct details can use the computer.
  • The operating system checks the entered password against the stored password for that account before allowing access.
  • Users should be encouraged to choose a strong password, which makes it harder for someone else to guess and log in.
  • The operating system can lock an account after several failed login attempts, which reduces the chance of someone trying passwords repeatedly.

Benefits for the school

  • Many students can share the same computers because each person's files are kept separate.
  • Work is less likely to be deleted or changed by another student, because users only see their own files.
  • The school can see which account was used on a computer, so misuse can be traced to a user.
  • Teachers can be confident that only authorised people can use the library computers.
  • The school does not need a separate computer for every student, so it saves money.

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 both user accounts and authentication, and apply them to the school library.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as file management or process management unless they are explicitly linked to managing users.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

Each student and teacher should have their own user account with a username and password. When someone logs in, the operating system checks the password against the one stored for that account, so only authorised people can use the computer. Each account can have its own home folder, so a student's work is kept private and another student cannot open or delete it. If a student leaves the school, their account can be disabled so they cannot log in again. This lets the school share a smaller number of computers safely, as each user's work stays separate and any misuse can be traced to the logged-in account.

Why: Level 3. It explains user accounts, authentication and benefits, with sustained links to sharing computers in the school library.

Some marks4/6

Every user should have a username and password. The operating system checks the password so that people who are not allowed cannot log in. Each user should also have their own area to save files so they do not delete other people's work.

Why: Level 2. Basic accounts and authentication points are made and linked, but the benefits to the school are only briefly applied and not developed.

No marks0/6

The operating system manages the users by looking after the files in folders and by making sure the printer works for everyone. It also keeps the computer running quickly when lots of students use it.

Why: Level 0. These are general operating system functions such as file management and peripheral management, not user management, so no creditworthy point is made.

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

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 71
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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