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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markLANs & WANs Swap Remove

A hospital has computers, printers and servers in one building.

Identify the type of network that connects these devices.

[1 mark]
  • ALAN
  • BPAN
  • CVPN
  • DWAN
Mark scheme
  • A LAN (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is LAN (Local Area Network).
  • B is not correct because a PAN connects devices around one person over a short range
  • C is not correct because a VPN is a secure private connection made over a public network, not a network covering one building
  • D is not correct because a WAN connects networks over a large geographical area
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A LAN

Why: Correct option: a LAN connects devices on one site, such as one building (1).

No marks0/1

D WAN

Why: Near miss: a WAN connects networks over a large geographical area, not devices within one building (0).

No marks0/1

C VPN

Why: Misconception: a VPN is a secure connection over a public network, not the type of network for devices in one building (0).

2Short recall2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Images and sound can be stored using lossy compression.

Define the term lossy compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Reduces the size of a file (1)
  • Permanently removes/loses some data (1)
  • The original file cannot be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'some data is deleted/discarded and cannot be recovered' for the second mark.

Do not award the first mark where the response also states that no data is lost.

Do not accept 'removes repeated data' (this describes lossless compression).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossy compression reduces the size of a file by permanently removing some data, so the original cannot be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); permanently removes some data (1); maximum two marks awarded.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); no reference to data being permanently lost.

No marks0/2

It makes a file smaller without losing any of the data.

Why: States that no data is lost, which describes lossless compression; the first mark is not awarded.

3Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.

Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
  • The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
  • Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.

Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.

Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.

Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.

Questions by topic

5.3 Cybersecurity

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