Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• C 128 (1)
• The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is 128.
• A is not correct because 6 bits give only 64 different combinations
• B is not correct because 127 is the largest 7-bit value, not the number of characters that 7 bits can represent
• D is not correct because 256 characters need 8 bits, as used by 8-bit extended ASCII

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

• Parts of a file are moved so they are stored together/in consecutive locations (1) so the read/write head has less distance to travel to read the file (1)
• Files are rearranged so that each file is stored in one block (1) which reduces the time taken to open/load the file (1)
• Free space on the disk is collected into one area (1) so new files can be saved without becoming fragmented (1)
• The parts of each fragmented file are put in order (1) so fewer movements of the read/write head are needed to read it (1)

Do not accept responses about compressing files, deleting files or increasing the amount of storage, as these are not what defragmentation software does.

Do not accept 'it makes the disk faster' without saying how the files are changed.

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

• The processor/CPU can only execute machine code/binary instructions (1) so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run (1)
• Each assembly instruction/mnemonic matches/corresponds to one machine code instruction (1) so each line must be replaced with the machine code the processor executes (1)
• The program is written using mnemonics (1) that must be translated into machine code for the processor to carry out the instructions (1)
• The hardware/processor does not understand assembly language directly (1) so it must be translated into machine code that the processor can execute (1)

Do not accept 'assembly language is a low-level language'.

Do not accept 'it is hard to understand' or 'it is not English'.

Do not accept benefits, such as 'machine code runs faster' or 'the program will run more quickly'.

Do not accept 'an assembler/a translator converts it' on its own, with no reference to the processor only being able to execute machine code/binary.

Do not accept responses about high-level languages or about compilers/interpreters.

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

• 1011 (1)
• 0111 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Ignore a carry shown beyond the eighth bit.

Award one mark for:

• overflow (error) (1)

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.