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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.

2Short recall2 marksSoftware Basics Swap Remove

Every computer system needs an operating system.

State two functions of an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • File management (1)
  • Process management (1)
  • Peripheral management (1)
  • User management (1)

Allow 'managing files', 'managing processes', 'managing peripherals', 'managing users'.

Do not accept examples of utility software, such as anti-malware, backup or defragmentation, as these are not functions of the operating system.

Do not accept 'runs/loads the programs' on its own.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

File management and process management.

Why: Two creditworthy functions from the list, one mark each (1) + (1).

Some marks1/2

It does file management and it loads the programs that the user wants to run.

Why: File management earns one mark (1); 'loads the programs' is not one of the listed functions, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

Anti-malware and backup.

Why: These are examples of utility software, not functions of the operating system, so no mark is awarded.

3Explain2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

An office computer can only be used after a username and password have been entered.

Explain how using a username and password helps the operating system to manage the users of the computer.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • People who should not use the computer are kept out (1) because the operating system only allows access when the password matches the one stored for that username (1)
  • The operating system can identify the user who is logging in (1) so it can load the correct account for that person (1)
  • Access to the computer is controlled (1) because each user must enter their own username and password before the operating system lets them continue (1)
  • Each user has a different password (1) so one user cannot log in as another user (1)

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

Do not accept 'it keeps the computer safe/secure' without saying who is kept out or what they cannot do.

Do not accept 'it stops hackers' or 'it stops viruses' on its own; the answer must say that the username and password are checked before access is allowed.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system checks the password against the one stored for that username so someone who does not know the password cannot use the computer.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): the password is checked before access, which keeps unauthorised people out.

Some marks1/2

It stops people who should not use the computer from getting in.

Why: Point (1) that unauthorised people are kept out, but no linked reason saying that the password is checked (0).

No marks0/2

It stops the computer getting viruses.

Why: No credit: a username and password control who can log in; they do not stop viruses.

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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