Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Parts of a file are moved so they are stored together/in consecutive locations (1) so the read/write head has less distance to travel to read the file (1)
• Files are rearranged so that each file is stored in one block (1) which reduces the time taken to open/load the file (1)
• Free space on the disk is collected into one area (1) so new files can be saved without becoming fragmented (1)
• The parts of each fragmented file are put in order (1) so fewer movements of the read/write head are needed to read it (1)

Do not accept responses about compressing files, deleting files or increasing the amount of storage, as these are not what defragmentation software does.

Do not accept 'it makes the disk faster' without saying how the files are changed.

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

• The processor/CPU can only execute machine code/binary instructions (1) so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run (1)
• Each assembly instruction/mnemonic matches/corresponds to one machine code instruction (1) so each line must be replaced with the machine code the processor executes (1)
• The program is written using mnemonics (1) that must be translated into machine code for the processor to carry out the instructions (1)
• The hardware/processor does not understand assembly language directly (1) so it must be translated into machine code that the processor can execute (1)

Do not accept 'assembly language is a low-level language'.

Do not accept 'it is hard to understand' or 'it is not English'.

Do not accept benefits, such as 'machine code runs faster' or 'the program will run more quickly'.

Do not accept 'an assembler/a translator converts it' on its own, with no reference to the processor only being able to execute machine code/binary.

Do not accept responses about high-level languages or about compilers/interpreters.

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

• 0100 (1)
• 0000 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

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.