Past Paper Questions (Mixed)

Question 1

State the purpose of a CPU. [1]

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 - Q1.b.i

Answer 1

• CPU performs the FDE cycle
• Process instructions

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 Mark Scheme - Q1.b.i

Question 2

State what is meant by a single core 2.5 GHz processor. [2]

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 - Q1.b.ii

Answer 2

• Single core means there is only one processor
• 2.5Ghz means it can run 2.5 billion FDE cycles per second

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 Mark Scheme - Q1.b.ii

Question 3

Von Neumann architecture includes registers.
Identify two registers used in Von Neumann architecture. [2]

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 - Q1.c

Answer 3

• PC
• MAR
• MDR
• Accumulator
  (inc. any other correct registers)

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 Mark Scheme- Q1.c

Question 4

Layla uses her computer to create educational games.
When Layla has finished her educational game, she is going to release it as open source.
Give one benefit and one drawback of Layla releasing her game as open source. [2]

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 - Q2.c

Answer 4

• benefit e.g. other people can improve the program
• drawback e.g. cannot charge a fee // other people can use her code

Ref: Mon 15 Nov 2021 - J276/01 Mark Scheme - Q2.c