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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 11 marks

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1Short recall1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Data is stored on optical discs as pits and lands.

Name the component in an optical disc drive that reads this data.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Laser

Why: Laser is the creditworthy answer (1).

No marks0/1

A read/write head

Why: Read/write head is not accepted by the mark scheme; it reads magnetic media, not optical discs, so no marks are awarded.

No marks0/1

Pits and lands

Why: Pits and lands are what the laser reads, not the component that reads the data, so the mark scheme does not accept them.

2Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

A user saves a new file into a folder that already contains files.

Describe how the operating system prevents a new file overwriting an existing file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Checks/compares the new file (name)/filename against the names of files already in the folder/directory (1) to see if the name is already in use (1)
  • Refuses to save/allow the new file when the (file) name already exists (1) so the existing file is not replaced/overwritten (1)
  • Prompts/asks the user to choose/enter a different (file) name (1) so both files can be saved without one replacing the other (1)

A point without a linked development can earn one mark.

For both marks, the development must follow/associate with the point.

Do not accept responses about defragmentation.

Do not accept the operating system making a backup copy, or warning the user that a file may be overwritten, without saying that the (file) name is checked or the new file is not saved.

Do not accept responses about process management or saving files to RAM.

Do not award a second mark for repeating the question, e.g. 'it stops the new file overwriting the existing file'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It checks the new file name against the names of files already in the folder (1) to see whether the name is already in use (1).

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

Some marks1/2

It checks the file name against the names already in the folder.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) on its own; no linked development, so one mark.

No marks0/2

It defragments the disk so there is room for the new file.

Why: Defragmentation is not accepted by the mark scheme.

3Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

A bank's website can use HTTP or HTTPS.

Explain one benefit to a customer of the bank's website using HTTPS.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data is encrypted/scrambled (1) so it cannot be read/understood if it is intercepted (1)
  • The customer's bank/personal details are kept secure/private (1) because the data is encrypted/scrambled during transmission (1)
  • The customer's login details/password cannot be read by an eavesdropper (1) because HTTPS encrypts/scrambles the data sent to and from the web server (1)

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

Allow 'scrambled' as an alternative to 'encrypted'.

Do not accept 'it is more secure/safe' or 'the data is secure' on its own, without saying how it is made secure (e.g. encryption/scrambling).

Do not accept faster loading/speed, or claims that HTTPS stops viruses or always proves the website is genuine.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data is encrypted (1) so anyone intercepting it cannot read the customer's bank details (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): encryption means intercepted data cannot be read.

Some marks1/2

The data is encrypted (1) so the website is secure.

Why: Point (1) for encryption, but 'secure' on its own is a near-miss that the mark scheme does not credit as the linked reason; it must say why, e.g. that intercepted data cannot be read.

No marks0/2

HTTPS is faster than HTTP (0) so the customer can log in more quickly.

Why: Speed is not a benefit of HTTPS and is named in a 'Do not accept' line, so no creditworthy point is given.

4Discuss6 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A college has a room of older desktop computers. Each computer has a magnetic hard disk that is almost full. Staff have noticed that files on these computers take a long time to open because the disks have become fragmented.

Discuss the use of disk defragmentation software on these computers.

Your answer should include:

  • how files become fragmented
  • what defragmentation software does
  • the benefits and drawbacks of running it.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

How files become fragmented

  • A file is saved into free blocks on the disk, so as files are deleted and new ones saved, one file can end up split across blocks in different places.
  • Large files are more likely to become fragmented because they may not fit into one free space.
  • The more the disks are used, the more fragmented they become, so the read/write head has to move to more locations to read all the parts of a file.
  • Fragmentation is the reason that files on the college's computers take a long time to open.

What defragmentation software does

  • It reorganises the blocks of each file so that they are stored together (contiguously) on the disk.
  • It collects the free space into one block so that new files are written in one piece and are less likely to be fragmented.
  • It is a housekeeping utility that is often supplied with the operating system, and it reorganises data that is already on the disk.
  • It does not change the contents of any file, it only changes where the blocks of the file are stored.

Benefits of running it

  • Files and programs open faster because the read/write head makes fewer movements, so the older computers feel quicker without the college buying new hardware.
  • Free space in one block means new files are written in one piece, so the improvement lasts for a while.
  • Running it may mean the college can keep using the older computers for longer instead of replacing them.

Drawbacks of running it

  • It can take a long time to run, so it should be scheduled for when the room is not in use, such as overnight or at weekends.
  • It causes a lot of disk activity, so running it too often puts unnecessary strain on the disks.
  • It does not free up any space, as no files are deleted, so the disks will still be almost full.
  • It only reorganises files that are intact, so it cannot recover a corrupted file, and a backup is still needed.

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)

Level 3 responses must cover both how files become fragmented and what defragmentation software does, with at least one benefit or drawback applied to the college's computers. An answer that only states what the software does and one benefit, with no explanation of how files became fragmented and no drawback, is Level 1 (2 marks).

Do not accept: defragmentation software compresses files, frees up storage space, deletes unused files, repairs corrupted files, or speeds up the processor or internet connection.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

As files are deleted and new ones saved, a file can be split into blocks in different places on the disk, especially a large file that will not fit into one free space. This means the read/write head has to move to more locations to read the file, which is why the files on these computers are slow to open. Defragmentation software reorganises the blocks so that each file is stored together, and it moves the free space into one block, so new files are written in one piece. Staff would find that files and programs open faster because the head makes fewer movements, so the older computers feel quicker without the college buying new ones. It can take a long time, so the college should schedule it overnight or at the weekend when the room is empty, and it should not be run too often because of the strain on the disks. It will not free up space, as nothing is deleted, so the disks will still be almost full and a backup is still needed.

Why: Level 3: fragmentation, the extra head movements and what the software does are explained accurately (AO1) and applied to the college's own computers, with a benefit and drawbacks including a sensible schedule (AO2).

Some marks2/6

Defragmentation software rearranges the files so that the parts of each file are stored together. This means files open faster, which will help on these computers. It should be run regularly.

Why: Level 1: two basic, independent points, namely that the software stores the parts of a file together and that files then open faster, with little linkage and no explanation of how the files became fragmented and no drawback, so Level 2 is not reached.

Some marks1/6

Defragmentation software compresses the files so they take up less space on the nearly full disks. If the parts of a file are stored together it opens faster.

Why: Level 1: only the basic point that storing the parts of a file together makes it open faster is creditworthy; the claim that defragmentation compresses files is a misconception on the do-not-accept line and is not credited.

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 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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