GCSE (9–1)

Computer Science

J276/01: Computer systems

General Certificate of Secondary Education

Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

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This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.

All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.

© OCR 2021

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021

Annotations

Annotation Meaning
Blank Page – this annotation must be used on all blank pages within an answer booklet (structured or unstructured) and on
each page of an additional object where there is no candidate response.

Omission mark

Benefit of doubt

Subordinate clause/Consequential error

Cross

Expansion of a point

Follow through

Not answered question

Benefit of doubt not given

Point being made

Repeat

Slash

Tick
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021

Subject Specific Marking Instructions

LEVELS OF RESPONSE QUESTIONS:

For answers marked by levels of response:
• to determine the level – start at the highest level and work down until you reach the level that matches the answer
• to determine the mark within the level, consider the following

The indicative content indicates the expected parameters for candidates’ answers, but be prepared to recognise and credit unexpected approaches where
they show relevance.

Using ‘best-fit’, decide first which set of BAND DESCRIPTORS best describes the overall quality of the answer. Once the band is located, adjust the mark
concentrating on features of the answer which make it stronger or weaker following the guidelines for refinement*.

Highest mark: If clear evidence of all the qualities in the band descriptors is shown, the HIGHEST Mark should be awarded.

Lowest mark: If the answer shows the candidate to be borderline (i.e. they have achieved all the qualities of the bands below and show limited evidence of
meeting the criteria of the band in question) the LOWEST mark should be awarded.

Middle mark: This mark should be used for candidates who are secure in the band. They are not ‘borderline’ but they have only achieved some of the
qualities in the band descriptors.
Be prepared to use the full range of marks. Do not reserve (e.g.) high Band 3 marks ‘in case’ something turns up of a quality you have not yet seen. If an
answer gives clear evidence of the qualities described in the band descriptors, reward appropriately.
*When only two marks are available (low mark band) only use Highest and Lowest mark guidance for ‘best-fit’.
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021

AO2.1a AO2.1b
High (thorough) Precision in the use of terminology. Knowledge shown is Understanding of concepts is consistently applied to context enabling
(6 – 8 marks) consistent and well-developed. Clear appreciation of the a logical and sustained argument to develop. Examples used
question from a range of different perspectives making enhance rather than detract from response.
extensive use of acquired knowledge and principles of
computer science.

Middle (reasonable) Awareness of the meaning of the terms in the question. Understanding of concepts is shown and is applied to context. There
(3 – 5 marks) Knowledge is sound and effectively demonstrated. is clear evidence that an argument builds and develops through the
Demands of question understood although at times response but there are times when opportunities are missed to use an
opportunities to make use of acquired knowledge and example or relate an aspect of understanding to the context provided.
concepts are not always taken

Low (basic) Confusion and inability to deconstruct terminology as Inability to apply understanding of key concepts in any sustained way
(1 – 2 marks) used in the question. Knowledge partial and superficial. to context resulting in tenuous and unsupported statements being
Focus on question narrow and often one-dimensional. made. Examples if used are for the most part irrelevant and
unsubstantiated.

0 marks No response or no response worthy of credit. No response or no response worthy of credit.

J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021

Question Answer Mark Guidance

1 a 1 mark for each completed space 8 read
start-up
ROM stands for read only memory. This stores the start-up instructions changed
for a computer and cannot be changed. random
RAM stands for random access memory. This stores the instructions and data
data that are currently being used. If the computer does not have enough virtual
RAM to run a process it can makes use of virtual memory. primary
cache
RAM and ROM are both examples of primary memory. Memory located
close to the processor that allows faster access than from RAM is called
cache memory.

1 b (i) • CPU performs the FDE cycle 1

• Process instructions
(ii) 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2 MP1 BOD single processor
• Single core means there is only one processor Allow instructions for MP2
• 2.5Ghz means it can run 2.5 billion FDE cycles per second
1 c 1 mark each 2 Accept other correct registers
• PC (e.g. CIR, IR)
• MAR
• MDR Read first answer on each
• Accumulator line
2 a 1 mark for name, max 2 for description. 6 Read whole answer for each.
e.g. Max 2 for description, 1 mark
• user interface for name.
• allows the user to communicate with the hardware
• e.g. GUI/command prompt
• allows the user to input data
• outputs data to the user

• memory management / multitasking

• moves data between RAM and VM
• gets data from RAM
• stores data to RAM
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
• switches between processes so fast it appears like it is multitasking

• peripheral management / drivers

• allows the installation of drivers to communicate with the peripherals
• sends data to/from peripherals
• sends data to/from buffers

• user management
• allows the setting up of accounts
• security / setting of password
• set different access rights

• file management
• creation/editing/renaming of files
• creation/editing/renaming of folders
• movement of files/folders

2 b i Perform housekeeping/maintenance tasks 1 Not by example.

Allow optimising system.
2 b ii 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3
• full backup will copy every file and all data
• incremental will only copy files/data that have changed
• …incremental can only be done once a full backup has been completed
• …reduces time taken to backup each time
• …reduces storage/memory used to backup
2 c benefit e.g. other people can improve the program 2 Need to be benefit/drawback
to developer
drawback e.g. cannot charge a fee // other people can use her code
3 a 1 mark per bullet to max 2 e.g. 2
• old devices may just be thrown
• …increasing pollution / e-waste
• …that will not degrade
• new equipment uses up natural resources
• new equipment increases distribution pollution
• new devices may run more efficiently
• other people can use the old ones second hand instead of more
resources being used
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
3 b 1 mark per bullet to max 2 e.g. 2
• people may feel their devices are out-of-date
• increased cost
• social pressure to keep up-to-date
• increase digital divide
• more second hand become available
• … for people who cannot afford new technology
• Increase employment where the devices are being built
4* Mark Band 3–High Level 8 The following is indicative of
(6-8 marks) AO2 1a possible factors/evidence that
The candidate demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of a wide (4) candidates may refer to but is
range of considerations in relation to the question; the material is generally AO2 1b not prescriptive or
accurate and detailed. (4) exhaustive:
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and understanding directly and Indicative Content:
consistently to the context provided. Evidence/examples will be explicitly relevant Ethical
to the explanation. • Pressure to have the best
The candidate is able to weigh up both sides of the discussion and includes devices
reference to the impact on all areas showing thorough recognition of influencing • Some students may not
factors. have devices
There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and logically • Liability for use
structured. The information presented is relevant and substantiated. • Students are not working
on a level playing field
Covers ethical, legal and privacy. Must have positive and negative. Legal
• responsibility for damage
Mark Band 2-Mid Level • may not have restrictions
(3-5 marks) e.g. child safety
The candidate demonstrates reasonable knowledge and understanding of a Privacy
range of considerations in relation to the question; the material is generally • Students may have
accurate but at times underdeveloped. internet traffic monitored
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and understanding directly to the in school
context provided although one or two opportunities are missed.
• School may wish to install
Evidence/examples are for the most part implicitly relevant to the explanation.
software on students’
The candidate makes a reasonable attempt to discuss the impact on most areas,
devices
showing reasonable recognition of influencing factors.
• Students may use
There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure. The information
cameras on devices to
presented is in the most part relevant and supported by some evidence.
record other students.
Covers at least 2 ethical, legal and privacy. May be only positive or negative.
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021

Mark Band 1-Low Level

(1-2 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a basic knowledge of considerations with limited
understanding shown; the material is basic and contains some inaccuracies. The
candidate makes a limited attempt to apply acquired knowledge and
understanding to the context provided.
The candidate provides nothing more than an unsupported assertion.
The information is basic and communicated in an unstructured way. The
information is supported by limited evidence and the relationship to the evidence
may not be clear.

Covers one from ethical, legal and privacy. May only be positive/negative.

0 marks
No attempt to answer the question or response is not worthy of credit
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
5 1 mark for each completed statement 6 Allow singular/plural, ignore
function calculate(measurement, number) case/spelling

if measurement = "gigabytes" then

value = number * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 * 8

elseif measurement = "megabytes" then

value = number * 1024 * 1024 * 8

elseif measurement = "kilobytes" then

value = number * 1024 * 8

elseif measure = "bytes" then

value = number * 8

else

return -1 // value = -1

endif

return value

endfunction

6 a 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2 Allow each by example such

• Software / applications / programs as text files/images.
• …including OS Data is NE
• files Instructions is NE
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
6 b i 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3 Portable is NE
• faster access/read/write speed no moving parts is NE on its
• Smaller in physical size // more compact // weighs less own
• More durable/robust
• Uses less power
• Runs cooler
• Quieter when running
6 b ii 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
• limited number of read/write times
• more expensive (per byte)
• (usually) smaller capacity
7 a 1 mark per bullet 2 LAN is one building is NE -
either: this does not make it a LAN.
• LAN is small geographical area WAN is multiple buildings -
• WAN is over a large geographical area NE, a LAN can be multiple
or buildings.
• LAN (usually) has own/dedicated infrastructure
• WAN uses external/shared infrastructure // by example (e.g. internet)
7 b 1 mark per bullet 2 Ignore anything superfluous
• Central switch labelled…
• …all devices connected to central switch only (BOD not labelled switch)
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
7 c i 1 mark per section 4 Answer must be more than
repeating the question,
Wi-fi frequency question is how
• 5GHz frequency can carry more data per second than a 2.4 GHz
frequency // 5GHz frequency has can transfer data faster
• 5GHz frequency has a shorter range so access may be limited

Interference
• Causes errors which means signals need retransmitting which makes
more traffic
• Objects may limit range // objects can block the signal

Number of current users

• more traffic means the same bandwidth is split // each user has less
bandwidth // more collisions // more users = more traffic/data sent

Type of network traffic

• transmitting videos/large files will take up more bandwidth than text files
7 c ii 1 mark e.g. 1 Accept others e.g.
• If using wireless or wired Topology
• Error rate Distance between nodes
• Bandwidth
7 c iii 1 mark per bullet to max 4 4
• Data is split into packets (by originator)
• Each packet has a fixed size
• Each packet has a header
• …that includes e.g. packet number/destination
• Packets are sent individually
• Packets can be sent in different routes
• The receiving computer waits for all packets
• … then puts them back in order (by packet number)
• … sends requests for missing packets // missing packets are resent
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
7 d i 1 mark per bullet to max 2 description 3
e.g.
• can delete/corrupt files/data
• can change files/data
• can prevent the users accessing files
• can replicate through (all connected) devices
• record keypresses and transmit to third party
• steal data
• slow network speed // block access to network

1 mark for prevention

e.g.
• anti-spyware
• anti-malware
• anti-virus
• firewall
7 d ii 1 mark per bullet to max 2 description 3
e.g.
• gains access to user's account//access your password
• …can access (private/confidential) data
• …can edit data
• …can delete data
• …can install malware
• …use your gained password elsewhere
• …block your access to your account

1 mark for prevention

e.g.
• firewall
• strong password
• two-step verification
J276/01 Mark Scheme November 2021
7 e 1 mark for each row 4

Protocol Email Transferring Accessing

files websites
POP 
FTP 
SMTP 
HTTPS 

7 f 1 mark per bullet 2

e.g.
• Software governed network // non-physical network
• Multiple physical networks can appear as one virtual network
• One physical network can be split into multiple logical networks
• Computers in different locations connect to it through the Internet …
• …but get the functionality of a LAN

8 1 mark for each 5 Allow minor errors in names

• Copyright Designs and Patents Act
• Computer Misuse Act
• Freedom of Information Act
• Computer Misuse Act
• Data Protection Act // GDPR
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