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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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2 questions · 4 marks

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1Short recall2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A user must log in before using a computer.

State two methods, other than a password, that an operating system can use to authenticate a user.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Fingerprint scan (1)
  • Face recognition (1)
  • Iris/retina scan (1)
  • Voice recognition (1)
  • Palm print/vein scan (1)
  • Smart card (1)
  • Security token (1)
  • Authenticator app (1)

Allow one-time passcode (OTP) for authenticator app.

Do not accept password (given in the question).

Do not accept username/user ID (it identifies the user but does not authenticate them).

Do not accept 'two-factor authentication' on its own (it is a combination of methods, not a method itself).

Do not accept 'encryption'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Fingerprint scan and a smart card.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1) and smart card (1) are two accepted methods.

Some marks1/2

Fingerprint scan and a username.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1); username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user.

No marks0/2

A username and two-factor authentication.

Why: Username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user, and two-factor authentication alone is not accepted because it is a combination of methods.

2Describe2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer with a single processor can run more than one program at the same time.

Describe how the operating system manages processes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Gives each process a share/a small amount (time slice) of the CPU time (1) so that several processes can run and appear to run at the same time (1)
  • Decides which process will use the CPU next, e.g. by priority (1) so that the most important process is run first (1)
  • Keeps track of the state of each process (ready/running/blocked) (1) so that each process is moved to the state it needs to be in (1)
  • Moves a process that is waiting for input/a resource (e.g. a printer) to blocked (1) so that another process can use the CPU (1)

Do not award a mark for stating only that the operating system runs/controls the programs.

Do not award a mark for describing multitasking in general, e.g. 'the operating system runs more than one program at once', without saying how the operating system manages the processes.

Do not accept responses about memory management (e.g. loading a program into RAM), the user interface or user management.

Accept 'processor' for CPU.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system gives each process a small amount of time to use the CPU so that lots of processes can run and it looks like they are running at the same time

Why: Linked point (1) - a small amount/time slice of CPU time for each process - and development (1) - so several processes can run at once.

Some marks1/2

The operating system decides which process will use the CPU next.

Why: Gives the point that the operating system chooses the next process (1) but no linked development about priority or the effect of this.

No marks0/2

The operating system runs the program on the CPU.

Why: Only states that the operating system runs programs, which the mark scheme says is not awarded, so nothing is credited.

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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