Practice Questions
Q1-A small business stores customer details on its computer system.
(a) State one purpose of security software on this system. (1)
(b) Describe how a virus checker protects the business computer from threats. (2)
(c) The business decides to use backup software every day. Explain why this is important for
the customer data. (3)
Q2-A school computer is shared by teachers and students.
(a) State one role of the operating system in managing user accounts. (1)
(b) Describe how user accounts improve security on this computer. (2)
(c) Explain why teachers should have different access rights from students. (3)
Q3-A student is listening to music while typing an assignment and downloading a file.
(a) State one role of the operating system in memory management. (1)
(b) Describe how the operating system allows all three tasks to run at the same time. (2)
(c) Explain one problem that could occur if memory is not managed properly. (2)
Q4-A washing machine uses a computer system to control its operation. During the wash cycle,
the door is opened.
(a) State what is meant by an interrupt. (1)
(b) Describe why opening the door generates an interrupt. (2)
(c) Explain how the processor should respond to this interrupt to ensure safety. (3)
Q5-A programmer is developing software to control traffic lights at a busy road junction.
(a) State one reason why a low-level programming language may be suitable for this system.
(1)
(b) State one reason why a high-level programming language may be preferred during
development. (1)
(c) Explain the role of a translator in converting the program so it can be executed by the
computer. (4)
Q6-A software company is developing a mobile application for managing online shopping
orders.
(a) State one feature of a high-level programming language that makes it suitable for
developing this application. (1)
(b) State one feature of a low-level programming language. (1)
(c) Explain one advantage of using a high-level programming language for developing large
applications such as this. (2)
(d) Explain one disadvantage of using a low-level programming language for developing this
type of application. (2)
Answer key
1-
(a) Purpose of security software:
Protects system/data from unauthorised access or threats (1)
(b) Virus checker protection:
Detects viruses/malware on the system (1)
Removes, quarantines or prevents execution of infected files (1)
(c) Importance of backup software:
Creates copies of customer data (1)
Allows data to be restored after loss, damage or system failure (1)
Prevents permanent data loss / ensures business continuity (1)
2-
(a) User account role:
Creates and manages user accounts / login details (1)
(b) Security improvement:
Each user has a unique username/password (1)
Restricts access to files or system features (1)
(c) Different access rights:
Teachers require access to sensitive data or system settings (1)
Students should have limited permissions (1)
Reduces risk of accidental or unauthorised changes (1)
3-
(a) Memory management role:
Allocates RAM to running programs (1)
(b) Running multiple tasks:
Shares processor time between tasks (1)
Switches between programs rapidly (1)
(c) Poor memory management problem:
Programs may slow down or crash (1)
System may become unresponsive / data loss may occur (1)
4-
(a) Interrupt:
A signal that causes the processor to stop current execution to deal with an event (1)
(b) Door interrupt:
Opening the door sends a signal to the processor (1)
Immediate attention is required for safety reasons (1)
(c) Processor response:
Current process is paused and state is saved (1)
Safety routine is executed (e.g. stop drum/motor) (1)
Processor resumes or shuts down system safely after interrupt (1)
5-
(a) State one reason why a low-level programming language may be suitable for this system. (1)
Allows direct control of hardware
OR fast execution speed
OR hardware-specific, suitable for real-time control
(any one – 1 mark)
(b) State one reason why a high-level programming language may be preferred during
development. (1)
Easier to write, read, or understand
OR faster development time
OR easier debugging and maintenance
(any one – 1 mark)
(c) Explain the role of a translator in converting the program so it can be executed by the
computer. (4)
Award 1 mark per valid point, up to 4 marks:
Translates the program written in a high-level or low-level language into machine code
(1)
Machine code is the only language the CPU can understand (1)
Without translation, the program cannot be executed by the computer (1)
Examples of translators include compiler, interpreter, or assembler (1)
6-
(a) High-level language feature:
Uses English-like keywords / easier to read and write / machine independent (1)
(b) Low-level language feature:
Hardware dependent / close to machine code / uses mnemonics (1)
(c) Advantage of high-level language:
Faster and easier to develop and maintain large programs (1)
Easier debugging / portable across platforms / suitable for team development (1)
(d) Disadvantage of low-level language:
Difficult and time-consuming to write or debug (1)
Not portable / complex for large software projects (1)