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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 student uses a graphics tablet connected to a computer to draw in a program.

Describe how the operating system passes input from the graphics tablet to the program.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system receives signals/data from the graphics tablet (1) and converts them into data the program can use/process (1)
  • The operating system receives data from the graphics tablet (1) and passes/forwards it to the program being used/the active program (1)
  • The tablet's device driver receives/interprets the signals/data from the tablet (1) so the operating system can pass the input to the program (1)
  • The operating system identifies the graphics tablet as the source of the input (1) so the data is sent to the correct program (1)

Accept 'signals' for 'data' throughout.

Accept reference to the device driver only where it is linked to receiving/interpreting the input (e.g. the driver receives the tablet's signals (1) so the OS can pass data to the program (1)).

Do not accept 'the operating system uses a driver' on its own, without saying what the driver does with the input.

Do not accept generic statements such as 'the operating system runs the tablet' as a description of how input is managed.

Do not accept responses that say the operating system creates/finishes the drawing, or that the tablet stores the input permanently.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system receives signals from the graphics tablet and passes the data to the program.

Why: Receives signals/data from the tablet (1) and passes the data to the active program (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system receives signals from the graphics tablet.

Why: Gives the first half of a linked description (1): it receives signals, but does not say what happens to the input.

No marks0/2

The operating system uses a device driver to control the graphics tablet and stores the input.

Why: Only says the OS uses a driver to control the tablet and that input is stored; it does not describe the driver receiving/interpreting the input or the input being passed to the program, so no linked point is credited. The mark scheme rejects 'uses a driver' on its own.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
  • Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
  • Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
  • Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

Do not accept 'it backs up the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails.

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

Why: This describes file repair software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

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

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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

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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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