A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.
Describe the purpose of data compression software.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:
- Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
- Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
- Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
- Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)
Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.
Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.
Example answers and how they were marked
It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).
Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).
It makes files smaller.
Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.
It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.
Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.