Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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.

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

• The program (and its data) is copied/loaded from secondary storage into main memory/RAM (1) so that the CPU can fetch/execute its instructions (1)
• An area of main memory is allocated/reserved for the program (1) that is large enough to hold the program and its data (1)
• The operating system checks that there is enough free main memory (1) before the program can be started/loaded, otherwise it cannot run/an error is reported (1)
• The operating system keeps a record of the memory addresses used by the program (1) so that its instructions and data can be found when it runs (1)

Allow 'loaded into RAM', 'stored in memory' and 'put into main memory' as equivalent to copied into main memory.

A single statement that the program is loaded/stored in main memory, with no linked development, can be given one mark only.

Do not accept descriptions of the CPU fetching/executing instructions that do not refer to the operating system loading or allocating memory.

Do not accept responses about virtual memory (moving processes to secondary storage) or about which process runs next on the CPU.

Do not accept the program being run from secondary storage/hard disk.

Indicative content

How files and folders are organised

• The operating system creates a folder structure, so the business can keep each client's or event's photographs together.
• The operating system allocates each image file to a folder and records its file path, so the image can be located again.
• The operating system can move, copy and delete files and folders, so staff can remove unwanted images and keep the disk tidy.
• The operating system records file attributes such as size, type and date, so staff can sort and identify images.
• A folder structure that is not used consistently can make images slow to find, because files may be saved in the wrong client folder.

How files are named and saved

• The operating system lets an employee choose a file name and extension, so an image can be identified and opened by the correct application.
• The operating system saves a file to the folder the employee chooses, so a new image is stored with the correct client.
• The operating system checks whether a file with the same name already exists and warns the employee before it is overwritten, so original photographs are not lost.
• The operating system stores the file path with the file, so the business can retrieve the image later.
• If employees choose inconsistent file names, images can be difficult to identify when the business needs them.

How access to files is controlled for the employees

• The operating system stores user accounts and passwords, so each employee must log in before opening client images.
• The operating system sets access rights, so some employees can view images but not edit or delete them, which protects original photographs.
• An administrator account can change access rights, so the business can decide who may delete or edit client files.
• If employees share passwords, access rights are not effective, so images could be changed or deleted by the wrong person.
• If access rights are too restrictive, employees may be unable to do their work, so the business must set them carefully.

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

• Accept file extensions, file paths, file attributes, directory/folder structure, read-only access, read/write access, administrator and user accounts. Do not accept 'the OS controls/organises files' without a named task, or memory management, process management or peripheral management as file management.
• Level 3 responses must cover all three bullets, with at least one benefit or drawback applied to the business and a judgement. A list of features with no application is limited to Level 1; Level 2 requires at least two bullets covered with some linkage to the business.