1 Intensive Care Units in hospitals are for patients in need of round the clock monitoring and support.

Computerised systems can be used to monitor patients’ vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and
breathing). They can then alert medical professionals to any significant changes.

These systems usually run on an embedded, real-time, operating system.

(i) Explain two advantages of this monitoring system having its operating system stored in ROM.

[2]

(ii) The monitoring system also has RAM. Describe what happens to the contents of RAM and ROM when
power to the monitoring system is removed.

[2]

2 People burn calories as they move around. ‘FitFeet’ trainers come with an attachable device. This device
estimates the calories burnt by the user whilst wearing the trainers. Users can then upload this information to
their computers.

The device stores its data on flash memory. Explain why flash storage would be more appropriate than a
magnetic hard drive for this device.

[3]

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 3(a) A company releases a utility called Utility software. The utility creates a virtual storage drive from an area of the
computer's RAM.

Give one advantage of using RAM as storage in this way.

[1]
(b) The utility periodically copies what is in the RAM drive to secondary storage, such as a hard disk. Explain why
this is necessary.

[2]

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 4 The memory of a computer system contains both RAM and ROM.

(i) State two differences between RAM and ROM in a typical PC computer system.

[2]

(ii) State one item that needs to be stored in RAM and give a reason why RAM is used.

[2]

(iii) State one item of software that is stored in ROM and give a reason why ROM is necessary.

[2]

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 5 * OCR Insurance’s computer system uses secondary storage across the company in servers, client machines
and for backup purposes.

For each of these, discuss whether magnetic storage or solid state storage would be most suitable, taking into
account the advantages and disadvantages of both.

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 [9]

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 6 * Modern computers tend to have magnetic or solid state (flash) hard drives. Discuss which hard drive you would
recommend for a keen video games player to use on their desktop PC.

[9]

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 7 An insurance company's offices have a large number of black and white printers.

The company's technicians keep accurate records of the printers in the building, and the quantity of toner
cartridges in stock, in a flat file database. An extract of the database is shown in Fig. 1.

Printer Model Location Notes Cartridge Quantity in Re-order URL

Code stock
LasPrint office 3 LP-7XB 12 www.megacheapprint.com / toner /
LP753 LP-7XB
LasPrint office 6 drum LP-7XB 12 www.megacheapprint.com / toner /
LP710 replaced LP-7XB
Zodiac reception Zod17 4 www.zodiaclaserprinting.com / shop /
ZN217 Z17
Zodiac conference had to add Zod17 4 www.megacheapprint.com / toner /
ZN217 Room 2 RAM LP-7XB
LasPrint office 8 LP-7XB 12 www.megacheapprint.com / toner /
LP753 LP-7XB

Fig. 1

Printers have their own on-board RAM.

State what the printers' RAM is used for.

[1]

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 8 A professional photographer, Sarah, takes and edits photographs for magazines.

Sarah carries around a digital camera and laptop to use on shoots. She keeps extra peripherals in her office that
she can use when editing and finalising photographs.

Sarah sends digital copies of the photos to clients, by post, to be checked before they get sent to the printers.

Identify and justify a storage medium that would be suitable for sending photographs to clients.

[2]

9 A company is designing a new low-power processor to be used in a smartwatch.

The smartwatch contains ROM and RAM.

(i) State two ways in which ROM differs from RAM.

[2]

(ii) Give an example of what the ROM on the smartwatch might hold.

[1]

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 10 An architect firm specialises in designing skyscrapers.

The firm uses high end computers with high performance CPUs, GPUs and large amounts of RAM.

(i) Give one use the firm might have for GPUs.

[1]

(ii) Describe what is meant by the term ‘RAM’.

[2]

(iii) State one characteristic a high performance CPU might have.

[1]

11 Traditionally films have been distributed on optical media such as DVDs.

Give one advantage of films being distributed using optical media.

[1]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

1 i ROM is quick to start up so the system 2 Up to 2 marks for valid identification and
can be started up quickly (in an description that demonstrates application
emergency) (1). of knowledge and understanding to given
ROM cannot be altered so there is no context.
chance of the OS being accidentally or
maliciously changed (on what is a
safety critical system) (1).

ii The contents of RAM are wiped (1) 2 Up to 2 marks for a valid description.
whereas the contents of ROM remain
the same (1).

Total 4

2 Device is likely to undergo lots of 3 Up to 3 marks for a valid explanation.

sudden movement (1 – AO1.2)
magnetic hard drives can be Allow maximum 1 mark for mention that
susceptible to damage if moved quickly little data is needed and so large capacity
(1 – AO3.3) due to the head coming of magnetic storage not needed.
into contact with the platter (1 – AO3.3)
whereas flash memory has no moving Maximum 1 mark for demonstrating
parts and so is not affected (1 – understanding (AO1.2).
AO3.3).
The device is likely to be small (1 – Up to 2 marks for evaluation (AO3.3).
AO1.2) – hard drives require enough
space for their moving parts (1 –
AO3.3) whereas flash memory, having
no moving parts, requires much less
space (1 – AO3.3).

Total 3

3 a Faster read / write speed than secondary 1

storage media.

b – RAM is volatile meaning it loses 2

contents when power is off …
– … so must be copied to secondary
storage in case of unexpected power
failure
(1 per –,)

Total 3

4 i –RAM is volatile / ROM is not volatile 2

–RAM is editable / ROM cannot be altered Examiner's Comments
–RAM is larger / ROM is smaller
This question was well answered; most
candidates could give two differences
(1 per –, max 2) between RAM and ROM.

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 Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content Marks
ii –User files / software / OS currently in use
–User must be able to alter contents of file
/ computer needs access to software but
needs to be able to replace it
– RAM offers direct access.
– RAM operates at a much faster speed
than most secondary storage devices.
iii –Boot file / program / BIOS
–Must be available when computer
switched on ( therefore must be stored on
medium which is non–volatile)
– The boot program / BIOS must not be
deleted / unintentionally amended (and
therefore is best stored on a read–only
medium.)
Total
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Guidance
2 1 mark per item, one mark per reason
Examiner's Comments
Most candidates could state a valid item
that is stored in RAM but did not go on to
say ‘currently in use’ therefore did not gain
full credit.
2 1 mark per item, one mark per reason
Examiner's Comments
Common answers were BIOS and
Bootstrap, with some candidates
incorrectly stating that data files are held in
ROM.
6
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 Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content
5 Mark Band 3–High Level (7-9 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a thorough
knowledge and understanding of magnetic
and solid state storage. The material is
generally accurate and detailed.
The candidate is able to apply their
knowledge and understanding directly and
consistently to the context provided.
Evidence/examples will be explicitly
relevant to the explanation.
The candidate provides a thorough
discussion which is well balanced.
Evaluative comments are consistently
relevant and well-considered.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning
which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and
substantiated.
Mark Band 2-Mid Level (4-6 marks)
The candidate demonstrates reasonable
knowledge and understanding of magnetic
and solid state storage; the material is
generally accurate but at times
underdeveloped.
The candidate is able to apply their
knowledge and understanding directly to
the context provided although one or two
opportunities are missed.
Evidence/examples are for the most part
implicitly relevant to the explanation.
The candidate provides a sound
discussion, the majority of which is
focused. Evaluative comments are for the
most part appropriate, although one or two
opportunities for development are missed.
There is a line of reasoning presented with
some structure. The information presented
is in the most part relevant and supported
by some evidence.
Mark Band 1-Low Level (1-3 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a basic
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Marks Guidance
AO1.1 Data stored by altering the magnetic field
(2), of a small section of the tape or disk; one
AO1.2 orientation represents a binary value of 1,
(2), the opposite orientation represents a
AO2.1 binary value of 0. Written to using a read
(2), head.
AO3.3. Read head can then read the magnetic
(3) field and retrieve the data.
These read and write heads move across
the disk or the tape moves under the
heads.
Solid state devices store data using
semiconductors; drives can be based on
NAND Flash or DRAM. No moving parts
are required.
Backup involves copying potentially large
amounts of data to and from storage
devices at regular intervals.
Servers distribute data to client devices.
AO2
Magnetic hard drives entirely suitable for
storing operating system, software and
data. Large capacity, cheap (by
comparison) purchasing price and
reliability make them idea for heavy use in
an insurance office.
Solid state drives have no moving parts
and offer an increase in speed and quicker
access to customer records. However,
smaller capacity (in comparison) may be
an issue for larger data sets.
Backup systems may be required to
maximise storage whereas access speed
is not so much of an issue
Limited lifespan of SSDs due to limited
read/writes may restrict use in data heavy
applications.
Servers will require quick access to data to
serve multiple client machines but will also
be extremely read/write heavy.
AO3
Both suitable for the insurance office but
for different purposes.
SSDs to store operating system and
program files will ensure quicker boot up
and loading of programs. May be useful for
both client and servers to store operating
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 Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content
knowledge of magnetic and solid state
storage; 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 a limited
discussion which is narrow in focus.
Judgments if made are weak and
unsubstantiated. 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.
0 marks
No attempt to answer the question or
response is not worthy of credit.
Total
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Marks Guidance
systems
Magnetic hard drives to store large
quantities of data provides reliability and
large capacity at small (by comparison)
cost. May be most suitable for storing large
amounts of data on client devices and for
backup systems.
Magnetic tape device may be suitable for
backing up customer data as too slow for
use on day-to-day basis.
Use of solid state devices for storing
customer data that is frequently accessed
means needing to plan for replacement of
drives when read/write limit reached.
Solid state devices better if used in mobile
devices (e.g. for mobile insurance workers)
as relatively small chance of damage if
dropped as no moving parts.
9
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 Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content
6 Mark Band 3–High Level (7–9 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a thorough
knowledge and understanding of Magnetic
and Flash storage. The material is
generally accurate and detailed.
The candidate is able to apply their
knowledge and understanding directly and
consistently to the context provided.
Evidence / examples will be explicitly
relevant to the explanation.
The candidate provides a thorough
discussion which is well balanced.
Evaluative comments are consistently
relevant and well-considered.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning
which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and
substantiated.
Mark Band 2–Mid Level (4–6 marks)
The candidate demonstrates reasonable
knowledge and understanding of a
Magnetic and Flash based storage; the
material is generally accurate but at times
underdeveloped.
The candidate is able to apply their
knowledge and understanding directly to
the context provided although one or two
opportunities are missed. Evidence /
examples are for the most part implicitly
relevant to the explanation.
The candidate provides a sound
discussion, the majority of which is
focused. Evaluative comments are for the
most part appropriate, although one or two
opportunities for development are missed.
There is a line of reasoning presented with
some structure. The information presented
is in the most part relevant and supported
by some evidence.
Mark Band 1–Low Level (1–3 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a basic
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Marks Guidance
9 AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The following is indicative of possible
factors / evidence that candidates may
refer to but is not prescriptive or
exhaustive:
– Magnetic hard drives work by magnetic
patterns being read off platters that
mechanically spin at high speeds.
– Flash hard drives use memory chips.
These can have their contents erased and
subsequently overwritten when an
electrical charge is applied.
– Magnetic hard drives are cheaper per GB
and tend to be sold in much higher
capacities than flash hard drives.
– Flash hard drives tend to have much
higher read / write speeds than magnetic
hard disks.
– Flash hard disks have no moving parts
and therefore tend to have lower power
consumption and are not affected by their
device moving.
AO2.1: Application
The selected knowledge / examples should
be directly related to the specific question.
The following is indicative of possible
factors / evidence that candidates may
refer to but is not prescriptive or
exhaustive:
– Many games tend to incorporate a lot of
media and as such a keen gamer is likely
to need a lot of storage space.
– Games are fast paced and often
competitive. High loading speeds can be
beneficial.
– High performance is often important to
gamers and as such will pick highest
performing components.
– Hybrid approaches exist which offer ‘the
best of both worlds’.
– Magnetic hard drives can be noisy (due
to parts moving at high speed), this can be
undesirable and distracting whilst gaming.
Conversely flash drives operate silently.
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 Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content
knowledge of Magnetic and Flash based
storage 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 a limited
discussion which is narrow in focus.
Judgements if made are weak and
unsubstantiated.
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.
0 marks
No attempt to answer the question or
response is not worthy of credit.
Total
7 Storing documents being / waiting to
be printed.
reduced buffering
Total
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Marks Guidance
AO3.3: Evaluation
Candidates will need to consider a variety
of issues in relation to the question and will
make some evaluative comments about
the issues and solutions they are
discussing. The following is indicative of
possible factors / evidence that candidates
may refer to but is not prescriptive or
exhaustive:
– Due to their high storage capacity
magnetic hard disks are the best choice. A
gamer could have many games installed at
one time. Whilst performance is not quite
that of flash drives, to have a similarly
sized flash drive would be prohibitively
expensive. A high quality magnetic drive
will provide good enough performance
leaving money to be spent elsewhere. As it
is being installed on a desktop there is no
need to worry about power consumption or
issues with the computer moving.
– Gamers need high performance and that
includes large amounts of data being
loaded quickly. The read / write speed of a
solid state drive means this is the natural
choice for the gamer's desktop.
9
1 Accept ‘storing information about print jobs'
Examiner's Comments
This question was well answered, with
most candidates achieving the mark.
1
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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

8 Optical Medium / DVD-R(W) / CD-R(W) / 2 Accept: Blu-Ray-R

BD-R(E) [1]
Plus one of

□ Durable so unlikely to get damaged Do not accept:

in the postage process. [1] CD, DVD, CD ROM, Blu-Ray USB for 1st
□ Low Cost per MB [1] mark But can award valid 2nd mark in this
□ Most people are likely to have a drive case
able to read them. [1]
□ Small / light / therefore / easier / less Examiner's Comments
expensive to send by post [1]
Most candidates could identify and justify
OR an appropriate storage medium although
some candidates cited ‘cloud’ storage
Flash Media / USB memory stick[1] which was inappropriate in the context.
Plus one of Candidates should be reminded to read the
question thoroughly.

□ Durable so unlikely to get damaged

in the postage process.[1]
□ Almost all computers have USB ports
so will be able to use them.[1]
□ Small / light / therefore / easier / less
expensive to send by post [1]

Total 2

9 i □ ROM is read-only (RAM can be 2 The term volatile does not have to be
written to). specifically used accept keeps it's contents
□ ROM is non-volatile (RAM is volatile) when power is turned off.
□ ROM is (generally) smaller than RAM

ii One from: 1 Do not accept boot file

Accept BIOS

□ Boot program[1] Examiner's Comments

□ Operating System [1]
These questions were well answered, with
many candidates achieving full marks.

Total 3

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

10 i To render models of proposed 1

buildings. (1)
Run CAD software. (1) (AO2.1)
Run modelling calculations. (1)
Any example sensible to scenario.
(1)

(Max 1)
Examiner’s Comments
Some candidates did not apply the use of
GPU to the scenario. Those who did,
generally gained full marks for this
question.

ii Random Access Memory (1) 2

A form of primary memory (1)
Used to hold data and / or programs (AO1.1)
in use (1)
Volatile / Loses its contents when
power is lost. (1)

(Max 2)

iii Multiple Cores (1) 1 Accept concurrency / parallel processing

High / Fast Clock Speed (1) for pipelining
Ability to use pipelining (1) (AO1.1)
Large Cache (1)

(Max 1)

Total 4

11 – Cheap to produce / buy 1

– Capacity big enough to hold film
– Robust enough to be used over long
periods / moved around
– Portable
– Does not need an internet connection
(1 per - , max 1)
Examiner’s Comments
AO1.1
Many candidates achieved full marks on
both part (a) and (b) demonstrating their
understanding of optical media.

Total 1

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