Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Manages user accounts/profiles/logins (1)
• Authenticates users when they log in (through passwords/biometrics) (1)
• Controls what each user is allowed to access (access rights/permissions) (1)
• Sets which files/folders/resources a user can use (1)
• Gives different levels of access to different users (e.g. administrator/standard user) (1)

Allow 'decides which users can use the computer' for the manage user accounts/logins mark.

Allow references to access to files/folders/resources for the access rights mark, as this is part of user management, not file management.

Do not accept 'manages users' on its own.

Do not accept 'controls user access' on its own, as it is unclear whether this means logging in or access rights.

Do not accept 'manages files' or 'manages peripherals' (these are other operating system functions).

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

• A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
• The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
• Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Indicative content

What a device driver is and how the operating system uses it

• A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device such as a graphics tablet by communicating with the operating system.
• The driver translates instructions from the operating system into signals that the graphics tablet understands, and passes the artist's pen movements back to the operating system.
• The operating system loads the driver into memory when the tablet is connected, so that it can then send data to the tablet and receive input from it.
• Without a driver the operating system cannot control the tablet, so the tablet does not work.

Why each peripheral needs its own driver

• Every make and model of peripheral uses its own set of commands, so a driver is written for that particular device.
• The drivers already installed for the studio's older tablets do not work with the new model, even though both are graphics tablets.
• An operating system includes drivers for many common devices, but it does not have one for a brand new model.
• The correct driver means the pen movements are received by the computer in the form the drawing program expects.

What must be done before an artist can use a new tablet

• The new tablet is supplied with its driver on a disc or as a download, and it must be installed on each computer.
• The operating system may need to be updated so that it recognises the new model.
• The driver must be enabled or selected for the tablet once it is installed.
• Drivers are updated later to fix faults or to improve performance.
• If the correct driver is not installed, the tablet does not work or some of its features are not available.

Additional guidance

• Level 3 responses must explain why a driver is specific to a device and what must be done before an artist can use a new tablet, as well as describing what a driver is, all applied to the studio.
• Responses that only state what a driver is, or that state a driver must be installed without explaining why the tablet needs its own driver, are limited to Level 1.
• Accept 'software', 'program' or 'set of instructions' for a driver.
• Do not accept a device driver described only as a cable or a physical connection.
• Do not accept the claim that all drivers are already built into the operating system, or that one driver works for every graphics tablet.

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)