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

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.

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

• Instructions can manipulate/control the hardware/memory/registers directly (1) so the driver can control the specific device it is written for (1)
• The code is written for one specific processor/architecture (1) so it works with the exact hardware it will control (1)
• The programmer controls exactly how memory/registers are used (1) so the code is efficient and needs little memory, which suits a device that has limited memory (1)
• Each instruction maps to one machine code instruction (1) so the driver code is small enough to fit in the memory of the device (1)

Extra detail, such as naming the device the driver controls, is not needed to earn the marks.

Do not accept 'it is closer to machine code' on its own: it must be developed to show how this helps the driver, e.g. it can control the hardware directly.

Do not accept 'it is faster/quicker' with no link to the hardware/device, e.g. the device responds quickly.

Do not accept 'it is easier to learn', 'it is easier to debug' or 'it takes less time to write'.

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

• Devices (can) understand/interpret the data they receive (1) because they follow the same set of rules for communication (1)
• Data is sent in an agreed format/structure (1) so the receiving device can interpret/understand it correctly (1)
• Devices (can) connect/communicate successfully (1) because they agree how the data is transmitted, such as the type of signal used (1)
• Errors (can) be detected/handled (1) because both devices follow the same rules for checking the data (1)

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

Do not accept 'so devices can talk/communicate with each other' or 'so they can understand each other' without saying they follow the same rules/agreed format.

Do not accept an answer that only states protocols are a set of rules, without saying what this allows (e.g. the data can be understood/interpreted).

Do not accept a faster connection/speed as a reason why protocols are needed.

Do not accept naming a protocol (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, Wi-Fi) without an explanation of why it is needed.

Do not accept a description of what a protocol does (e.g. 'TCP splits data into packets') without saying why this is needed.

Indicative content

Types of backup that could be used

• A full backup copies all of the company's project files every time it is run, so the whole set of files is held together in one backup.
• A full backup takes longer to make and needs more storage space than an incremental backup.
• An incremental backup copies only the files that have changed since the previous backup, so it is quicker to run each evening.
• Restoring from incremental backups needs the last full backup plus every incremental backup made since, which takes longer and is more complex.
• A weekly full backup with nightly incremental backups can be suitable for the company when the reason is explained using the properties of the two types.

Where and how often backups should be made

• Backups should be kept on a separate device and, ideally, at a different location, so that a fire or theft in the office cannot destroy the computer and the backups together.
• Backups should be made regularly, for example every evening, so that at most one day's design work would be lost.
• Cloud storage can hold copies off-site automatically, without the owner taking a disk home.
• An external hard disk or USB flash drive can be used as the backup medium, with a copy kept away from the office.

How the backups would be used if the hard disk failed again

• If the hard disk fails again, the backup software is used to restore the latest full backup and any later incremental backups onto a replacement disk.
• The restored project files allow the company to carry on working and meet its clients' deadlines.
• The backups should be tested by restoring a file so that the company knows the backup is usable before it is needed.
• Backup software does not repair the failed hard disk itself, so a replacement disk 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 requires all three bullets to be developed and applied, including both types of backup (or a justified combination) and a restoration sequence; a response that describes only a full backup cannot reach Level 3.

An answer that explains only one type of backup with at most a brief location or frequency point and no developed restoration is Level 1 (1–2 marks). Credit one off-site point only: cloud storage, an external disk kept elsewhere and 'a different location' are the same point. Do not accept that backup software repairs a failed hard disk or recovers files that were never backed up; an answer that only makes this claim is Level 0. An unsupported weekly-full/nightly-incremental recommendation is not credited.