1 Algorithms 4

Learning outcomes 4
Referenced to 4
Student’s Book answers 4
2 Decomposition 6
Learning outcomes 6
Referenced to 6
3 Developing code 7
Learning outcomes 7
Referenced to 7
Student’s Book answers 7
4 Constructs 12
Learning outcomes 12
Referenced to 12
5 Data types and structures 13
Learning outcomes 13
Referenced to 13
Student’s Book answers 13
6 Input/output 15
Learning outcomes 15
Referenced to 15
Student’s Book answers 15
7 Operators 17
Learning outcomes 17
Referenced to 17
Student’s Book answers 17
8 Subprograms 19
Learning outcomes 19
Referenced to 19
Student’s Book answers 19
9 Binary 20
Learning outcomes 20
Referenced to 20
Student’s Book answers 20
10 Data representation 22
Learning outcomes 22

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 1 of 42

 Referenced to 22
Student’s Book answers 22
11 Data storage and compression 24
Learning outcomes 24
Referenced to 24
Student’s Book answers 24
12 Encryption 25
Learning outcomes 25
Referenced to 25
Student’s Book answers 25
13 Databases 26
Learning outcomes 26
Referenced to 26
Student’s Book answers 26
14 Machines and computational models 27
Learning outcomes 27
Referenced to 27
15 Hardware 28
Learning outcomes 28
Referenced to 28
Student’s Book answers 28
16 Logic 34
Learning outcomes 34
Referenced to 34
17 Software 35
Learning outcomes 35
Referenced to 35
Student’s Book answers 35
18 Programming languages 37
Learning outcomes 37
Referenced to 37
Student’s Book answers 37
19 Networks and the world wide web 38
Learning outcomes 38
Referenced to 38
Student’s Book answers 38

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 2 of 42

 20 Emerging trends, issues and impact 40
Learning outcomes 40
Referenced to 40
Student’s Book answers 40

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 3 of 42

1 Algorithms

Learning outcomes

• Understand what an algorithm is, what algorithms are used for and be able to interpret algorithms
[flowcharts, pseudocode, structured English, written descriptions, program code]
• Be able to create an algorithm to solve a particular problem, making use of programming
constructs [sequence, selection, repetition] and using an appropriate notation [flowchart, written
description, program code]
• Be able to describe the purpose of a given algorithm and explain how a simple algorithm works
• Be able to identify the correct output of an algorithm for a given set of data
• Be able to identify and correct errors in algorithms
• Be able to code an algorithm into a high-level language
• Understand how the choice of algorithm is influenced by the data structure and data values that
need to be manipulated
• Understand how standard algorithms [quick sort, bubble sort, selection sort, linear search, binary
search, breadth first search, depth first search, maximum/minimum, mean, count] work

Referenced to
Specification 1.1
Student’s Book 1

Student’s Book answers

Page 3

Question

What is an algorithm?

Answer

An algorithm is a set of specific steps for solving a category of problems.

Page 7

Question

Briefly describe the following constructs:

• sequence
• selection
• iteration.

Answer

Sequence

• A sequence is a linear progression where one task is performed sequentially after another.

Selection

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 4 of 42

 • IF–THEN–ELSE is a decision (selection) in which a choice is made between two alternative
courses of action.

Iteration

• WHILE is a loop (repetition) with a simple conditional test at its beginning.

Page 9

Question

Why would a computer programmer want to use a flowchart during a design process?

Answer

Solutions to simple programming exercises can be often designed and implemented by just sitting
down and writing code. It is, however, extremely difficult to write solutions to complex problems
using this approach and they are impossible to debug. For these reasons a structured design
process is preferred.

Page 19

Question

Complete the instructions on the flowchart by adding notes on how to play the game of snakes and
ladders.

Answer

Page 22

Question

What is a variable?

Answer

In computer programming, a variable is a storage location and name (called an identifier) which
contains some known or unknown quantity of information, a value.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 5 of 42

2 Decomposition

Learning outcomes

• Be able to analyse a problem, investigate requirements [inputs, outputs, processing, initialisation]

and design solutions
• Be able to decompose a problem into smaller sub-problems

Referenced to
Specification 1.2
Student’s Book 2

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 6 of 42

3 Developing code

Learning outcomes

• Be able to write programs in a high-level programming language

• Understand the benefit of producing programs that are easy to read, and be able to use
techniques [comments, descriptive variable names, indentation] to improve readability and to
explain how the code works
• Be able to differentiate between types of error in programs [logic, syntax, runtime]
• Be able to design and use test plans and test data
• Be able to interpret error messages and identify, locate and fix errors in a program
• Be able to identify what value a variable will hold at a given point in a program [trace table]
• Be able to make effective use of tools offered in an integrated development environment
[watcher, break points, single-step, step throughs]
• Be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a program and suggest improvements
• Be able to work safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely when using computers

Referenced to
Specification 2.1
Student’s Book 3

Student’s Book answers

Page 38

Question

What is a high-level programming language?

Answer

A high-level programming language is a language which enables a programmer to write programs

that are close to human language. This makes the coding easier to both read and write.

Page 39

Question

Describe the main benefits to a programmer of using a high-level programming language.

Answer

It makes it much easier to code and check as the language is easy to understand.

Question

Describe the difference between an interpreter and a compiler.

Answer

Compilers were the first sort of translator program to be developed. The idea is simple – the
program is written in a high-level language and then the compiler translates it. You can then run

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 7 of 42

the result. An interpreter is also a program that translates a high-level language into a low-level
language, but it does it when the program is actually run. You can write the program using a text
editor and then simply instruct the interpreter to run the program.

Page 40

Question

What is a comment?

Answer

In computer programming, a comment is used to annotate code. It does not run.

Question

Describe the main reasons why programmers would wish to annotate or add comments to their
code.

Answer

Comments are usually added with the purpose of making the source code easier to understand.
Comments have a wide range of potential uses from adding descriptions of what is happening to
generating external documentation.

Page 41

Question

Describe the main reasons why it is important to choose descriptive names for variables.

Answer

Adding descriptive variable names improves the overall quality of the software. It makes it much
easier to modify and read the code.

Page 42

Question

What does this function return?

<code> list(range(10))
</code>>>> list(range(10))

Answer

0123456789

Page 43

Question

What is a runtime error?

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 8 of 42

Answer

Runtime errors occur whenever the program instructs the computer to carry out an operation that it
is either not designed to do or reluctant to do. As a consequence of the huge number of situations
that can be categorised within this area, there is equally a huge number of ways to write programs
that cause runtime errors.

Question

Explain the following statement:

‘Run-time Error 339 component MCI32.OCX or one of its dependencies is not correctly registered:
a file is missing or invalid.’

Answer

There is a runtime error due to a missing file or piece of code.

Page 44

Question

What is meant by a logical error?

Answer

The program will run successfully; however, it will not behave in the manner it was designed to. In
other words, it will simply produce incorrect results.

Question

A programmer is developing a new program. Describe the types of errors he or she should check
for.

Answer

There are basically three types of error that computer programmers encounter when writing
software. These are:

• Syntax errors

Syntax errors, or as they are sometimes known, format errors, are a big problem for those who are
new to programming. A syntax error occurs when the programmer fails to obey, usually through
inexperience, one of the grammar rules of the programming language that they are writing their
application in.

• Runtime errors

Runtime errors occur whenever the program instructs the computer to carry out an operation that it
is either not designed to do or reluctant to do.

• Logic errors

Out of the three common errors that occur in programming, logic errors are typically the most
difficult kind of errors to detect and rectify. This is usually because there is no obvious indication of
the error within the software.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 9 of 42

Page 50

Question

Explain the differences between verification and validation.

Answer

Verification is the testing of conformance and consistency of software against pre-decided criteria.
So it could be looked upon as asking the question: ‘Have we built the product right?’ This is usually
carried out via functional testing, where testing activities verify the specific actions or functions of
software code relative to an expected response.

When we check that an application has been correctly written against a specification that has been
agreed with the customer it is called validation. So it could be looked upon as asking the question:
‘Have we built the right product?’ Validation is commonly tested via non-functional testing that may
not have any relation to a specific function or user action.

Page 51

Question

Describe the two main types of program testing.

Answer

1. Under normal conditions. The application is tested under normal working conditions and the
data that a coded solution is supplied with is within the anticipated range. This includes testing
under extreme conditions – the coded solution is provided with data that is within the operating
range but at its limits of performance.

2. Error behaviour. An application or program is provided with data that is outside of its limits of
performance. These particular tests try to break the application and to investigate if things occur
when they shouldn’t or vice versa.

Page 55

Question

Describe three essential safety practices when using computers on a daily basis.

Answer

• Observe recommendations for the health and safety of the user.

• Take care when handling hardware components.
• Ensure that any computer settings can be reversed if necessary.
• Make use of IT security – passwords, anti-virus software, etc.

Page 56

Question

Describe three main security measures required when using an internet-connected computer.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 10 of 42

Answer

Use strong passwords, keep anti-virus software and security patches up to date, log out of services
when we finish using them, and be careful of the information we send in emails, texts or instant
messages. The only time anything is private in computing is when the computer is off line. Never
put any private information on the internet.

Page 57

Question

What is meant by the terms legal and ethical use in relation to computer software?

Answer

Legal use – illegally downloading copyrighted material like movies, music, publications, software
and video games.

Ethical use – it is unethical to access, view or collect confidential material and/or personal
information.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 11 of 42

4 Constructs

Learning outcomes

• Be able to identify the structural components of a program [variable and type declarations,
initialisations, command sequences, conditionals, repetition, data structures, subprograms]
• Be able to use sequencing, selection and repetition constructs in programs

Referenced to
Specification 2.1
Student’s Book 4

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 12 of 42

5 Data types and structures

Learning outcomes

• Understand the need for and be able to select and use data types [integer, real, Boolean, char]
• Understand the need for and be able to select and use data structures [one-dimensional arrays,
two-dimensional arrays]
• Understand the need for and be able to manipulate strings
• Understand the need for and be able to use variables and constants
• Understand the need for and be able to use global and local variables

Referenced to
Specification 2.3
Student’s Book 5

Student’s Book answers

Page 66

Question

Which of the following are integers:

6, –7.0, 2.6, 10, 4.5. 17. 17.0

Answer

6, –7.0, 10, 17.0

Question

What is the difference between integer and real data types?

Answer

Integer data types contain whole numbers (not fractional numbers). Real data types contain
decimal numbers. Both types can be positive, negative, or zero.

Page 72

Question

Explain the term one-dimensional array.

Answer

A one-dimensional array in Python and PHP is a data structure that allows a list of items to be
stored with the capability of accessing each item by pointing to its location within the array.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 13 of 42

Page 76

Question

Explain the difference between one- and two-dimensional arrays.

Answer

Two-dimensional arrays are a little more complex than one-dimensional arrays, but really they are
nothing more than an array of arrays. In other words, there is an array in one row and another in
the next row.

Page 78

Question

Draw a binary tree to show the possible outcomes of tossing a coin eight separate times in terms
of heads and tails.

Answer

Page 83

Question

Describe two kinds of scope used in programming.

Answer

Module scope – refers to when a variable is declared before and outside of any procedure within a
program module.

Procedure scope – refers to when a variable can be read and modified only from within the
procedure in which it is declared.

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6 Input/output

Learning outcomes

• Be able to write code that accepts and responds appropriately to user input
• Understand the need for and be able to implement validation
• Be able to write code that outputs information to a screen and understand and use Cartesian x/y
coordinates
• Be able to design and code a user interface [textual, graphical]
• Be able to write code that opens/closes, reads/writes, deletes, inserts, appends from/to a file

Referenced to
Specification 2.4
Student’s Book 6

Student’s Book answers

Page 89

Question

List six input devices.

Answer

Mouse
Keyboard
Touch screen
Microphone
Camera
Tracker ball

Page 90

Question

List six output devices.

Answer

Screen
Printer
Speaker
Plotter
Data projector
Actuator

Page 92

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 15 of 42

Question

State four types of data validation.

Answer

There are a number of validation types that can be used to check the data that is being entered.

• Check digit: the last one or two digits in any code are used to check the other digits are correct.
• Format check: checks the data is in the specified format.
• Batch totals check: checks for missing records.
• Cardinality check: checks that a record has a valid number of related records.
• Length check: checks the data isn't too long or too short.
• Presence check: checks that some data has been entered into a field.
• Consistency check: checks fields to ensure data in these fields corresponds, e.g., If Title = ‘Mr’,
then Gender = ‘M’.
• Lookup table: looks up acceptable values in a table or array.
• Range check: checks that a value falls within a specified range.
• Spell check: looks up words in a dictionary or array.

Page 93

Question

List the values for each of the points in this chart. As an example, point_A is (–1,4).

Answer
B is (4, 3)
C is (–3, 3)
D is (–2, 1)
E is (2, 2)
F is (–3, –1)
G is (–1, –3)
H is (2, –2)
I is (1, –3)
K is (3, –4)

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 16 of 42

7 Operators

Learning outcomes

• Understand the purpose of and be able to use arithmetic operators [plus, minus, divide, multiply,
modulus, integer division]
• Understand the purpose of and be able to use relational operators [equal to, less than, greater
than, not equal to, less than or equal to, greater than or equal to]
• Understand the purpose of and be able to use Boolean operators [AND, OR, NOT]

Referenced to
Specification 2.5
Student’s Book 7

Student’s Book answers

Page 100

Question

Identify the Boolean expressions in the following:

• When the door is open and it is cold outside I have to wear my coat.
• The central heating switches off when it is higher than 22 °C and switches on when it is less
than 18 °C.

Answer

• if door open AND cold outside = coat

• temp>22=off temp<18=on

Question

Write the following as a Boolean expression.

‘When the ground is dry and the sun goes down I water the plants. If the sun is hot and you water
the plants it burns their leaves.’

Answer

if ground dry AND sun down = water plants

if sun hot AND water plants = burnt leaves

Page 101

Question

Which of the following data would you store as an integer and which would you store as a string?

• Steve
• 15

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• 007
• B901LK
• 2012
• 10.2
• marks

Which is the odd one out and what would you store it as?

Answer

String:
Steve
007
B901LK
marks

Integer:
2012
15

10.2 is the odd one out – This would be stored as Real because of the decimal point.

Page 103

Question

State three reasons why programmers use functions.

Answer

• Reusability: once a function is defined, it can be used over and over again.
• Many functions have already been written for you as preset functions.
• Functions also provide a tool for splitting systems into parts that each have a well-defined role.

Page 104

Question

Explain what is meant by the scope of a variable.

Answer

Variables have a global or local ‘scope’. For example, variables declared within functions may be
only used in these functions. Global variables, variables declared outside, may be used anywhere
within the program. If a local variable is declared with the same name as a global variable, the
program will use the local variable to make its calculations within the current scope.

Question

Why do we use constants in programs?

Answer

Constants are data entities, the values of which cannot change during a program’s execution. As
their name implies, their values are constant.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 18 of 42

8 Subprograms

Learning outcomes

• Understand the benefits of using subprograms and be able to write code that uses user-written
and pre-existing [built-in, library] subprograms
• Understand the concept of passing data into and out of subprograms [procedures, functions,
return values]
• Be able to create subprograms that perform generalisation

Referenced to
Specification 2.6
Student’s Book 8

Student’s Book answers

Page 113

Question

What are the two main roles of a function?

Answer

• To reduce the amount of code needed.

• To split systems into parts with well-defined roles.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 19 of 42

9 Binary

Learning outcomes

• Understand that computers use binary to represent data and instructions

• Understand how computers represent and manipulate numbers [unsigned integers, signed
integers (sign and magnitude, two’s complement) real numbers]
• Be able to convert between binary and denary whole numbers (0–255) and vice versa
• Be able to perform binary arithmetic [add, subtract, multiply] and understand the concept of
overflow
• Understand why hexadecimal notation is used and be able to convert between hexadecimal and
binary and vice versa

Referenced to
Specification 3.1
Student’s Book 9

Student’s Book answers

Page 119

Question

What is a program written using binary codes called?

Answer

Machine language

Page 122

Questions

1 Write the binary code for the denary number 67. Use seven binary digits.
2 Give one reason why we use binary to represent data in computers.
3 Convert 2000 from decimal to hexadecimal.
4 Convert 3C from hexadecimal to decimal.
5 Convert 1010 0111 1011 from binary to hexadecimal.
6 Convert 7D0 from hexadecimal to binary.
7 If you shift a hexadecimal number to the left by one digit, how many times larger is the
resulting number?
8 State the denary representation of the hexadecimal number D48.

Answers

1 100 0011
2 Computer data can only have two states, on or off.
3 7D0
4 60
5 A7B
6 0111 1101 0000

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 20 of 42

7 16 times larger
8 3400

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 21 of 42

10 Data representation

Learning outcomes

• Understand how computers encode characters [ASCII, Unicode]

• Understand how bitmap images are represented in binary [pixels, resolution, colour depth]
• Understand how analogue data [sound, temperature, light intensity] is represented in binary
• Understand the limitations of binary representation of data [quantisation, sampling frequency]
and how bit length constrains the range of values that can be represented

Referenced to
Specification 3.2
Student’s Book 10

Student’s Book answers

Page 126

Question

What do we mean by image size?

Answer

Image size is based on the number of pixels used to make up the image.

Page 127

Question

How does the resolution of an image affect the size of the file?

Answer

The more pixels the larger the file size.

Page 130

Question

If an image has its colour depth decreased what is the effect?

Answer

Although colour depth affects the amount of memory a picture requires, it does not affect the size
at which the image is displayed. It has a major effect on the quality of the image.

Question

What metadata is stored with an image file?

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Answer

Colour depth and pixels

Page 131

Question

How many colours can be represented using a 4-bit colour depth?

Answer

There are 16 colours in the 4-bit pixel system. Colour depth or bit depth is the number of binary bits
that are required to define the colour of each pixel in an image. Images that are defined using
pixels are called digital images.

Page 134

Question

How does the sample rate affect the quality of the playback for an MP3 sound track?

Answer

The higher the sample rate the better the quality.

Question

What effect does a high bit rate have on the number of sound files that can be stored on a CD?

Answer

As the bit rate increases the file size increases.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 23 of 42

11 Data storage and compression

Learning outcomes

• Understand and be able to convert between the terms: bit, nibble, byte, kilobyte (KB), megabyte
(MB), gigabyte (GB), terabyte (TB)
• Understand the need for data compression and methods of compressing data [lossless, lossy]
and that JPEG and MP3 are examples of lossy algorithms
• Understand how a lossless, run-length encoding [RLE] algorithm works
• Understand that file storage is measured in bytes and that data transmission is measured in bits
per second, and be able to calculate the time required to transmit a file and storage requirements
for files

Referenced to
Specification 3.3
Student’s Book 11

Student’s Book answers

Page 136

Question

What is the mathematical difference between a megabyte and a terabyte?

Answer

A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes or (it is easier to remember as 1024 kilobytes). A terabyte is 1024
gigabytes or 1,048,576 megabytes.

Page 143

Question

What is file compression?

Answer

File compression is a process of ‘compressing’ a file (or files) so that they use less disk space.
Compression works by reducing redundancy in a file's code. Compression software also allows
you to take many files and compress them into one small file.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 24 of 42

12 Encryption

Learning outcomes

• Understand the need for data encryption

• Understand how a Caesar cipher algorithm works

Referenced to
Specification 3.4
Student’s Book 12

Student’s Book answers

Page 147

Question

If a shift key of 2 has been used, decipher the following Caesar cipher:
gzco swguvkqp

Answer

exam question

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 25 of 42

13 Databases

Learning outcomes

• Understand the characteristics of structured and unstructured data

• Understand that data can be decomposed and organised in a structured database [tables,
records, fields, relationships, keys]
• Understand the need for and be able to use SQL statements

Referenced to
Specification 3.5
Student’s Book 13

Student’s Book answers

Page 150

Question

Data handling applications usually work through a DBMS. What is a DBMS and why is it used?

Answer

Database Management System

Page 157

Question

What type of business software lets users query data and generate forms?

Answer

Structured query language (SQL)

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 26 of 42

14 Machines and computational models

Learning outcomes

• Understand the concept of a computer as a hardware machine or as a virtual machine

• Understand that there is a range of computational models [sequential, parallel, multi-agent]
• Understand the input–process–output model

Referenced to
Specification 4.1
Student’s Book 14

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 27 of 42

15 Hardware

Learning outcomes

• Understand the function of hardware components of a computer system [processor (CPU),

memory, secondary storage, input devices, output devices] and how they work together
• Understand the concept of a stored program and the role of components of the processor
[control unit (CU), arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), registers, clock, address bus, data bus] in the
fetch–decode–execute cycle
• Understand the function of assembly code and be able to interpret a block of assembly code
using a given set of commands
• Understand how data is stored on physical devices [magnetic, optical, solid state]
• Understand how microcontrollers can be programmed to control actuators and take input from
sensors

Referenced to
Specification 4.2
Student’s Book 15

Student’s Book answers

Page 168

Question

What is the purpose of the CPU?

Answer

The CPU is the brains of the computer. It controls resources and computes data.

Question

Define a system.

Answer

A system is the collection of hardware that makes up a computer.

Page 171

Question

What is a chip and how is it attached to the computer?

Answer

A computer chip, also called chip, is an integrated circuit (small wafer) made of semiconductor
material and embedded with integrated circuitry to create the CPU. Chips now comprise of the
processing and memory units of the modern digital computer.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 28 of 42

Page 173

Question

What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?

Answer

It performs arithmetic and logic operations on data.

Question

What is clock speed and how is it measured?

Answer

Clock speed is the speed of the CPU, measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).

Page 174

Question

What is a clock cycle and why is it important?

Answer

The speed of a computer processor, or CPU, is determined by the clock cycle, which is the amount
of time between two pulses of an oscillator. Generally speaking, the higher the number of pulses
per second, the faster the computer processor will be able to process information. The clock speed
is measured in hertz, typically either megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). For example, a 4 GHz
processor performs 4,000,000,000 clock cycles per second.

Question

What are the main differences between the processors used in mobile devices and desktop
computers?

Answer

Mobile devices need a smaller and cooler running processor, which often has other functions too,
such as phone cellular data roles. This is because the device is small and has no space for cooling
fans. The clock speed is lower in mobile devices as this lowers the amount of heat they produce.

Page 175

Question

What is meant by dual-core processor?

Answer

A dual-core processor is a CPU with two processors or ‘execution cores’ in the same integrated
circuit. Each processor has its own cache and controller.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 29 of 42

Page 176

Question

What is virtual memory and why is it needed?

Answer

By creating virtual RAM on the hard drive it speeds up the computer. It is slower than real RAM but
helps with usable code needed at the time of running the program.

Question

Describe the difference between ROM and RAM and how these are used in a computer.

Answer

Read-only memory or ROM is a form of data storage that cannot be easily altered or
reprogrammed. Random access memory or RAM is volatile memory and the contents are lost
when the power is turned off. ROM is non-volatile and the contents are retained even after the
power is switched off. RAM is a form of data storage that can be accessed randomly at any time, in
any order and from any physical location. RAM is measured in megabytes and the speed is
measured in nanoseconds. RAM chips can read data faster than ROM chips.

Page 177

Questions

1 Why is locality important when dealing with cache?

2 Explain the purpose of level 2 cache (L2).

Answers

1 When the CPU accesses a particular location, the cache knows that it is likely to need to
access data that is close to that locality again.

2 Level 2 cache, also called secondary cache, is a memory that is used to store recently
accessed information. The goal of having the level 2 cache is to reduce data-access time in cases
when the same data has already been accessed.

Page 180

Questions

1 Explain why some data is stored in RAM when you are running a program.
2 What kind of computer memory is both static and non-volatile?

Answers

1 Random access memory, or RAM, most commonly refers to computer chips that
temporarily store dynamic data to enhance computer performance. By storing frequently used or
active files here, the computer can access the data faster than if it had to retrieve it from the far
larger hard drive. RAM is also used in printers and other devices.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 30 of 42

2 Read-only memory (ROM) consists of a programmed integrated circuit that doesn't lose
data when powered down, making it non-volatile. But the data is also relatively static – it stays the
same over time.

Page 181

Question

What is the difference between DRAM and RAM?

Answer

RAM (random access memory) is a generic name for any sort of read/write memory that can be
randomly accessed. There are many different kinds of RAM. One of them is DRAM, which stands
for Dynamic RAM. SRAM – static random access memory – is another type of RAM.
RAM / SRAM requires six transistors to create a memory cell. DRAM requires one transistor to
create a memory cell.

Question

What type of memory is a USB drive and how does it work?

Answer

A memory stick uses flash memory, which uses a transistor that stays switched on (or off) when
the power is turned off. Flash memory can be erased and rewritten many times.

Page 182

Question

When your computer’s speed begins to drop, explain which element of memory is likely to be
almost full and describe how to improve the computer’s memory performance.

Answer

Some people incorrectly think that the clock speed of the CPU determines which computers are
‘fast’, but this only works when comparing CPUs in the same family. Providing the hard disk has
lots of room, when your computer slows down it is likely that the RAM is too small, so adding extra
RAM is the best way to speed up a computer. This will increase the speed of performance of all
tasks, such as web surfing and email, as well as the times it takes to open programs. It will also
allow more programs to run simultaneously without slowing down.

Question

Explain a computer’s memory hierarchy.

Answer

There are four major memory storage levels, called the memory hierarchy. As we go down the list,
access times increase:

• Internal – processor registers and cache

• Main – the system RAM and controller cards
• Online mass storage – secondary storage

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 31 of 42

• Offline bulk storage – tertiary and offline storage.

Question

While a computer is working what is stored in RAM?

Answer

The RAM (random access memory) does not store anything. It contains those items which are
being processed. If you are typing something, the typed material is stored in the RAM until you
save the file. RAM most commonly refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to
enhance computer performance. By storing frequently used or active files here, the computer can
access the data faster than if it had to retrieve it from the far-larger hard drive. RAM is also used in
printers and other devices.

Questions

1 How does virtual memory free up RAM?

2 Explain the term latency.

Answers

1 This is achieved by putting some sections of RAM on the hard disk. It is slower (latency
times are extended) but the RAM capacity is extended as well, which helps with usable code
needed at the time of running the program.

2 Latency is a delay in transmitting data between a computer’s RAM and its processor.
Because RAM is not fast compared to the computer's processor, RAM latency can occur, causing
a delay between the time a computer's hardware recognises the need for a RAM and the time the
data or instruction is available to the processor. If the CPU requests data that is not stored in the
cache, then it will have to wait for the RAM to retrieve the data, causing latency problems.

Page 184

Question

In the world of computing, what is bus width?

Answer

Bus width refers to the number of bits that can be sent to the CPU simultaneously, and bus speed
refers to the number of times a group of bits can be sent each second.

Question

What is the brain of the computer called?

Answer

The central processing unit (CPU).

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 32 of 42

Page 185

Question

Why does a computer have both RAM and cache memory?

Answer

Cache is much quicker than RAM but is smaller so a computer needs both.

Page 187

Question

Typically, what technology do hard disk drives employ as a storage mechanism?

Answer

Magnetic storage on a spinning disk.

Page 189

Question

Why is there a limited number of tracks on an audio CD?

Answer

Storage size on a CD is limited so only a limited number of tracks can be stored.

Page 191

Question

Describe the benefits and drawbacks of a using traditional magnetic hard disk drive in a laptop
computer compared to a solid-state hard drive.

Answer

Traditional magnetic hard drives are much cheaper than solid-state drives, and have much more
storage space. But they are heavier and slower, and can develop faults if the laptop is dropped.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 33 of 42

16 Logic

Learning outcomes

• Be able to construct truth tables for a given logic statement [AND, OR, NOT]
• Be able to produce logic statements for a given problem

Referenced to
Specification 4.3
Student’s Book 16

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17 Software

Learning outcomes

• Understand what an operating system is and its functions [file management, input/output,
resource allocation, process management, network management, user management]
• Understand that application software such as a web browser, word processor, spreadsheet or
apps are computer programs
• Understand how software can be used to simulate and model aspects of the real world and be
able to create software models

Referenced to
Specification 4.4
Student’s Book 17

Student’s Book answers

Page 200

Question

State three examples of operating systems which are used in different computer devices.

Answer

• Windows
• Windows CE
• Macintosh OS X (Mac OS X)
• iOS (iPhoneOS)
• Linux
• Android Phone
• Blackberry (RIM OS)
• Solaris (SunOS)
• AIX
• IOS (Cisco)
• XOS (Extreme Networks)
• IronWare OS (Foundry)

Question

What is operating system software?

Answer

The main purpose of an operating system is to allocate resources such as memory to programs
and control this allocation. It also manages the security of the computer system and data flow as
well as managing the running of one program at a time.

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Page 202

Question

What is a supercomputer and what is it used for?

Answer

A supercomputer is the fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialised applications. Examples of use include weather forecasting, animated
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations and nuclear energy research.

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18 Programming languages

Learning outcomes

• Understand what is meant by high-level and low-level programming languages and assess their
suitability for a particular task
• Understand what is meant by a compiler and an interpreter

Referenced to
Specification 4.5
Student’s Book 18

Student’s Book answers

Page 203

Question

What are the advantages of writing in high-level code compared to machine code?

Answer

High-level code is more understandable than machine code to humans, so it makes the process of
developing a program easier.

Page 204

Question

Describe the differences between a high-level language and an assembly language.

Answer

Assembly languages are a low-level programming language in which the sequence of 0s and 1s
are replaced by mnemonic codes. High-level languages are English-like statements and programs
written in these languages need to be translated into machine language before their execution
using a system software compiler.

Page 207

Question

What is a low-level programming language?

Answer

A low-level language is closer to how the computer works.

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19 Networks and the world wide web

Learning outcomes

• Understand why computers are connected in a network

• Understand the different types of networks [LAN, WAN, PAN, VPN]
• Understand the network media [copper cable, fibre optic cable, wireless]
• Understand that network data speeds are measured in bits per second [Mbps, Gbps]
• Understand the role of and need for network protocols
• Understand that data can be transmitted over networks using packets [TCP/IP]
• Understand the need to detect and correct errors in data transmission [check sums]
• Understand the concept of and need for network addressing and host names [MAC addresses]
• Understand the characteristics of network topologies [bus, ring, star, mesh]
• Understand what is meant by the internet and how the internet is structured [IP addressing,
routers, connecting backbone, domain names]
• Understand what is meant by the world wide web (WWW) and components of the WWW [web
server URLs, ISP, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML]
• Be able to use HTML and CSS to construct web pages [formatting, links, images, media, layout,
styles, lists]
• Understand the client–server model, the difference between client-side and server-side
processing and the role of cookies

Referenced to
Specification 5.1 and 5.2
Student’s Book 19

Student’s Book answers

Page 211

Question

Describe the type of network that is suitable for 10 or more users.

Answer

Any of the networks could potentially be used, depending on geographic location, security needs,
and budget. For example, if the users are geographically spread and require a secure system from
a range of locations, a VPN would be the best system.

Page 213

Question

What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

Answer

Local Area Networks (LANs) are characterised by high-speed transmission over a restricted
geographical area. If the LAN is too large, signals need to be boosted.

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While LANs operate where distances are relatively small, wide area networks (WANs) are used to
link LANs that are separated by large distances that range from a few tens of metres to thousands
of kilometres.

Page 221

Question

What is meant by a network protocol?

Answer

A protocol is, in one sense, nothing more than an agreement that a particular type of data will be
formatted in a particular manner.

Question

What is an IP address?

Answer

An internet protocol address (IP address) is a numerical address assigned to each device (e.g.,
computer, printer) connected in a computer network.

Page 222

Question

What is the purpose of a router on a network?

Answer

Routers are small devices that join multiple networks together. A router connects two or more
networks.

Page 227

Question

What is a token?

Answer

A token is a protocol. Tokens are the method by which all networked computers set up a link
through some kind of networking equipment.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 39 of 42

20 Emerging trends, issues and impact

Learning outcomes

• Be aware of current and emerging trends in computing technology [quantum computing, DNA
computing, artificial intelligence (AI), nano technology]
• Be aware of the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment
• Be aware of ethical and legal issues arising from the use of computers
• Be aware of ownership issues relating to computing [intellectual property, patents, licensing,
open source and proprietary software]

Referenced to
Specification 6.1
Student’s Book 20

Student’s Book answers

Page 236

Question

Explain the term encryption.

Answer

Encryption is the coding or scrambling of information so that it can only be decoded and read by
someone who has the correct decoding key.

Page 238

Question

Explain three instances in everyday objects that you personally use where time between failures
could be critical.

Answer

• Modern cars have computer-controlled steering, if the computer failed you could be killed.

• Aircraft are now fly-by-wire, and failure would be critical.

• Nuclear power plants are all computer controlled. A failure could be catastrophic.

Page 239

Question

What is a bug?

Answer

A bug is an error in a computer program.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 40 of 42

Question

Explain two different types of redundancy in computing.

Answer

Data redundancy: This is a strategy whereby important data is duplicated in a number of places
within the computer system so that if one area of the system breaks down or becomes corrupted
the data will not be lost. An example of this is running two hard disk drives in parallel, where they
both store the same data.

Software redundancy: This less common strategy tends to be used for safety critical applications.
The purpose of software redundancy is that it is very difficult to create programs that don’t contain
any bugs at all, and in the event of a bizarre fault an undetected bug may cause disastrous
consequences. Therefore, for critical software where failure cannot happen, there will be three
software routines in place – each written by independent programming teams – each producing the
same output when the same input is applied.

Page 240

Question

List five criteria that you would need to consider in developing a policy for backing up your data.

Answer

• Amount of data to back up

• How often to back up

• Best type of storage media

• How long to keep backups for

• Manual or automatic backup.

Page 242

Question

Describe the benefits and drawbacks to a rural school in moving to a cloud-computing model.

Answer

A small school in the countryside may have limited bandwidth. If this is the case, cloud computing
is not a good idea. The advantages of cloud computing are that students are able to access their
work anywhere, even at home; software will always be up to date; and the school will not need a
technician to manage its systems.

Question

What are the implications of cloud computing to computer programmers?

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 41 of 42

Answer

Cloud computing has led to a major change in how we back up data, store information and run
applications. Instead of installing applications (often referred to as apps) on individual computers,
everything can be hosted in the ‘cloud’. Cloud computing has led to a major change in how we
back up data, store information and run applications. Instead of installing applications (often
referred to as apps) on individual computers, everything can be hosted in the ‘cloud’. Computer
programmers have to design a different way of limiting a client–server model. They also need to
use different programming languages.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Page 42 of 42