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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Short recall1 markUtility Software Swap Remove

Backup software is a type of utility software.

State one purpose of backup software.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • To make/keep a copy of files/data (1)
  • To store the copy separately from the original, e.g. on a different device/in a different location (1)
  • So that data can be restored if the original is lost/damaged/corrupted (1)

Do not accept "to save files" on its own, as saving is normal file management and does not make a separate copy.

Do not accept answers that describe a different utility, such as scanning for malware/viruses (anti-malware software).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

To make a copy of data so it can be restored if the original is lost.

Why: Copy of data (1); the restore point is also present but the maximum is one mark.

No marks0/1

To save files to a hard disk.

Why: Saving files is normal file management and does not make a separate copy; the mark scheme says not to accept this, so no mark.

No marks0/1

To scan files for viruses.

Why: Describes anti-malware software, a different utility; the mark scheme says not to accept answers about another utility, so no mark.

2Describe2 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.

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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