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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 7 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 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A computer can be shared by more than one user.

Define the term user management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Manages user accounts/profiles/logins (1)
  • Authenticates users when they log in (through passwords/biometrics) (1)
  • Controls what each user is allowed to access (access rights/permissions) (1)
  • Sets which files/folders/resources a user can use (1)
  • Gives different levels of access to different users (e.g. administrator/standard user) (1)

Allow 'decides which users can use the computer' for the manage user accounts/logins mark.

Allow references to access to files/folders/resources for the access rights mark, as this is part of user management, not file management.

Do not accept 'manages users' on its own.

Do not accept 'controls user access' on its own, as it is unclear whether this means logging in or access rights.

Do not accept 'manages files' or 'manages peripherals' (these are other operating system functions).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system manages user accounts and logins, and sets access rights so each user can only use certain files and resources.

Why: Manages user accounts/logins (1) and controls what each user is allowed to access through access rights (1).

Some marks1/2

It manages the users who can log in to the computer.

Why: Manages user logins (1); no creditworthy point about access rights/permissions.

No marks0/2

It manages the files and peripherals for different users.

Why: File management and peripheral management are other operating system functions, so neither mark is earned.

3Explain2 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A new printer is connected to a computer.

Explain the purpose of a device driver.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It allows the operating system/OS to communicate with the device/printer (1) because it translates the commands into signals the device understands (1)
  • It contains/sends the instructions/commands needed by a particular device (1) so the device carries out the correct actions (1)
  • It controls the device/printer (1) by sending commands/signals to it (1)
  • Different devices need different commands (1) so each one needs its own driver to work with the operating system (1)

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

Do not accept 'it drives/controls the device' on its own without saying how, e.g. by sending commands/signals.

Do not accept hardware/a physical device (a device driver is software).

Do not accept 'it connects the printer to the computer' or 'it installs the printer' without saying that it provides the instructions/commands for the device.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It allows the operating system to send commands to the printer (1) because it translates them into signals that the printer understands (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).

Some marks1/2

It contains the instructions that the printer needs.

Why: Point (1) but no linked reason.

No marks0/2

It is a piece of hardware that connects the printer to the computer.

Why: Misconception: a device driver is software, not hardware, and saying it connects the printer is not accepted without saying it provides the instructions/commands.

4Explain2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

A user opens a web browser.

Explain what the operating system does to get the browser's process ready to run.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A process is created for the program (1) so that its instructions can be loaded into RAM (1)
  • The process is put into the ready state (1) so that it can wait for the CPU to become available (1)
  • The operating system adds the process to a queue of ready processes (1) so the scheduler can choose it when the CPU is free (1)
  • The operating system allocates the resources the process needs (1) so that it can start running when it is given CPU time (1)

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

Allow 'main memory' for RAM.

Do not accept 'the browser is downloaded/loaded from the internet'.

Do not accept 'the program is run immediately on the CPU' without the ready step.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It creates a process and loads the browser's instructions into RAM, then puts the process in the ready state to wait for CPU time.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).

Some marks1/2

It moves the program into RAM.

Why: A correct point (1) but no linked reason about the process being made ready.

No marks0/2

It runs the program straight away on the CPU.

Why: This describes the running state, not making the process ready, so no credit.

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

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