Level:
Correct: 0
Incorrect: 0
Marks: 0/0
Exam Practice
Subject:
Topics:
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (Paper 1) Smart practice A mixed round aimed at your weak spots
Unit 1
Data representation
Number systems
Binary, denary and hexadecimal conversions
0%
Uses of hexadecimal
0%
Binary addition and overflow
0%
Logical binary shifts
0%
Two's complement
0%
Text, sound and images
Character sets: ASCII and Unicode
0%
Representing sound
0%
Representing images
0%
Data storage and compression
Data storage units and file size calculations
0%
Data compression
0%
Unit 2
Data transmission
Types and methods of data transmission
Packets and packet switching
0%
Methods of data transmission
0%
The USB interface
0%
Methods of error detection
Parity, checksum and echo check
0%
Check digits and ARQ
0%
Encryption
Encryption
0%
Unit 3
Hardware
Computer architecture
The CPU, Von Neumann architecture and the FDE cycle
0%
Cores, cache and clock speed
0%
Instruction sets and embedded systems
0%
Input and output devices
Input devices
0%
Output devices
0%
Sensors
0%
Data storage
Primary storage: RAM and ROM
0%
Secondary storage: magnetic, optical and solid-state
0%
Virtual memory and cloud storage
0%
Network hardware
Network hardware: NIC, MAC and IP addresses, routers
0%
Unit 4
Software
Types of software and interrupts
System software, application software and operating systems
0%
Firmware and interrupts
0%
Programming languages, translators and IDEs
High-level languages, low-level languages and assembly language
0%
Compilers and interpreters
0%
Integrated development environments (IDEs)
0%
Unit 5
The internet and its uses
The internet and the world wide web
The internet, the world wide web, URLs and HTTP(S)
0%
Web browsers, locating web pages and cookies
0%
Digital currency
Digital currency and blockchain
0%
Cyber security
Cyber security threats
0%
Keeping data safe: security solutions
0%
Unit 6
Automated and emerging technologies
Automated systems
Automated systems
0%
Robotics
Robotics
0%
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
0%
Avg
score:
–
Topics
done:
0/39

System software, application software and operating systems

Practise 32 exam-style questions on System software, application software and operating systems for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (Paper 1). Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.

  • 32 questions
  • 1–6 marks each
  • Instant marking
  • No sign-up needed
20 questions, marked as you go

Sample questions with model answers

Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.

Question 1

1 mark

State the name of the type of user interface in which the user types instructions as text, for example to copy or delete files.

Model answer

A command line interface (CLI).

Explanation

Providing an interface is a function of the operating system. In a command line interface the user types commands; in a graphical user interface (GUI) the user selects icons and menus with a pointer or by touch.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Command line interface / CLI

    accept command-based / text-based interface; do not accept GUI

Question 2

2 marks

One function of an operating system is handling interrupts.

Describe what the operating system does when it receives an interrupt.

Model answer

The operating system saves the state of the task it was running and then runs the interrupt service routine to deal with the interrupt. When the interrupt has been handled, it restores the saved task and carries on.

Explanation

Handling interrupts is listed as a function of the operating system. The important ideas are saving the current task, running the correct interrupt service routine and then returning to the task, so nothing is lost.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    It checks the priority of the interrupt (against the current task)

    max 2

  2. 1 mark

    It saves the current task / the state of the current process (register contents)

  3. 1 mark

    It runs the interrupt service routine (ISR) to deal with the interrupt

    accept interrupt handler

  4. 1 mark

    It then restores / resumes the previous task

Question 3

3 marks

Describe three ways that an operating system provides system security.

Model answer

The operating system makes each user log in with a username and password before they can use the computer. It sets access rights so users can only open the files and folders they are allowed to. It also runs a firewall to block unauthorised network traffic.

Explanation

Providing system security is an operating system function. Strong answers describe what each measure does rather than just listing it, for example 'access rights stop students opening staff files'.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Users must log in with a username and password / biometrics (authentication)

    max 3

  2. 1 mark

    Access rights / permissions so users can only open certain files or folders

  3. 1 mark

    A firewall monitors / blocks network traffic

  4. 1 mark

    It installs security updates / patches

  5. 1 mark

    It scans for viruses / malware

  6. 1 mark

    It can encrypt files / storage

  7. 1 mark

    It locks the computer after a period of inactivity / after several failed log-in attempts

Question 4

4 marks

A family of four shares one laptop. The operating system gives each person a separate user account.

Explain two benefits to the family of having separate user accounts.

Model answer

Each person's files are kept in their own account, so other family members cannot see or accidentally delete them. Also, the children's accounts can be given restricted access, so they cannot install software or change important settings.

Explanation

For 'explain two benefits', each benefit needs a point and an expansion saying why it helps. Managing user accounts lets the operating system keep users' files and settings apart and give each user suitable access rights.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Each person's files are kept separate / private

    max 4: two benefits, each with an expansion

  2. 1 mark

    So other family members cannot see / change / delete them

  3. 1 mark

    Each person has their own settings / desktop / preferences

  4. 1 mark

    So they do not have to change the settings each time they use the laptop

  5. 1 mark

    Children's accounts can be given restricted access / parental controls

  6. 1 mark

    So children cannot install software / change settings / access unsuitable content

  7. 1 mark

    Each account is protected by its own password

  8. 1 mark

    So only that person can log in to their account

Ready to try the rest? Every answer you write is marked against the mark scheme, so you can see exactly where the marks are.

AI Tutor Hints first, answers after you try

Hi! Stuck? Ask me for a hint and I’ll help you work it out. Once you’ve checked your answer I can explain exactly where the marks are.