GCSEPaper 1
1

Computer Systems

Paper 1 • 80 marks • 1h 30m

Paper 1 is the computer systems half of OCR J277. It is a written exam lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 80 marks, and it counts for 50% of the GCSE. No programming is required in this paper.

The six topics run from the inside of the machine outwards: how a CPU executes instructions, how data is stored and represented, how computers are connected, how those connections are attacked and defended, the software that manages the hardware, and the effect all of it has on people.

One question on this paper is marked in bands rather than point by point, and it is normally in topic 1.6, so it is worth practising a longer written answer as well as the short definitions.

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1.1

Systems Architecture

3 subtopics

1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU1.1.2 CPU performance1.1.3 Embedded systems
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1.2

Memory and storage

5 subtopics

1.2.1 Primary storage (memory)1.2.2 Secondary storage1.2.3 Units1.2.4 Data storage1.2.5 Compression
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1.3

Computer networks, connections and protocols

2 subtopics

1.3.1 Networks and topologies1.3.2 Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers
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1.4

Network security

2 subtopics

1.4.1 Threats to computer systems and networks1.4.2 Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities
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1.5

Systems software

2 subtopics

1.5.1 Operating systems1.5.2 Utility software
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1.6

Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

1 subtopic

1.6.1 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact
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