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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 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.

Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
  • The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
  • Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.

Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.

Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.

Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.

3Explain2 marksSoftware Basics Swap Remove

A user backs up files using data compression software.

Explain one benefit of using data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Files take up less storage space (1) because compression stores the data using fewer bits/removes redundant or unnecessary data (1)
  • Files can be transferred/downloaded faster (1) because there is less data to send over a network (1)
  • More files fit on a storage device (1) because each file is smaller (1)
  • Email attachments can be sent without exceeding attachment size limits (1) because compression reduces the size of the file (1)

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

Do not accept 'it makes files smaller' on its own without a named benefit such as using less storage space or faster transfer; this repeats the question.

Do not accept 'compression frees up space by deleting files' as compression does not delete the original file.

Do not accept answers about disk defragmentation as this is a different utility.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Files take up less storage space because compression stores the data using fewer bits.

Why: Point (1) for less storage space and linked reason (1) because the data is stored using fewer bits.

Some marks1/2

Files take up less storage space.

Why: Point (1) for the benefit of less storage space; no linked reason.

No marks0/2

It frees up space by deleting files that are not needed.

Why: Describes compression deleting files, which the mark scheme rejects; 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

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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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