Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• A Decodes instructions (1)
• The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Decodes instructions.
• B is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic operations
• C is not correct because main memory stores data and instructions
• D is not correct because registers temporarily store data being processed

• B 4 (1)
• The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is 4 (2 bits give 2^2 = 4 values).
• A is not correct because 2 is the number of bits used to store each sample
• C is not correct because 8 different amplitude values would need 3 bits
• D is not correct because 16 different amplitude values would need 4 bits

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

• Control unit / CU (1)
• Arithmetic logic unit / ALU (1)
• Register(s) (1)
• Clock (1)

Do not accept main memory / RAM.

Do not accept cache.

Marks can be awarded in any order.

Award one mark for:

• 2048 (1)
• 2 × 1024 (1)
• 2^11 (1)

Allow 2048 bytes.

Do not accept 2000, which is the number of bytes in two decimal kilobytes.

Do not accept 1024, which is the number of bytes in one kibibyte.

Do not accept 16, which is the number of bits in two bytes.

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

• Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
• Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
• Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
• Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Indicative content

File management

• The operating system organises the practice's patient records into folders, so staff can find a patient's record quickly during an appointment.
• It carries out file operations such as saving, moving, renaming and deleting, so a dentist can save updated notes to the correct record.
• It sets permissions on shared folders and files, so that only authorised staff, such as dentists, can open a patient's clinical records; this reduces the risk of confidential records being seen by the wrong staff.
• It can give read-only access to some files, so receptionists can view appointment details but cannot change clinical notes.
• It shows the size of files and the free space on the practice's shared storage, so managers can see when more storage is needed for records.

User management

• The operating system creates a user account for each member of staff, with a username and password, so that each person has their own access to the system.
• It allocates access rights to each account, so receptionists, dentists and managers each see only the folders and files their role needs.
• It allows accounts to be grouped by role, so a new dentist can be given the same permissions as the existing dentists quickly instead of setting each one by hand.
• It can require strong passwords, which makes it harder for one member of staff to log on using another person's account and open patient records.
• It can disable or delete an account when a member of staff leaves, so that they can no longer open patient records.

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 file management and user management and develop how each supports the practice, for example linking permissions to who can open patient records. Answers that only state basic, undeveloped points such as 'the operating system puts files in folders' or 'users have a username and password', with little reference to the practice, are limited to Level 1 (maximum 2 marks).

Do not accept backup, disk defragmentation or anti-malware software as operating system file management, or encryption, as these are outside the operating system's file management; they are utility software or security measures.