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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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4 questions · 7 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 recall1 markSoftware Basics Swap Remove

A computer system runs both an operating system and utility software.

State one difference between an operating system and utility software.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • The operating system is needed/essential for the computer to run / utility software is optional (1)
  • The operating system manages the hardware/users/resources / utility software performs housekeeping tasks that keep the system running efficiently (1)
  • The operating system provides a platform for other software to run / utility software carries out extra/specific tasks (1)
  • Each utility program performs one specific task / the operating system carries out many different management tasks (1)
  • Utility software is often packaged with the operating system but can also be bought separately (1)

Do not accept answers that only give an example of each (e.g. Windows, anti-malware) without stating a difference.

Do not accept the operating system is hardware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The operating system is needed for the computer to work, but the utility software is optional.

Why: States a creditworthy difference: essential versus optional (1).

No marks0/1

Windows is an operating system and anti-malware is utility software.

Why: This only gives an example of each and does not state a difference, so no mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

The operating system is hardware and the utility software is software.

Why: The operating system is software, not hardware, so the answer contains no creditworthy difference.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
  • Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
  • Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
  • Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

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

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails.

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

Why: This describes file repair software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

4Explain2 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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