Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Reduces the file size / uses less storage space (1)
• Takes less time to upload/download/send (1)
• Uses less bandwidth / reduces the amount of data transferred (1)
• The file is more likely to fit within an email attachment size limit (1)
• Reduces the amount of storage needed for backups / more files can be stored on backup media (1)

Do not award both 'reduces the file size' and 'uses less storage space' as two separate benefits.

Do not award both 'takes less time to send' and 'uses less bandwidth' as two separate benefits.

Do not accept 'it is compressed' on its own.

Do not accept 'it makes the file easier to send' unless a benefit such as a smaller file or less time is given.

Do not accept 'better quality'.

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

• Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
• Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
• Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
• Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

Do not accept 'it backs up the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

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

• Data is sent to/received from the correct peripheral (1) because the operating system controls the transfer of data between the computer and each device (1)
• A new peripheral can be used as soon as it is connected (1) because the operating system installs/loads the correct device driver for that device (1)
• Data can be sent to a slow peripheral such as a printer (1) because the operating system stores it in a buffer/print queue until the device is ready to receive it (1)
• The user is told when a peripheral has a problem (1) because the operating system receives status information from the device and reports the error to the user (1)

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

Allow specific peripherals as the example (e.g. a mouse, a printer) provided the reason says what the operating system does.

Allow 'the operating system responds to an interrupt from a device' as a point, with the reason that the device is signalling that it needs attention/has finished its job.

Do not accept 'the operating system manages/controls the peripherals' or 'it lets the devices be used'/'the peripherals work correctly' on their own, as these repeat the question without saying what the operating system does.