Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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).

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

• Receives input from/sends output to peripheral devices (1)
• Communicates with/controls a peripheral using its device driver, including installing the driver for a new device (1)
• Manages the print queue/buffer so that print jobs are sent to the printer in turn (1)
• Reports the status of a device/a device error to the user, e.g. out of paper (1)

Allow answers that name a specific peripheral, as long as they also say what the operating system does with it, e.g. 'it controls the printer using its driver'.

Do not accept 'manages peripherals'/'controls the hardware' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept 'managing files' or 'managing users' (file management and user management are other functions of an operating system).

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).

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

• The operating system uses the printer's device driver to communicate with the printer (1) so the print job is sent as commands the printer can carry out (1)
• The operating system holds print jobs in a queue/buffer (1) because the computer sends data faster than the printer can print it (1)
• The operating system reports the printer's status to the user (1) so the user knows what to do when there is a problem such as the paper running out (1)
• The operating system handles interrupts/signals from the printer (1) so a problem such as a paper jam is dealt with while other programs carry on running (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow a point about the operating system loading/installing the device driver for a new printer (1) provided the second mark gives a reason that is not the same as the driver communication point, e.g. so the new printer can be used/controlled by the operating system (1)

Award 1 mark for stating that print jobs are held in a queue/a buffer; the second mark needs the linked reason that the printer prints more slowly than data is sent.

Do not accept restating the question, e.g. 'it manages the printer' or 'it controls the peripherals', without saying how or why.

Do not accept 'it lets the printer connect to the computer' or 'it stops the printer being damaged' without a linked reason.

Do not accept 'it makes the printer print faster' as the operating system cannot increase the printer's speed.