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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

A process ends when its program closes or finishes.

Describe how the operating system terminates a process.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Frees/releases the memory/RAM used by the process (1) so other processes can use it (1)
  • Removes the process from the ready queue/scheduler (1) so it is no longer selected to run on the CPU (1)
  • Releases other resources (files/peripherals) held by the process (1) so they can be used by other processes (1)
  • Removes/updates the process entry in the process table (1) to show the process is no longer running (1)

Allow 'process queue' / 'queue of processes' for ready queue/scheduler.

Allow 'program' for process.

Do not accept responses that only restate that the process/program has ended/closed.

Do not accept responses that only say the process stops running / the computer stops using the program, with no linked description.

Do not accept responses that say the program/file is deleted from storage or that the user closed/deleted the program.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It frees the memory the process was using so other processes can use it.

Why: Frees memory (1) linked to other processes using it (1).

Some marks1/2

It removes the process from the queue.

Why: One creditworthy point about removing from the queue (1), but no linked development.

No marks0/2

It deletes the program from the hard drive.

Why: Terminating a process does not delete the program file; no creditworthy point.

3Describe2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A laptop stores many files on its hard disk.

Describe one way the operating system manages the files on the laptop.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Keeps a record/index of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so that the file can be found and opened when it is needed (1)
  • Allocates each file to a folder/directory (1) so that files used for the same purpose are kept together (1)
  • Decides where on the disk each new file is written (1) so that it does not overwrite an existing file (1)
  • Allocates space on the disk for a file (1) so that the file has somewhere to be saved (1)

Allow 'files are organised into folders so that they are easy to find', with the folder point (1) and its purpose (1).

Do not accept responses that only state that the operating system 'organises' or 'controls' the files, with no way of doing it given.

Do not accept 'stores the files' or 'saves files to the disk' without a way of doing it.

Do not accept responses about backing files up, or about the amount of storage space left on the disk.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk so that the file can be found and opened again later

Why: Linked point (1) - keeps a record of where each file is stored - and development (1) - so the file can be found later.

Some marks1/2

The operating system puts the files into folders.

Why: Gives the point that each file is allocated to a folder (1) but no linked development about why files are grouped.

No marks0/2

The operating system backs up the files to the cloud so that they are not lost.

Why: Backing up is not file management on this specification, so no point or development 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

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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