Computer Science (A Level)

H046-FREV-P1-1.2
Archibald Holmes
Please note that you may see slight differences between
this paper and the original.
Duration: Not set
Candidates answer on the Question paper.

OCR supplied materials:

Additional resources may be supplied with this paper.

Other materials required:

• Pencil
• Ruler (cm/mm)

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes above. Please write clearly and in capital letters.
• Use black ink. HB pencil may be used for graphs and diagrams only.
• Answer all the questions, unless your teacher tells you otherwise.
• Read each question carefully. Make sure you know what you have to do before starting your answer.
• Where space is provided below the question, please write your answer there.
• You may use additional paper, or a specific Answer sheet if one is provided, but you must clearly show your candidate
number, centre number and question number(s).

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• The quality of written communication is assessed in questions marked with either a pencil or an asterisk. In History and
Geography a Quality of extended response question is marked with an asterisk, while a pencil is used for questions in
which Spelling, punctuation and grammar and the use of specialist terminology is assessed.
• The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
• The total number of marks for this paper is 113.
• The total number of marks may take into account some 'either/or' question choices.

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 1 When the fridge receives a message it takes the string and stores it in a queue called words.

For example REMEMBER TO TAKE CHARLIE TO THE DENTIST THIS AFTERNOON becomes a queue:

words=["REMEMBER","TO","TAKE","CHARLIE","TO","THE","DENTIST","THIS","AFTERNOON"]

words.remove() then returns the next item in the queue for example temp=words.remove() assigns temp
the value "REMEMBER" and leaves words as
["TO","TAKE","CHARLIE","TO","THE","DENTIST","THIS","AFTERNOON"]

The display has four lines; each can show a maximum of 20 characters including spaces.

If a word can’t fit on a line a new line is started.

Examples

The contents of the display are stored in a 2D array of characters called display.

The procedure updateDisplay receives the queue words which holds the message and writes the message
to the display.

Write the procedure updateDisplay. Credit will be given for the readability of your code.

You can assume:

• Messages contain no punctuation.
• All messages will fit on the display.
• The previous message is removed before the procedure is run.

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 global array display[20,4]
...
...
...
procedure updateDisplay(words)
 

endprocedure
[7]

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 2 A delivery company sends parcels across the UK.

The company charges on the following basis:

• Parcels that have a volume of less than 0.3 m3 and weigh less than 4 kg cost £5 to send.
• All other parcels cost £20 per m3 or £2 per kg, whichever is greater.

Examples

Parcel A weighs 2.5 kg, has a volume of 0.1 m3 and costs £5 to send.
Parcel B weighs 6 kg, has a volume of 0.2 m3 and costs £12 to send.
Parcel C weighs 6 kg, has a volume of 0.8 m3 and costs £16 to send.
The function getCost takes in the volume and weight of a parcel and returns the cost.

getCost(2.5,0.1) returns 5
getCost(6,0.2) returns 12
getCost(6,0.8) returns 16

Complete the pseudo-code below so that the function getCost returns the correct cost.

function getCost(weight, volume)

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 endfunction
[4]

3 A programmer has written the following code designed to take in ten names then print them in a numbered list.

name1 = input("Enter a name: ")

name2 = input("Enter a name: ")
name3 = input("Enter a name: ")
name4 = input("Enter a name: ")
name5 = input("Enter a name: ")
name6 = input("Enter a name: ")
name7 = input("Enter a name: ")
name8 = input("Enter a name: ")
name9 = input("Enter a name: ")
name10 = input("Enter a name: ")

print("1. " + name1)

print("2. " + name2)
print("3. " + name3)
print("4. " + name4)
print("5. " + name5)
print("6. " + name6)
print("7. " + name7)
print("8. " + name8)
print("9. " + name9)
print("10. " + name10)

It has been suggested that this code could be made more efficient and easier to maintain using an array or a list.

Write a more efficient version of the programmer’s code using an array or a list.

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 [5]

4 A theatre has a website showing its productions and allowing people to make bookings.

Part of the site is shown below. The words ‘Book tickets’ link to the page ‘bookings.html’.

Upcoming productions:
1. Macbeth
2. Blood Brothers
3. An Inspector Calls

Book tickets

When a booking is made on the website it is stored in a database.

Describe one of the tables you might expect to see in this database.

[2]

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 5(a) Open source software has grown in popularity over the last few decades.

State the name of a type of translator software other than a compiler or interpreter.

[1]

(b) Linux is a popular open source operating system and Windows is a popular closed source operating system.

Give three functions of an operating system.

[3]
(c) Explain the difference between open source and closed source software.

[4]

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 (d) Explain why all closed source software is most likely to be compiled rather than run on an interpreter.

[2]

6 A meteorologist sets up a weather station to monitor temperatures throughout the year.

She classifies temperatures in one of four bands:

Band Temperature Range (degrees Celsius)

Band A 10 or below
Band B 11–20
Band C 21–30
Band D 31 or above

The weather station records the temperature every day as an integer. At the end of the year the temperatures
are stored in an array called temperatures.

Write a program in pseudocode that reads through this array and produces an output which shows the total
number of days within each band. An example of such an output is shown below.

Band A: 93
Band B: 143
Band C: 98
Band D: 31

Ensure your code is efficient.

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 [6]

7
A programmer is writing a game to run on a variety of games consoles. Discuss the different ways in
which they might use virtual machines in this process and any advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

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 [9]

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 8 Write an assembly program (using the Little Man Computer instruction set) which repeatedly asks for a number
until 3 is entered. When 3 is entered, the program should stop.

[3]

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 9(a) An electricity company is looking at ways of getting meter readings from its customers. It releases an application
for smartphones which allows users to submit their meter reading (a 6 digit number).

JavaScript is used to check that a reasonable value is being entered before a meter reading is sent to a server.
When the user enters a meter reading number, the function validateReading is called. If the number entered
is a valid number between 1 and 999999 inclusive, it returns true otherwise it returns false.

You will need to use the JavaScript function isNaN() standing for “is not a number”. This returns true if the
value it is given is not a number and false if it is.

isNaN(computer4) returns true

isNaN(203) returns false

Complete the function

function validateReading(reading)
{

[4]

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 (b) The electricity company decides to trial smart meters. These can be connected to a computer so the user can
download and analyse records of their electricity usage.

(i) In order to be able to access all the functionality of the meter, the computer needs a device driver. Describe
what is meant by the term ‘device driver’.

[2]

(ii) In order to transfer data, the meter and computer need an established set of rules for how they will
communicate.

State the term used for a set of rules for communication between two devices.

[1]

(iii) Once downloaded, the user can analyse the data.

State the type of application that the user might use to analyse the data once downloaded.

[1]

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 10(a) Desktop operating systems are an essential part of modern personal computer systems (i.e. desktops and
laptops).

Describe how a desktop operating system is loaded when a personal computer is first switched on.

[2]

(b) Operating systems often come with utilities.

State a utility that might be supplied with a desktop operating system to help with system maintenance.

[1]
(c) * One of the key functions of an operating system in a personal computer is to manage system resources
such as memory and CPU time. Discuss the different approaches a desktop operating system can take to
managing these system resources and the relative advantages of each approach.
[9]

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 11 A company produces digital photo frames (i.e. photo frames that display digital photographs).

Identify the type of operating system that the photo frame is most likely to use.

Operating system Tick one

Distributed
Embedded
Multi-user
[1]

12 When the fridge receives a message it takes the string and stores it in a queue called words.

For example REMEMBER TO TAKE CHARLIE TO THE DENTIST THIS AFTERNOON becomes a queue:

words=["REMEMBER","TO","TAKE","CHARLIE","TO","THE","DENTIST", "THIS","AFTERNOON"]

words.remove() then returns the next item in the queue

for example temp=words.remove() assigns temp the value "REMEMBER" and leaves words as
["TO","TAKE","CHARLIE","TO","THE","DENTIST","THIS","AFTERNOON"]

The display has four lines; each can show a maximum of 20 characters including spaces.

If a word can’t fit on a line a new line is started.

Examples

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 The contents of the display are stored in a 2D array of characters called display.

The procedure updateDisplay receives the queue words which holds the message and writes the message
to the display.

Write the procedure updateDisplay. Credit will be given for the readability of your code.

You can assume:

Messages contain no punctuation.

All messages will fit on the display.
The previous message is removed before the procedure is run.

global array display [20,4]

…
…
…
procedure updateDisplay(words)

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 endprocedure
[7]

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 13 * A student, Dan, on a limited budget finds his computer is running slowly. He uses his computer for university
work and internet browsing.

Discuss what measures can be taken to improve Dan’s computer’s performance. You should explain what these
measures are, why they improve the performance and justify whether you would recommend them.

[9]

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 14 A DIY store has an offer: ‘Spend £20 or more on decorating products and get 10% off all gardening products.’

When items are scanned in at the checkout they are stored in a 2-dimensional array called purchases, which
stores the item name, category and price.

A receipt with the appropriate discounts deducted is then produced.

Examples of the array and corresponding receipt are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

Write an algorithm in pseudocode, using the array purchases, to:

determine which items are given a discount

calculate the total price to pay
present this information on a receipt in the format shown in Fig. 3.

[6]

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 15(a) A burglar alarm runs on a processor with the Little Man Computer (LMC) instruction set.

One of the instructions in the set is Branch if Positive (BRP ).

Describe what the instruction BRP does.

[2]

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 (b) A numeric PIN code entered into the burglar alarm is compared with the code stored at the memory location
passcode.

If the codes match, the program jumps to the part of the program labelled deactivate.

If the codes do not match, the program jumps to the part of the program labelled alarm.

Write the LMC code to meet the requirements above. (You don't have to write the code for labels deactivate
and alarm, as you can assume this has already been written elsewhere.)

[4]

16(a) A programmer spends her spare time contributing to an open source application that converts video files from a
range of formats to one which uses lossy compression.

Describe what is meant by the term ‘open source software’.

[2]
(b) When a video is selected, the program gives an estimate of the file size of the converted video. The estimate in
kilobytes is calculated by multiplying:

the number of pixels in the video's resolution by…

the number of frames per second by…
the length of the video in minutes by…

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 the value 0.0013.

Write a function in pseudocode that estimates the size of a converted video. It should:take in 3 parameters:
pixels, framesPerSec, lengthMins

calculate the estimated file size

return a string with the file size, including units
use megabytes for sizes under 1000 megabytes, otherwise the estimate should be given in gigabytes.

Examples:

480000 pixels at 24 frames per second for 60 minutes will return a size of 898.56 MB
480000 pixels at 24 frames per second for 120 minutes will return a size of 1.797 GB.

[4]

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 (c) The coding team are looking at writing a new closed source version of the application that converts audio and
image files in addition to video. They intend to sell copies of the program when it is complete. They investigate
three programming languages they could use, including:

C++, which is compiled to machine code

Java, which compiles to an intermediate code that then runs off a virtual machine
JavaScript, which runs from an interpreter in a web browser.

* Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the three options above and justify which option you would recommend.

[9]

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 17 See And Believe is a company that specialises in computer-generated imagery (CGI) for films.

Producing CGI requires lots of processing power and so the company has a large number of high-performance
computers.

Explain why See And Believe would use a distributed operating system.

[3]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

1 – Program iterates through the queue 2 AO1.2 global array display[20,4]

words (1)
– First word is added to display (1) …
– Subsequent words added on the same
line (1)  procedure
– Unless a word won’t fit, in which case it is  updateDisplay(words[])
moved to the next line (1)
– Words have spaces between them. (1)  xPos=0
– Use of sensible variable names (allow
single letter variables for for loop  yPos=0
counters. (1)
– Use of indentation (1)   for i=0 to words.size-1

   temp=words.remove()

   if xPos+1+temp.length>20
then

    yPos=yPos+1

    xPos=0

   endif

   for j=0 to temp.length-1

    display[xPos+j,
    yPos]=temp.substring(j,1)

   next j

   xPos=xPos+temp.length+1

 next i

endprocedure

Accept ‘row major’ array in pseudocode

provided it is consistent throughout.

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates found this question challenging

although there were many excellent
solutions. Not all candidates noted in the
question that ‘Credit will be given for the
readability of your code’. In many cases
where candidates had attempted a solution
which contained errors they were still able

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

to gain marks for appropriate indentation

and the use of sensible variable names.

Total 7

2 – Where weight is less than 4 and volume 4 AO3.2 Example

is less than 0.3m3 returns 5… (1)
– …And only when both weight<4 and function getCost(weight,
volume is<0.3 (1) volume)
– Where weight is >= 4 and volume >= 0.3   if weight < 4 and volume <
it returns the larger of weight * 2 if that is 0.3 then
larger (than volume*20)… (1)     return 5 (Accept getCost =
– …and volume * 20 if that is larger (than 5)
weight * 2). (1)   else
    cost=weight*2
    if cost<volume*20 then
      cost=volume*20
    end if
    return cost (Accept
getcost = cost)
  end if
endfunction

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates were asked to complete a

function in this question. Although many
students demonstrated reasonable logic in
solving this problem, some functions
designed resulted in output, rather than
returned values from the function and
therefore did not gain full marks.

Total 4

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

3 – Declaration of list/array. 5 (AO3.2) Array Version

– for loop which runs ten times. array names[9]
– inputting name to correct location each for i = 0 to 9
iteration. names[i]=input("Enter a name:
– for loop/while loop which outputs each ")
name. next i
– names are formatted with numbers 1-10 for i= 0 to 9
and a dot preceding each one. print((i+1)+". "+names[i])
next i
(1 per - , max 5) List Version
names = []
for i = 0 to 9
names.append(input("Enter a
name: "))
next i
for i= 0 to 9
print((i+1)+". "+names[i])
next i
Allow 0 or 1 based array, provided code is
consistent.

Examiner’s Comments

Many candidates scored well on this

question. Although, some candidate
responses demonstrated confusion when
using language specific iterative
statements, resulting in the loop iterating
more or less than 10 times. Other
candidates placed the input and output
statements within the same loop which
does not meet the requirements of the
question.

Total 5

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

4 – CUSTOMER… 2 (AO2.2) Examiner’s Comments

– …Details about the customers( making
the booking) Most candidates gave an appropriate table
– BOOKING… but did not describe relevant attributes of
– …Stores a reference to customer unique their specified table.
ID and production unique ID.
– PRODUCTION…
– …Details of the productions (being
booked)
– PAYMENTDETAILS…
– …Details of payment method used (to
make the booking)

1 Mark for each table name (max 1)

1 mark for each description (max 1)
Total (max 2)

Total 2

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

5 a An Assembler 1 (AO1.1)

b – Provide a user interface 3 (AO1.1) Examiner’s Comments

– Provide System Security
– Manage hardware Candidates need to be reminded that they
– Provide utilities need to be specific when giving the
– Provide a platform from which software functions of an operating system. Ideally
can be installed/run referring to those outlined in the
– Schedule jobs specification. Responses like ‘manage
– Handle interrupts resources’ is not specific enough at this
– Manage memory level of study, the resources referred to
(1 per - , max 3) must be specified.

c – Open source has the source code freely 4 (AO1.1) Examiner’s Comments
available…
– … to amend/copy/redistribute/recompile Candidates who did not refer to the ability
– Whereas closed source is distributed in to access and modify or distribute the
binary form only/the source code is not ‘source code’ in relation to open source
made available… and closed source software did not
– There are licensing conditions restricting generally score well on this question.
the redistribution/there is no permission Centres need to make sure candidates use
to amend the (program) code the correct technical terminology at this
(1 per - , max 4) level of study.

d – Compilers translate the source code 2 (AO2.1) Examiner’s Comments

prior to distribution
– Meaning the user gets an executable Many candidate responses explained the
program (which makes amending of the difference between compilation and
program much more difficult). interpretation rather than explaining why
– Interpreters translate source code every compilation would be more appropriate in
time the program is run this situation. Candidates should be
– meaning the user needs the source reminded that their response must relate to
code to run the program the context of the question.
– (1 per - , max 2)

Total 10

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

6 - Initialise all 4 totals variables 6 Example:

- Checks through all items in the array bandA = 0
via suitable loop. AO3.2 bandB = 0
- Add temperatures <=10 to Band A (6) bandC = 0
- Adds temperatures >=31 to Band D bandD = 0
- Correctly assigns temperatures for i=0 to
between 11 and 20 inclusive to Band temperatures[].length - 1
B and those between 21-30 inclusive if temperatures[i]<=10 then
to Band C  bandA = bandA + 1
- Uses else if (or equivalent) for elseif temperatures[i]<=20
efficiency rather than multiple ifs OR then
uses select/case OR any other  bandB = bandB + 1
solution that stops trying to categorise elseif temperatures[i]<=30
a temperature once its band is found. then
- Displays results in similar format to  bandC = bandC + 1
shown in question. else
(1 per -, max 6)  bandD = bandD + 1
endif
next i
print(“Band A: ” + bandA)
print(“Band B: ” + bandB)
print(“Band C: ” + bandC)
print(“Band D: ” + bandD)

Some solutions may use Select/Case.

E.g.

Select Case temperatures[i]

  Case Is<=10
    bandA=bandA+1

Look out for alternative methods of

iteration such as using iterators

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates were required to write an

algorithm and it was pleasing to see that
most candidates responded reasonably
well to this question. Common mistakes
were: failing to initialise the counter
variables; incorrect concatenation in the
output; using separate IF statements when
efficiency was required i.e. (nested IF’s or
SELECT CASE).

Total 6

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

7 Mark Band 3-High Level (7-9 marks) 9 Points May Include:

AO1
The candidate demonstrates a thorough - A virtual machine is a piece of
knowledge and understanding of how VMs AO1.1 software that behaves in the same
can be used (for full marks they have (2) way as an actual computer.
identified 2 realistic uses of VMs); AO1.2 - In this case the VM on the computer
Thorough discussion of pros and cons of (2) would behave as though it were a
VMs. The candidate is able to apply their AO2.1 games console.
knowledge and understanding directly and (2) - Some VMs are used to interpret
consistently to the context provided. AO3.3 intermediate code.
Evidence/examples will be explicitly (3)
relevant to the explanation. The candidate AO2
provides a thorough discussion which is - VMs of different consoles allow the
well-balanced. program to be tested for different
Evaluative comments are consistently machines from the programmer’s
relevant and well-considered. computer.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning - Saves space and the time and cost of
which is clear and logically structured. The setting up multiple systems.
information presented is relevant and - Requires a powerful computer (as
substantiated. must run its own OS and the VM).
Candidate has used appropriate technical - The VMs need to be accurate
terminology throughout. There are few if representations of the physical
any spelling errors or errors of grammar. machine or the final code will not work
on them.
Mark Band 2 -Mid Level (4-6 marks) - Game could be written in a language
The candidate demonstrates reasonable that is interpreted to intermediate code
knowledge and understanding of how a VM and is run off a VM.
could be used and their pros and cons. - This means only one version of the
Evidence/examples are for the most part code needs be written and it will run
implicitly relevant to the explanation The on all systems.
candidate provides a reasonable - This saves time and maximizes profits.
discussion, the majority of which is - However the game will run more
focused. Evaluative comments are for the slowly than if it had been compiled to
most part appropriate, although one or two native code.
opportunities for development are missed.
There is a line of reasoning presented with AO3
some structure. - Using Virtual Machines may be a
The information presented is in the most useful tool during testing, saving time.
part relevant and supported by some - Realistically physical machines will
evidence. have to be used at some point to be
There may be spelling errors or errors of 100% sure everything works as it
grammar in the response but they are not should.
obtrusive. - Using a VM to run intermediate code
makes it easy to release for a variety
of platforms.
- But will be at the expense of game
performance.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

Mark Band 1-Low Level (1-3 marks)

The candidate demonstrates a basic
knowledge of how VMs could be used and
an understanding of pros or cons of their
use. The candidate makes a limited
attempt to apply acquired knowledge and
understanding to the context provided
The candidate provides a limited Examiner’s Comments
discussion which is narrow in focus.
Judgments if made are weak and Candidates were assessed on the quality
unsubstantiated. The information is basic of their extended response in this question.
and communicated in an unstructured way. Many candidates offered a balanced
The information is supported by limited discussion outlining the advantages and
evidence and the relationship to the disadvantages of using virtual machines in
evidence may not be clear. games development and testing. Some
There are likely to be spelling errors and/or candidates went on to also discuss how
errors of grammar, which will disrupt the virtual machines could be used to run
flow of the response intermediate code. Some conclusions were
appropriately justified/reasoned. Many
0 marks candidates scored in the mid-level band on
No attempt to answer the question or this question.
response is not worthy of credit.

Total 9

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

8 - Asks for a number. 3 loop INP

- repeatedly… AO3.2 SUB num
- until 3 is entered. (3) BRZ end
(1 per -, max 3) BRA loop
end HLT
num DAT 3

Accept answers that use immediate

addressing
ie., SUB #3

Examiner’s Comments

It was evident from responses to this

question that candidates are more
practised in writing LMC code than in
previous series. Most candidates achieved
two marks for correctly inputting the value
repeatedly. Many candidates did not
achieve the third mark because they
incorrectly used SUB 3 instead of
referencing a memory location or correctly
using immediate addressing i.e. SUB #3.

Total 3

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

9 a 4 Example solution:
- Returns false if reading is not a if(!isNaN(reading) &&
number. AO3.2 reading>=1 && reading<=999999)
- Returns true if reading is >=1 (4) {
- and ⇐999999 (but no other values)     return true;
- Returns false for a number not }
between these values. else
{
(1 per -, max 4)     return false;
}
Do not penalise for lack of ;
{ } are not needed in this case.

NB: credit should be given for validating

length

Examiner’s Comments

Some candidates used incorrect logic in

this question. Common issues included;
incorrect use of the Boolean operator i.e.
IF reading >=1 OR reading <=999999;
inverse use of the returned value from the
isNaN() function. Some candidates, even
though the question specified that this was
a function, did not return any value(s).
Candidates were not penalised for slight
errors in syntax.

b i - A program/software 2
- That controls a piece of hardware AO1.1
- Providing an interface/bridge between (2)
the device and (operating) system
(1 per -, max 2) Examiner’s Comments

Many candidates stated a valid definition

for a device driver but some definitions
were too vague to gain credit at this level
of study.

ii Protocol(s) 1 cao
AO1.1
(1) Examiner’s Comments

Most candidates correctly stated

protocol(s) here.

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iii - Spreadsheet package 1 Accept any suitable application.

- DBMS/database AO1.2 No proprietary names
(1 per -, max 1) (1)
Examiner’s Comments

Surprisingly fewer than anticipated

candidates achieved this mark. Candidates
should be reminded that the use of
proprietary names is not acceptable and
will not gain credit.

Total 8

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10 a - The BIOS is loaded/ carries out its 2

checks AO2.1
- the BIOS/bootstrap loads up the OS. (2)
(1 per -, max 2) Examiner’s Comments

Many candidates correctly referred to the

BIOS/bootstrap but then failed to clearly
describe the process.

b - Disk Defragmenter 1 Accept any sensible utility.

- Compression Utility AO1.2 No proprietary names
- Disk Checker (1)
- Virus checker
- File manager
(1 per -, max 1) Examiner’s Comments

Most candidates could correctly state an

appropriate utility program.

c Mark Band 3-High Level (7-9 marks) 9 AO1

The candidate demonstrates a thorough Memory management divides memory
knowledge and understanding of how OSs AO1.1 either by paging or segmentation.
manage resources (for this band these (2) Virtual memory is where part of secondary
should be reference to CPU time and AO1.2 storage is treated as extra memory space.
memory); Strong evaluation of different (2) It is used when physical memory space is
approaches. The candidate provides a AO2.1 limited.
thorough discussion which is well- (2) CPU time is allocated to processing using
balanced. AO3.3 scheduling.
Evaluative comments are consistently (3) Schedulers use different algorithms.
relevant and well-considered. When CPU attention is needed interrupts
There is a well-developed line of reasoning are generated.
which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and AO2
substantiated. Paging divides memory by fixed size
Candidate has used appropriate technical physical divisions.
terminology throughout. There are few if Whilst all pages are the same size, what
any spelling errors or errors of grammar. that size is can vary.
Segmentation is dividing memory
Mark Band 2 -Mid Level (4-6 marks) according to variable size logical divisions.
The candidate demonstrates reasonable Scheduling algorithms include Round
knowledge and understanding of how OSs Robin (Each job gets a fixed time slice),
manage system resources (for 5+ Marks First Come First Served (The first job to
there should be reference to both CPU arrive is processed until completion, then
time and memory). The candidate provides the next…), Shortest Job First (The
a reasonable discussion, the majority of quickest to complete job is finished first),
which is focused. Evaluative comments are Shortest Remaining Time (quickest job is
for the most part appropriate, although one completed first but stops and re-evaluates
or two opportunities for development are when a new job arrives), Multi-Level
missed. Feedback Queue (Jobs are put in different
queues depending on their importance).

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There is a line of reasoning presented with Interrupts are signals sent to the processor
some structure. The information presented asking for attention.
is in the most part relevant and supported
by some evidence. AO3
There may be spelling errors or errors of With segmentation only the exact space
grammar in the response but they are not needed is used per program, however as
obtrusive. programs are loaded and removed from
memory there may be wasted space
between programs. Programmers often
need to specify segments.

Mark Band 1-Low Level (1-3 marks) The fixed size of pages make it easier to
The candidate demonstrates a basic allocate pages and work out their position.
knowledge of how OSs manage system Space inside a page may be ‘wasted’ as
resources The candidate makes a limited program is unlikely to take up exact
attempt to apply acquired knowledge and number of pages, however all pages can
understanding to the context provided be used with no wasted space between
The candidate provides a limited them. Programmer need not worry about
discussion which is narrow in focus. the pages.
Judgments if made are weak and
unsubstantiated. The information is basic In practice both are used in conjunction
and communicated in an unstructured way. (e.g. segmentation on top of paging).
The information is supported by limited
evidence and the relationship to the Some scheduling algorithms (e.g. SJF,
evidence may not be clear. STR) can cause starvation (i.e. certain jobs
There are likely to be spelling errors and/or never get processed).
errors of grammar, which will disrupt the More complicated scheduling algorithms
flow of the response take up lots of processor time for the
scheduling itself, taking away processing
0 marks time from the actual jobs that need
No attempt to answer the question or processing.
response is not worthy of credit. Interrupts mean that the processor only
has to worry about being needed when told
(as opposed to having to constantly check
i.e. polling).

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates were assessed on the quality

of their extended response in this question.
Many candidates explained the difference
between paging and segmentation, the use
of virtual memory and scheduling very well.
Some went on to describe the different
scheduling algorithm techniques equally
well and discussed the relative advantages
of each function. Many candidates scored
well on this question.

Total 12

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11 Operating Tick One 1

system AO2.1
(1)
Distributed
Examiner’s Comments
Embedded ✔
Multi-user Most candidates achieved the single mark
available in this question.

Total 1

12 - Program iterates through the queue 7

words (1)

- First word is added to display (1) AO3.2

- Subsequent words added on the same (5)

line (1)

- Unless a word won’t fit, in which case it is AO3.1

moved to the next line (1)
(2)
- Words have spaces between them. (1)

- Use of sensible variable names (allow

single letter variables for for loop
counters. (1)

- Use of indentation (1)

Accept ‘row major’ array in pseudocode

provided it is consistent throughout.

Examiner’s Comment
Candidates found this question challenging
although there were many excellent
solutions. Not all candidates noted in the
question that ‘Credit will be given for the
readability of your code’. In many cases
where candidates had attempted a solution
which contained errors they were still able
to gain marks for appropriate indentation
and the use of sensible variable names.

Total 7

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13 Mark Band 3–High Level 9 AO1.1 AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

(7-9 marks) (2) AO1.2
The candidate demonstrates a thorough (2) AO2.1 The following is indicative of possible
knowledge and understanding of a wide (2) AO3.3 factors/evidence that candidates may refer
range of ways a computer’s performance (3) to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
can be improved and justifies how these
measures improve performance; the Methods of improving performance
material is generally accurate and detailed.
The candidate is able to apply their – Replace CPU with faster CPU
knowledge and understanding directly and – Add more/Faster RAM
consistently to the context provided. – Add a graphics card
Evidence/examples will be explicitly – Upgrade to faster secondary storage
relevant to the explanation. The candidate – Update OS
provides a thorough discussion which is – Install a lighter weight OS
well-balanced. Evaluative comments are – Defragment the hard disk
consistently relevant and well-considered. – Check for viruses and spyware.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning
which is clear and logically structured. The AO2.1: Application
information presented is relevant and
substantiated. The selected knowledge/examples should
be directly related to the specific question.
Mark Band 2 –Mid Level The example below is not prescriptive or
(4-6 marks) exhaustive:
The candidate demonstrates reasonable
knowledge and understanding of a range – A newer CPU may have a faster clock
of methods of improving a computer’s speed and so execute more instructions
performance and justifies how many of per second. It may have multiple cores
these improve performance; the material is and so be able to execute several
generally accurate but at times programs simultaneously (or one in
underdeveloped. The candidate is able to parallel). It may have more cache
apply their knowledge and understanding meaning comparatively slower RAM can
directly to the context provided although be accessed less frequently.
one or two opportunities are missed. – More RAM means more programs can be
Evidence/examples are for the most part open simultaneously without the need to
implicitly relevant to the explanation. The use much slower virtual memory.
candidate provides a reasonable – Adding a graphics card will speed up the
discussion, the majority of which is rendering of 3D graphics as GPU has
focused. Evaluative comments are for the specialist instructions and can apply the
most part appropriate, although one or two same instruction to multiple pieces of
opportunities for development are missed. data simultaneously.
There is a line of reasoning presented with – The slower the secondary storage the
some structure. The information presented longer it takes to load files/program/data.
is in the most part relevant and supported A faster secondary storage device can
by some evidence. improve this. May choose to use flash
memory (i.e. SSD)
Mark Band 1-Low Level – OS makers often release updates and
(1-3 marks) some of these will improve performance.
The candidate demonstrates a basic – Some lighter weight operating systems
knowledge of how a computer’s use fewer system resources allowing the

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performance can be improved. Limited system to devote more to running the

understanding is shown of how these user’s applications.
measures improve performance; the – A fragmented HDD runs slowly as time is
material is basic and contains some spent finding parts of the files. This is
inaccuracies. The candidate makes a reduced by defragmenting and storing
limited attempt to apply acquired the parts of the file contiguously.
knowledge and understanding to the – Malware can slow down a computer.
context provided. The candidate provides a Removing it will improve performance.
limited discussion which is narrow in focus.
Judgments if made are weak and AO3.3: Evaluation
unsubstantiated.
The information is basic and The following is indicative of possible
communicated in an unstructured way. The evaluation points that candidates may refer
information is supported by limited to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
evidence and the relationship to the
evidence may not be clear. Hardware improvements (i.e. CPU, RAM,
secondary storage and GPU) have costs
0 marks attached but likely to have most impact.
No attempt to answer the question or
response is not worthy of credit. The higher performance the hardware, the
more cost incurred.

(NB candidates aren't expected to know

relative costs of components.)

GPU unlikely to benefit student in this

scenario (unless their course requires
graphics processing).

Defragmenting HDD is free and so should

be performed.

Running anti-malware programs is free/low

cost and should be done as a precaution
against losing data anyway.

Moving to lighter weight software can

potentially be free if the user considers
open source software.

Examiner’s Comments
Candidates were assessed on the quality
of their extended response in this question.
Most candidates could cite some methods
for improving performance but not all
managed to then appropriately apply these
to the question. Many candidates did
recommend one or more measures
although some cases needed to include
justification. This resulted in some very

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good responses and marks awarded

spanning the range of marks available.

Total 9

14 Prints receipt with item name and price 6 Example

on each line. (AO3.2)
Applies a 10% discount to gardening
purchases. (AO3.2)
If decorating spend is £20 or more.
(AO3.2)
Displays each discount on the receipt.
(AO3.2)
Displays the correct total. (AO3.2)
Correct addressing of a 2D array
(A02.1)

Examiner's Comments

This question required candidates to write

an algorithm in pseudocode. Candidates
are not required to write pseudocode in the
form outlined in the specification Appendix
5e, any reasonable form of pseudocode
was given credit, where appropriate.
However, some candidate responses were
written in structured English which is not an
acceptable alternative to pseudocode at
this level of study. Few candidates scored
full marks on this question. Many
candidates did not demonstrate the ability
to correctly address a 2D array.

Total 6

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15 a The program flow jumps to a 2 Do not to accept ‘…branch…’ for BP 1

(designated) label / another point in the
program Examiner's Comments
If the value in the accumulator is
positive. Many candidates failed to gain credit on
this question due to the lack of attention to
detail in their response, which is essential
at this level of study. Some candidates
responded with answers such as: ‘the code
branches if the result is positive’. Many
candidates did not demonstrate
understanding that it is the value in the
accumulator which is being tested for
whether it is positive or not.

b Inputs the PIN 4 Example code:

compares it with the passcode stored INP
in memory using SUB SUB passcode
the correct PIN results in a jump to BRZ deactivate
deactivate BRA alarm
incorrect PIN resulting in a jump to
alarm Examiner's Comments

The specification clearly outlines the LMC

mnemonics which are acceptable in
learners' responses. Some candidates
used LMC mnemonics correctly, gaining
some credit. Other candidates answered
using procedural pseudocode gaining no
credit. Centres are advised to ensure
candidates have the range of LMC
mnemonics at their disposal prior to sitting
the examination.

Total 6

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16 a Source code is freely available… 2

…for others to amend / examine / Examiner's Comments
recompile
This question was generally well
answered. However, candidates who
referred to the ‘software’ being freely
available rather than the ‘source code’ did
not gain credit.

b function takes in all three parameters 4

and returns a string.
Calculates file size correctly.
Files under 1000MB quoted in MB
Files 1000MB or over quoted in GB

Examiner's Comments

Most candidates gained credit for correctly

writing pseudocode to calculate the
estimated file size. However, too many
candidates found converting between KB,
MB and GB challenging. In addition, many
did not write their pseudocode as a
function and most output rather than
returned the result.

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c Mark Band 3–High Level (7-9 marks) 9 AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The candidate demonstrates a thorough The following is indicative of possible that
knowledge and understanding of a wide candidates may refer to but is not
range of the technical issues the coding prescriptive or exhaustive:
team might have considered; the material Java
is generally accurate and detailed. The One version needs be written and can be
candidate is able to apply their knowledge used on any device / OS combination that
and understanding directly and consistently has the Java Virtual Machine rather than
to the context provided and come to a well having to write multiple versions.
argued conclusion. Evidence / examples Code running on a VM tends to be slower
will be explicitly relevant to the explanation. than compiled.
The candidate provides a thorough C++
discussion which is well-balanced. Multiple versions of the code will need to
Evaluative comments are consistently be maintained for different architectures…
relevant and well-considered. …however there may be minimal
differences between them, and then just
There is a well-developed line of reasoning need compiling with different compilers.
which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and Program will run quicker than alternatives.
substantiated.
JavaScript
Mark Band 2 –Mid Level (4-6 marks) As interpreted likely to be by far the
The candidate demonstrates reasonable slowest option.
knowledge and understanding of the Will run in any browser.
technical issues the coding team might
have considered; the material is generally AO2: Application
accurate but at times underdeveloped. The The selected knowledge / examples should
candidate is able to apply their knowledge be directly related to the specific question.
and understanding directly to the context The following is indicative of possible
provided although one or two opportunities factors / evidence that candidates may
are missed. A reasoned conclusion is refer to but is not prescriptive or
drawn. Evidence / examples are for the exhaustive:
most part implicitly relevant to the
explanation The candidate provides a Java
reasonable discussion, the majority of Multiple devices can include devices other
which is focused. Evaluative comments are than PCs (i.e. phones, tablets).
for the most part appropriate, although one People with unusual operating systems or
or two opportunities for development are architectures would have access to the
missed. application.
There is a line of reasoning presented with It makes commercial sense to sell to as
some structure. The information presented wide an audience as possible.
is in the most part relevant and supported The speed reduction compared to
by some evidence. compiled code will likely be noticeable with
such a processor intensive task.
Mark Band 1-Low Level (1-3 marks) As running on a VM coders will have
The candidate demonstrates a basic limited (if any) access to some of the low
knowledge of the technical issues the level features (e.g. access to the GPU)
coding team might have considered with which can optimise the program.
limited understanding shown; the material Intermediate code is used helping protect

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is basic and contains some inaccuracies. A intellectual property.

conclusion is made though it may not be
well supported. The candidate makes a C++
limited attempt to apply acquired Some less used architectures may not be
knowledge and understanding to the developed for as not commercially viable.
context provided. Compiled code will run quicker than the
The candidate provides a limited other options. This is likely to be noticeable
discussion which is narrow in focus. given the nature of the task.
Judgments if made are weak and Easier to get access to lower level features
unsubstantiated. The information is basic (such as GPU access).
and lacks supporting evidence. Compiled code is not human readable
helping to preserve intellectual property

JavaScript
Most people have web browsers so by far
most compatible option (don't even need
VM).
The slow speed may be frustrating…
…though as no user interaction is needed
this may be a trade off worth making.
Source code is visible (though can be
obfuscated) meaning it can easily be
copied and amended.

AO3: Evaluation
Candidate has used the points above to
justify their choice of language.

Examiner's Comments

Candidates were assessed on the quality

of their extended response in this question.
Some candidates did not extend their
discussion beyond the benefits and
drawbacks associated with writing code in
each of these programming languages,
therefore limiting credit awarded to low /
mid band. Those candidates who
discussed the benefits and drawbacks of
selling a closed source application written
in each of the languages with a justified
recommendation were credited in the mid /
high band. Centres should encourage
candidates to structure their response to
clearly address all parts of the question.

Total 15

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17 Any 2 from: 3
Examiner's Comments
Allow multiple computers / resources…
(AO1.1) Few candidates gained full marks on this
To be treated as one / work on the question. Many candidates described
same problem (AO1.1) general characteristics of a network
operating system rather than a distributed
1 from: operating system. Fewer appropriately
related their explanation to the scenario.
Meaning all the computers can work on
producing the same special effect.
(AO2.1)

Total 3

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