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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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5 questions · 10 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 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.

3Short recall2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A user must log in before using a computer.

State two methods, other than a password, that an operating system can use to authenticate a user.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Fingerprint scan (1)
  • Face recognition (1)
  • Iris/retina scan (1)
  • Voice recognition (1)
  • Palm print/vein scan (1)
  • Smart card (1)
  • Security token (1)
  • Authenticator app (1)

Allow one-time passcode (OTP) for authenticator app.

Do not accept password (given in the question).

Do not accept username/user ID (it identifies the user but does not authenticate them).

Do not accept 'two-factor authentication' on its own (it is a combination of methods, not a method itself).

Do not accept 'encryption'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Fingerprint scan and a smart card.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1) and smart card (1) are two accepted methods.

Some marks1/2

Fingerprint scan and a username.

Why: Fingerprint scan (1); username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user.

No marks0/2

A username and two-factor authentication.

Why: Username is not accepted because it does not authenticate the user, and two-factor authentication alone is not accepted because it is a combination of methods.

4Describe2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

An operating system manages the processes running on a computer.

Describe the purpose of process management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Decides which process is given use of the CPU (1) so that more than one program can run/appear to run at the same time (1)
  • Allocates CPU time to each process (1) so that no single process takes control of the CPU (1)
  • Manages the states/life-cycle of each process (1) so processes can be moved between ready/running/blocked (1)
  • Keeps track of the processes and their status (1) so a process waiting for a resource can be returned to the CPU when it is ready (1)

Do not accept responses that only describe what a process is.

Do not accept responses that only list the types of operating system management.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decides which process will use the CPU so that several programs can run without one taking over the processor.

Why: Decision about CPU use (1) linked to allowing several programs to run (1).

Some marks1/2

It decides which process uses the CPU.

Why: One creditworthy point about choosing a process for the CPU (1), but no linked development.

No marks0/2

It makes sure the computer has enough RAM to store files.

Why: Describes memory/file management, not process management; no creditworthy point.

5Explain2 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A new printer is connected to a computer.

Explain the purpose of a device driver.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It allows the operating system/OS to communicate with the device/printer (1) because it translates the commands into signals the device understands (1)
  • It contains/sends the instructions/commands needed by a particular device (1) so the device carries out the correct actions (1)
  • It controls the device/printer (1) by sending commands/signals to it (1)
  • Different devices need different commands (1) so each one needs its own driver to work with the operating system (1)

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

Do not accept 'it drives/controls the device' on its own without saying how, e.g. by sending commands/signals.

Do not accept hardware/a physical device (a device driver is software).

Do not accept 'it connects the printer to the computer' or 'it installs the printer' without saying that it provides the instructions/commands for the device.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It allows the operating system to send commands to the printer because it translates them into signals that the printer understands.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).

Some marks1/2

It contains the instructions that the printer needs.

Why: Point (1) but no linked reason.

No marks0/2

It is a piece of hardware that connects the printer to the computer.

Why: Misconception: a device driver is software, not hardware, and saying it connects the printer is not accepted without saying it provides the instructions/commands.

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