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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 · 5 marks

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1Short recall1 markSoftware Basics Swap Remove

A computer system runs both an operating system and utility software.

State one difference between an operating system and utility software.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • The operating system is needed/essential for the computer to run / utility software is optional (1)
  • The operating system manages the hardware/users/resources / utility software performs housekeeping tasks that keep the system running efficiently (1)
  • The operating system provides a platform for other software to run / utility software carries out extra/specific tasks (1)
  • Each utility program performs one specific task / the operating system carries out many different management tasks (1)
  • Utility software is often packaged with the operating system but can also be bought separately (1)

Do not accept answers that only give an example of each (e.g. Windows, anti-malware) without stating a difference.

Do not accept the operating system is hardware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The operating system is needed for the computer to work, but the utility software is optional.

Why: States a creditworthy difference: essential versus optional (1).

No marks0/1

Windows is an operating system and anti-malware is utility software.

Why: This only gives an example of each and does not state a difference, so no mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

The operating system is hardware and the utility software is software.

Why: The operating system is software, not hardware, so the answer contains no creditworthy difference.

2Describe2 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A computer is connected to a new games controller.

Describe the purpose of a device driver.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A device driver is software/program (1) that controls a peripheral device (1)
  • It translates instructions from the operating system (1) into commands/signals the device understands (1)
  • It allows the operating system to communicate with a specific device (1) without needing to know the device's hardware details (1)
  • It is installed for a new device (1) so the operating system can use that device (1)

Do not accept responses that say a device driver is hardware or that it makes a device faster.

Do not award 'it is part of the CPU'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device. It translates instructions from the operating system into commands the device understands.

Why: Gives the linked description: software/program (1) that controls a peripheral (1).

Some marks1/2

It translates instructions from the operating system.

Why: Gives the first point (1) but does not develop it into commands/signals the device understands.

No marks0/2

A device driver is a piece of hardware that connects the controller to the computer.

Why: No credit: says a device driver is hardware, which the mark scheme does not accept.

3Describe2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

An operating system manages the processes running on a computer.

Describe the purpose of process management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Decides which process is given use of the CPU (1) so that more than one program can run/appear to run at the same time (1)
  • Allocates CPU time to each process (1) so that no single process takes control of the CPU (1)
  • Manages the states/life-cycle of each process (1) so processes can be moved between ready/running/blocked (1)
  • Keeps track of the processes and their status (1) so a process waiting for a resource can be returned to the CPU when it is ready (1)

Do not accept responses that only describe what a process is.

Do not accept responses that only list the types of operating system management.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decides which process will use the CPU so that several programs can run without one taking over the processor.

Why: Decision about CPU use (1) linked to allowing several programs to run (1).

Some marks1/2

It decides which process uses the CPU.

Why: One creditworthy point about choosing a process for the CPU (1), but no linked development.

No marks0/2

It makes sure the computer has enough RAM to store files.

Why: Describes memory/file management, not process management; 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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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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