Menu
Exam Questions

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 631 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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

4 questions · 7 marks

Pick again
Print
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.

2Short recall2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer can run more than one process at a time.

Give two tasks carried out by the process management function of an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Deciding which process runs next on the CPU/scheduling processes (1)
  • Allocating processor/CPU time to processes/allowing multitasking (1)
  • Managing the process life-cycle/process states (ready, running, blocked) (1)
  • Handling interrupts so a running process is suspended and another can run (1)
  • Stopping/terminating a process when it has finished (1)

Do not accept 'managing processes' on its own.

Do not accept 'handling interrupts' on its own.

Do not award two marks for the same task expressed twice, e.g. 'deciding which process runs next' and 'scheduling processes', or 'allocating CPU time' and 'giving each process a share of processor time'.

Do not accept 'managing memory/memory management', 'managing files/file management' or 'managing devices/peripherals' (these are other functions of an operating system).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Deciding which process runs next on the CPU and stopping a process when it has finished.

Why: Scheduling a process (1) and terminating a process (1) are two different named tasks.

Some marks1/2

Deciding which process runs next and scheduling processes.

Why: Both points are the same task expressed twice, so only one mark is awarded under the guidance.

No marks0/2

Managing processes and managing files.

Why: 'Managing processes' repeats the question and earns nothing; 'managing files' is file management, not process management, so it is not credited.

3Describe2 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A computer is connected to a new games controller.

Describe the purpose of a device driver.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A device driver is software/program (1) that controls a peripheral device (1)
  • It translates instructions from the operating system (1) into commands/signals the device understands (1)
  • It allows the operating system to communicate with a specific device (1) without needing to know the device's hardware details (1)
  • It is installed for a new device (1) so the operating system can use that device (1)

Do not accept responses that say a device driver is hardware or that it makes a device faster.

Do not award 'it is part of the CPU'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device. It translates instructions from the operating system into commands the device understands.

Why: Gives the linked description: software/program (1) that controls a peripheral (1).

Some marks1/2

It translates instructions from the operating system.

Why: Gives the first point (1) but does not develop it into commands/signals the device understands.

No marks0/2

A device driver is a piece of hardware that connects the controller to the computer.

Why: No credit: says a device driver is hardware, which the mark scheme does not accept.

4Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A computer can be used by more than one person.

Describe how an operating system uses access rights to protect each user's files.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Each user/file is given permissions/access rights (1) so other users cannot read/write/open/change that user's files (1)
  • A user may be given read-only/read access to a file (1) so they cannot edit/delete/change it (1)
  • Each file is given permissions/access rights for different users (1) so the operating system allows/refuses access depending on which user is logged in (1)
  • The operating system checks a user's permissions/access rights when a file is opened (1) so a user with read-only/read access cannot save/delete changes (1)

Do not accept responses about asking for a password/username, as this checks who the user is, not what they are allowed to do.

Do not accept 'files are protected/safe' or 'access rights protect files' without saying how access is limited (e.g. read-only access, permissions for different users).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A user can be given read-only access to a file, so they can open it but cannot edit or delete it.

Why: Read-only/read access point (1) and linked development that the user cannot edit/delete the file (1).

Some marks1/2

A user can be given read-only access to a file.

Why: Read-only/read access point (1); no development saying what this prevents, such as being unable to edit/delete the file (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system asks for the password again before the file opens.

Why: Describes asking for a password, which checks who the user is, not access rights to the file; no creditworthy point.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 45
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 16 questions Intellectual Property 12 questions

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.