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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 6 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 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

A computer has a single CPU.

Explain how the operating system allows a user to run several programs at the same time.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system switches rapidly between processes (1) so each process runs for a short time slice before the next one starts (1)
  • Each process is given a small amount of CPU time (1) so the CPU moves on to another process when that time is up (1)
  • The operating system chooses which process to run next (1) so the CPU is shared between the programs (1)
  • Processes take turns to use the CPU (1) because the CPU is so fast the user does not notice the switching (1)
  • Only one process can run on the CPU at a time (1) so the operating system must swap processes in and out quickly (1)

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

Allow 'time slice' / 'time quantum'.

Do not accept 'the computer has more than one CPU' / 'each program runs on its own CPU'.

Do not accept 'the CPU does two things at once' without saying processes take turns/are switched.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system switches rapidly between processes, giving each one a small time slice, so the CPU is shared and the programs appear to run together.

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

Some marks1/2

Each process is given a small amount of CPU time.

Why: A correct point (1) but no linked reason.

No marks0/2

The computer has two CPUs so each program can run on its own processor.

Why: The scenario states a single CPU, so this misconception earns no credit.

3Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer can appear to run several programs at the same time.

Explain one reason why an operating system schedules the processes running on a computer.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system decides which process will use the CPU next (1) so the processor is shared between processes/processes take turns (1)
  • The operating system allocates CPU time to each process/gives each process a small amount of time on the CPU (1) so multitasking can take place/several programs can appear to run at once (1)
  • The operating system manages the state of each process, e.g. ready/running/blocked (1) so a process waiting for input/blocked does not stop other processes running (1)
  • The operating system can terminate/end a process that has stopped responding (1) so it does not affect other processes/the computer keeps working (1)

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

Do not accept the idea that the CPU runs two or more processes at exactly the same time; multitasking shares CPU time.

Do not accept 'the OS shares the CPU' on its own without saying how/why, e.g. giving each process a turn/CPU time.

Do not accept 'it stops programs crashing' without a link to process management, e.g. ending a process that has stopped responding.

Do not accept 'it manages processes' without saying what the operating system does.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decides which process will run on the CPU next so several programs can share the processor and appear to run at once.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): CPU scheduling and shared processor.

Some marks1/2

It gives each program a small amount of time on the CPU.

Why: Point (1) only; it does not give a linked reason such as allowing multitasking.

No marks0/2

The CPU runs all the programs at exactly the same time.

Why: Misconception: the CPU does not run processes at exactly the same time; no creditworthy point.

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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