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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 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

The operating system creates a process when a program is opened.

Describe what the operating system does when it creates a process.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Allocates memory/RAM to the process (1) so its instructions and data can be stored (1)
  • Loads/moves the program instructions into RAM (1) so the process is ready to run (1)
  • Adds the process to the ready queue (1) so it can be scheduled onto the CPU (1)
  • Gives the process a process ID (PID)/identifier (1) so the operating system can track/manage it (1)

For both marks, the development must follow/be linked to the point.

Only award one of the first two bullets in any one response; allocating memory and loading into RAM are the same stage.

Accept 'memory' for 'RAM' and vice versa.

Accept 'added to a queue for the processor' for the ready queue point.

Do not accept responses that say the process is run on the CPU straight away.

Do not accept descriptions of the program executing/running its instructions, or of the program file being created/saved.

Do not accept responses about the process being blocked or terminated.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It allocates memory to the process so its instructions and data can be stored.

Why: Allocates memory to the process (1) linked to storing its instructions and data (1).

Some marks1/2

It loads the program into RAM.

Why: Gives the creditworthy point that the program instructions are loaded into RAM (1), but does not develop the point.

No marks0/2

It runs the program on the CPU straight away.

Why: A newly created process is not normally run immediately; it becomes ready. This is explicitly not accepted, so no marks.

3Describe2 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.

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