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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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2 questions · 4 marks

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1Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A computer can lose power while a file is being saved.

Describe what file repair software does.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Attempts to repair/rebuild the corrupted file (1) so that it can be opened by its program again (1)
  • Recovers/retrieves the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose all of the data in the file (1)
  • Reconstructs the file from data held in other parts of the disk (1) because part of the file/the disk is corrupted (1)
  • Saves a new/repaired copy of the file (1) as some of the data in it may not be recoverable (1)

Do not accept 'it repairs the file' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about restoring a backup/previous version of the file, as this is backup software.

Do not accept responses about scanning for or removing malware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It recovers the parts of the file that can still be read so that the user does not lose everything that was saved in it.

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the effect (1).

Some marks1/2

It rebuilds the damaged file from other parts of the disk.

Why: A valid point is made (1) but there is no development of what this achieves, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It restores the last backup of the file so the user gets the data back.

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

2Explain2 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

An operating system manages the peripherals connected to a computer.

Explain one reason why an operating system needs to manage peripheral devices.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data is sent to/received from the correct peripheral (1) because the operating system controls the transfer of data between the computer and each device (1)
  • A new peripheral can be used as soon as it is connected (1) because the operating system installs/loads the correct device driver for that device (1)
  • Data can be sent to a slow peripheral such as a printer (1) because the operating system stores it in a buffer/print queue until the device is ready to receive it (1)
  • The user is told when a peripheral has a problem (1) because the operating system receives status information from the device and reports the error to the user (1)

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

Allow specific peripherals as the example (e.g. a mouse, a printer) provided the reason says what the operating system does.

Allow 'the operating system responds to an interrupt from a device' as a point, with the reason that the device is signalling that it needs attention/has finished its job.

Do not accept 'the operating system manages/controls the peripherals' or 'it lets the devices be used'/'the peripherals work correctly' on their own, as these repeat the question without saying what the operating system does.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

So that data is sent to the correct peripheral because the operating system controls the transfer of data between the computer and each device.

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

Some marks1/2

So that data is sent to the correct device.

Why: Point (1) but no linked reason, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

Because the operating system manages the peripherals.

Why: Rewords the question; the 'Do not accept' line says this earns nothing without saying what the operating system does.

Questions by topic

2.1 Binary

Build a paper on this topic 58
Adding Binary Numbers 6 questions Binary and Hexadecimal Basics 10 questions Binary Shifts 6 questions Binary to Denary Conversion 6 questions Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Binary Conversion 6 questions Denary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Negative Binary Conversion 6 questions Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion 6 questions

2.2 Data representation

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Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

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Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

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Embedded Systems 17 questions Fetch Decode Execute Cycle 15 questions Primary Memory 15 questions Secondary Memory 15 questions Stored Program Computers 15 questions

3.2 Software

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File Management 18 questions Memory Management 16 questions Peripheral Management 11 questions Process Management 12 questions Purpose & Function of Operating Systems 17 questions Software Basics 13 questions User Management 18 questions Utility Software 19 questions

3.3 Programming languages

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Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

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Addressing 16 questions LANs & WANs 16 questions Network Speed 5 questions Packet Switching 16 questions Protocols & Layers 17 questions The Internet 16 questions Topologies 17 questions Wired Connections 17 questions Wireless Connections 18 questions

4.2 Network security

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Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

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E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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