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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

Email protocols are used when an email is sent and received.

Explain the role of SMTP when an email is sent.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Sends outgoing email from the client to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded/relayed to the recipient's mail server (1)
  • Transfers email between mail servers (1) so it reaches the destination server (1)
  • Pushes/sends the email message (1) because it handles outgoing mail while POP3/IMAP handle incoming mail (1)

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

Do not accept receiving/downloading email or storing email on the server, which is POP3/IMAP.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

SMTP sends the email from the sender's computer to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded on to the recipient's mail server (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): sends to the mail server so it can be forwarded.

Some marks1/2

SMTP is used to send emails (1).

Why: Role (1) identified, but no linked reason or expansion of what sending involves.

No marks0/2

SMTP downloads the email to the recipient's device (0) so they can read it.

Why: Downloading email is the role of POP3/IMAP, not SMTP, so no credit is given.

4Discuss6 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A small design company has 18 employees who use a network with a shared file server. Some employees are company directors and need to manage the system. Designers need to work on shared project folders, but salary files must be kept private.

Discuss how the operating system's user management can give employees the access they need while protecting the company's files.

Your answer should include:

  • administrator accounts
  • standard user accounts
  • file permissions.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Administrator accounts

  • An administrator account can create new user accounts for new employees and delete accounts when employees leave.
  • The administrator can reset a forgotten password, so an employee can get back to work without sharing another person's account.
  • The administrator can set the access rights for each user or group, so designers get access to project folders and only directors can open salary files.
  • Administrator privileges should be given to only a few trusted employees, as administrators can change any settings on the system.

Standard user accounts

  • Designers should use standard user accounts, so they cannot install unauthorised software or change system settings.
  • A standard user can be given permission to read and write files in the project folder that their team uses.
  • Standard users should not be able to change other users' permissions, so the access rules cannot be removed by accident.
  • If a standard user tries to open a file without permission, the operating system denies access.

File permissions

  • Each file or folder can have permissions that allow a user to read, write or delete it.
  • Project folders can be set so all designers can read and write the files inside them.
  • Salary files can be set so only directors can read them, and other users are denied access.
  • Permissions can be set for a group of users, such as all designers, which is quicker than setting them for each person.
  • A file can be made read-only for standard users, so they can view it but cannot change it.

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 administrator accounts, standard user accounts and file permissions, and apply them to the design company.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as managing the processor or memory unless they are explicitly linked to controlling what a user can access.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The directors should have administrator accounts so they can create accounts for new designers, delete accounts when staff leave, and set permissions on the file server. Ordinary designers should have standard user accounts so they cannot install software or change permissions. The administrator can give the designers read and write permission on the shared project folders, but only the directors can read the salary files. This means the designers can work together on projects, while confidential salary information stays private. If a designer leaves, the administrator can disable their account so they can no longer open company files.

Why: Level 3. It covers administrator accounts, standard accounts and file permissions, with coherent application to project folders and salary files.

Some marks4/6

The administrator can add and delete users and set their permissions. Normal users can only access the files they are allowed to. The salary files can be made private so only the administrator can see them.

Why: Level 2. Administrator accounts and file permissions are described with some application, but standard user accounts are not developed and the explanation lacks sustained reasoning.

No marks0/6

The administrator is the person who uses the computer most often, so the operating system gives them more memory and a faster processor. This means they can manage the users.

Why: Level 0. It confuses administrator privileges with extra memory and processor speed, which is process management, not user management.

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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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