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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

A file may become corrupted and cannot be opened.

State the purpose of file repair software.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • To repair/recover corrupted/damaged files so they can be opened/used again (1)
  • To recover as much of the data as possible from a damaged file (1)
  • To reconstruct parts of a damaged file (1)

Allow "to fix corrupted files".

Do not accept "to repair the hard disk" (disk repair).

Do not accept "to recover deleted files" (file repair recovers corrupted/damaged files, not deleted ones).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

To repair corrupted files so they can be opened again.

Why: Repair corrupted files so they can be used again (1).

No marks0/1

To repair the hard disk.

Why: Hard disk repair is not file repair; the scheme says not to accept it.

No marks0/1

To recover files that have been deleted.

Why: Recovering deleted files is not file repair; the scheme says not to accept it.

2Short recall2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

An operating system manages the peripheral devices connected to a computer.

State two tasks carried out by the peripheral management function of an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It uses device drivers to control each peripheral and it reports a printer error such as out of paper to the user.

Why: Communicating with a peripheral using its device driver (1) and reporting a device error to the user (1) are two different peripheral management tasks.

Some marks1/2

It manages the print queue.

Why: Managing the print queue is one named peripheral management task (1); no second task is given.

No marks0/2

It manages peripherals and it manages users.

Why: 'Manages peripherals' repeats the question and earns nothing; 'manages users' is user management, not peripheral management.

3Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A family shares one computer and each person has their own login.

Explain one reason why the operating system needs user management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system checks usernames/passwords at login (1) so only allowed users can access the computer (1)
  • The operating system stores a list/database of users and passwords (1) so it knows who is allowed to log in (1)
  • The operating system sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so a user can only open/edit their own files (1)
  • The operating system restricts programs/drives/settings by user (1) so certain users cannot change them (1)
  • The operating system keeps each user's files separate (1) so one user cannot access another user's private files (1)

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

Do not accept 'so the computer is safe/secure' without saying what is protected and from whom.

Do not accept answers that say user management makes the computer faster.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It sets access rights for each user so each person can only open their own files.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): access rights and file privacy.

Some marks1/2

It checks the username and password at login.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.

No marks0/2

It makes the computer faster because more users can log in.

Why: Misconception: user management is not for improving speed; no creditworthy point.

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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