Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Device drivers/drivers are used/installed (1) so the operating system can control/communicate with a peripheral (1)
• Data is transferred between the computer and a peripheral (1) so input can be read/output can be produced (1)
• Interrupts from devices/peripherals are handled (1) so the processor can respond when a device needs attention/has finished (1)
• Each peripheral is allocated to a process (1) so two processes do not try to use the same device at the same time (1)
• Print jobs are held in a queue/spooled (1) so several jobs can be sent to one printer and printed one at a time (1)
• Errors from a peripheral are handled/reported (1) so the program using the device does not crash (1)

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

Allow other valid functions of peripheral management that are explained, e.g. sending data to a peripheral in the correct format, reporting a device error to the user.

Do not accept 'it manages peripherals' / 'it controls the hardware' on its own as it repeats the question.

Do not accept 'it installs the printer' / 'it connects the peripheral' on its own without saying what the operating system does with the device or why.

Do not accept cleaning/maintaining a peripheral; that is not peripheral management by the operating system.

Indicative content

Administrator accounts

• An administrator account can create new user accounts for new employees and delete accounts when employees leave.
• The administrator can reset a forgotten password, so an employee can get back to work without sharing another person's account.
• The administrator can set the access rights for each user or group, so designers get access to project folders and only directors can open salary files.
• Administrator privileges should be given to only a few trusted employees, as administrators can change any settings on the system.

Standard user accounts

• Designers should use standard user accounts, so they cannot install unauthorised software or change system settings.
• A standard user can be given permission to read and write files in the project folder that their team uses.
• Standard users should not be able to change other users' permissions, so the access rules cannot be removed by accident.
• If a standard user tries to open a file without permission, the operating system denies access.

File permissions

• Each file or folder can have permissions that allow a user to read, write or delete it.
• Project folders can be set so all designers can read and write the files inside them.
• Salary files can be set so only directors can read them, and other users are denied access.
• Permissions can be set for a group of users, such as all designers, which is quicker than setting them for each person.
• A file can be made read-only for standard users, so they can view it but cannot change it.

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 administrator accounts, standard user accounts and file permissions, and apply them to the design company.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as managing the processor or memory unless they are explicitly linked to controlling what a user can access.