Menu

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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

2 questions · 4 marks

Pick again
Print
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.

2Describe2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer with a single processor can run more than one program at the same time.

Describe how the operating system manages processes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Gives each process a share/a small amount (time slice) of the CPU time (1) so that several processes can run and appear to run at the same time (1)
  • Decides which process will use the CPU next, e.g. by priority (1) so that the most important process is run first (1)
  • Keeps track of the state of each process (ready/running/blocked) (1) so that each process is moved to the state it needs to be in (1)
  • Moves a process that is waiting for input/a resource (e.g. a printer) to blocked (1) so that another process can use the CPU (1)

Do not award a mark for stating only that the operating system runs/controls the programs.

Do not award a mark for describing multitasking in general, e.g. 'the operating system runs more than one program at once', without saying how the operating system manages the processes.

Do not accept responses about memory management (e.g. loading a program into RAM), the user interface or user management.

Accept 'processor' for CPU.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system gives each process a small amount of time to use the CPU so that lots of processes can run and it looks like they are running at the same time

Why: Linked point (1) - a small amount/time slice of CPU time for each process - and development (1) - so several processes can run at once.

Some marks1/2

The operating system decides which process will use the CPU next.

Why: Gives the point that the operating system chooses the next process (1) but no linked development about priority or the effect of this.

No marks0/2

The operating system runs the program on the CPU.

Why: Only states that the operating system runs programs, which the mark scheme says is not awarded, so nothing is credited.

Questions by topic

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.