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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 · 6 marks

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1Short recall2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

Anti-malware software helps keep a computer secure.

State two functions of anti-malware software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Scans files/downloads/the computer/system for malware (1)
  • Compares files/code against a database of known malware/signatures/definitions (1)
  • Quarantines/removes/deletes infected/suspicious files/malware (1)
  • Prevents/blocks malware from running/being installed (1)
  • Updates the database of malware definitions/signatures (1)

Allow removes/deletes malware for the quarantines/removes bullet.

Do not award both quarantining and removing infected files as two separate functions; they are one function.

Do not award both scanning and preventing/blocking malware if the answer describes real-time scanning that blocks malware; award one only.

Do not accept protects the computer on its own.

Do not accept defragments the disk or backs up files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It scans files for malware and quarantines any infected files.

Why: Scans files for malware (1) and quarantines infected files (1).

Some marks1/2

It scans the computer for viruses.

Why: Scanning the computer for malware/viruses (1); no second function.

No marks0/2

It defragments the hard disk so files open more quickly.

Why: Defragmentation is a different utility and does not scan for, quarantine or remove malware; no mark.

2Short recall2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

An operating system provides file management.

Define the term file management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The part/function of the operating system (1)
  • That manages/organises files (and folders) (1)
  • On a storage device/disk (1)
  • So files can be stored/found/retrieved (1)

Do not accept managing processes/peripherals/users as the whole definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The function of the operating system that organises files and folders on a disk so they can be found and retrieved.

Why: Names the operating system function (1) and managing/organising files on a disk so they can be retrieved (1).

Some marks1/2

Organising files.

Why: Names managing/organising files (1), but does not name the operating system, storage location or retrieval.

No marks0/2

Managing the CPU and peripherals.

Why: Describes process and peripheral management, not file management.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
  • Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
  • Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
  • Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

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

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk.

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

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