Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (9-1) 0984 — 2024 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2

[Turn over Cambridge IGCSE™(9–1) This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. DC (EV) 348275 © UCLES 2024 COMPUTER SCIENCE 0984/12 Paper 1 Computer Systems October/November 2024 1 hour 45 minutes You must answer on the question paper. No additional materials are needed. INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer all questions. ● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs. ● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page. ● Write your answer to each question in the space provided. ● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid. ● Do not write on any bar codes. ● Calculators must not be used in this paper. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 75. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. ● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware. * 0 1 7 7 2 2 0 6 5 5 * ,










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2 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 1 Different types of software can be run on a computer. (a) State what is meant by software. … … [1] (b) Utility software is one type of software that can be run on a computer. Tick (3) one box to show which software is an example of utility software. A spreadsheet B anti-virus C web browser D database [1] (c) Identify the type of software that manages inputs and outputs for the computer. … [1] 2 Data storage can be measured using different units of measurement. (a) Identify the name of the smallest unit of measurement of data. … [1] (b) State how many nibbles there are in 2 bytes. … [1] (c) A 10 second sound effect is recorded for a movie. It is recorded with a sample rate of 22,016 Hz and a sample resolution of 8 bits. Calculate the file size of the sound effect in kibibytes (KiB). Show all your working. … … … … … … Answer … KiB [3] * 0000800000002 * ,










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3 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 [Turn over (d) The sound effect file is compressed for storage. (i) State what is meant by file compression. … … [1] (ii) Give one benefit of compressing the file for storage. … … [1] 3 A user enters data that is hexadecimal into a computer system. The data is converted to binary to be processed by the computer. (a) (i) Give one similarity between hexadecimal and binary. … … [1] (ii) Give two differences between hexadecimal and binary. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (b) Data that is denary can also be converted to binary. Give the binary number for each of the three denary numbers. 15 … 180 … 235 … [3] Working space … … … … … * 0000800000003 * ,










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4 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 (c) Denary numbers can also be converted to hexadecimal. Give the hexadecimal number for each of the three denary numbers. 14 … 100 … 250 … [3] Working space … … … … … … (d) A binary integer that is stored in a register in the computer has a logical left shift performed on it. (i) Describe the process of the logical left shift that is performed on the binary integer. … … … … [2] (ii) State what effect this will have on the binary integer. … … [1] (e) A negative binary integer needs to be stored in a register in the computer. Give the name of the number system that can be used to represent negative binary integers. … [1] * 0000800000004 * ,










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5 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 [Turn over 4 A student has a smartwatch. (a) The smartwatch has built-in input and output devices. Identify two input devices that can be built into the smartwatch. 1 … 2 … [2] (b) Identify one output device that can be built into the smartwatch. … [1] (c) The smartwatch has read only memory (ROM). Explain why the smartwatch needs ROM. … … … … [2] (d) The smartwatch uses a text message application that receives data from cloud storage. (i) Describe what is meant by cloud storage. … … … … [2] (ii) Explain two benefits of the application using cloud storage. 1 … … … … 2 … … … … [4] * 0000800000005 * ,










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6 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 (e) The smartwatch only displays the time and text messages. A student incorrectly describes this smartwatch as a general-purpose computer. Explain why the student’s description is incorrect. … … … … [2] 5 A barcode scanning system uses a check digit to check for errors in data on input. (a) Explain how the barcode scanning system operates to check for errors. … … … … … … … … [4] (b) After a barcode is scanned, data is sent to a stock control system to update the stock value stored for that product. The data is sent to the stock control system using serial simplex data transmission. (i) Explain how the data is sent using serial simplex data transmission. … … … … … … [3] * 0000800000006 * ,










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7 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 [Turn over (ii) Explain why serial simplex is the most appropriate method of data transmission for this purpose. … … … … … … [3] (iii) The data is checked for errors after it has been transmitted to the stock control system. Give two error detection methods that could be used for this purpose. 1 … 2 … [2] 6 The table contains names and descriptions of components in a central processing unit (CPU). Complete the table by giving the missing component names and descriptions. Component name Description … sends signals to manage the flow of data through the CPU program counter … … … … stores the address of the data that is about to be fetched from random access memory (RAM) into the CPU … transmits data between the RAM and the CPU accumulator … … … … stores an instruction when it is being decoded [6] * 0000800000007 * ,










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8 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 7 A student enters the uniform resource locator (URL) for a web page into their tablet computer. (a) State what is meant by a URL. … … [1] (b) Identify two different parts of a URL. 1 … 2 … [2] (c) The student enters the URL into a piece of software that then displays the web page. Identify the name of this software. … [1] (d) Draw and annotate a diagram to show how the web page is located and retrieved to be displayed on the student’s tablet computer. [5] * 0000800000008 * ,










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9 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 [Turn over (e) The data for the web page is transmitted using the secure socket layer (SSL) protocol. Complete the paragraph about the SSL protocol. Use only terms from the list. Not all terms need to be used. Some terms may be used more than once. encrypted file server hypertext markup language (HTML) hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) operating system search engine unencrypted URL web browser web server The … asks the … to identify itself. The … sends back its digital certificate. The … authenticates the digital certificate. If it is authentic, … data transmission begins. [5] 8 A robot vacuum cleaner uses sensors to navigate around obstacles in a room. (a) Tick (3) one box to show which sensor would be the most suitable for this purpose. A proximity B flow C pressure D level [1] (b) An expert system can be used to diagnose an error with a robot vacuum cleaner. Circle three components that are part of an expert system. knowledge base operating system firewall server printer actuator inference engine rule base encryption [3] * 0000800000009 * ,










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10 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 (c) Explain how the robot vacuum cleaner can make use of machine learning. … … … … … … [3] * 0000800000010 * ,










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12 0984/12/O/N/24 © UCLES 2024 Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. BLANK PAGE * 0000800000012 * ,









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This document consists of 11 printed pages. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 [Turn over Cambridge IGCSE™ (9–1) COMPUTER SCIENCE 0984/12 Paper 1 Computer Systems October/November 2024 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2024 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 2 of 11 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 3 of 11 GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 4 of 11 Question Answer Marks 1(a) Instructions/program that is used to operate a computer/hardware 1 1(b) B 1 1(c) Operating system // system software 1 Question Answer Marks 2(a) bit 1 2(b) 4 1 2(c) Any two from: • 22 016  8 then divided 8 • 22 016  10 • 220 160 / 1024 One mark for: 215 KiB 3 2(d)(i) Reducing the size of a file 1 2(d)(ii) It will take up/use less storage space 1 Question Answer Marks 3(a)(i) They are both number systems 1 3(a)(ii) • Binary is base-2 whereas hexadecimal is base-16 • Binary only uses numbers whereas hexadecimal also uses letters // Binary only uses 0 and 1 whereas hexadecimal uses 0 to 9/A to F 2

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 5 of 11 Question Answer Marks 3(b) • (0000)1111 • 10110100 • 11101011 3 3(c) • E • 64 • FA 3 3(d)(i) Any two from: • Each/All/Every value/digit/bit in the binary number is shifted/moved to the left • The left most/most significant bit is lost • A 0 is added as the right most/least significant bit 2 3(d)(ii) The binary integer is multiplied by 2 1 3(e) Two’s complement 1 Question Answer Marks 4(a) Any two from: • Touchscreen • Microphone • Button • (Digital) camera • Sensor // by example 2 4(b) Any one from: • Screen • Speaker • LED • Actuator 1

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 6 of 11 Question Answer Marks 4(c) Any two from: • To store the BIOS • To store the bootstrap • To help start-up the smart watch // to store start-up instructions • To store the firmware • For non-volatile storage // to store data permanently • To store data/instructions that should not change (unless needed) 2 4(d)(i) Any two from: • A collection of servers • Allows access to data remotely // Stores data in a remote location • Hardware can be owned/managed by a third party • Data storage that is stored/accessed using the internet 2 4(d)(ii) Any four from: • No need to maintain the hardware • … the third party is responsible for maintaining the hardware / security of the data • Resources can be increased / decreased (on demand) // Can have unlimited storage capacity • … no need to worry about running out of storage space • … can save cost of purchase of hardware • Need less/no (secondary) storage space on the watch • … watch can remain/is small in size • … costs of watch can be kept lower • Can access the data from other/any devices • … if the watch breaks/is lost data is still available 4

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 7 of 11 Question Answer Marks 4(e) Any two from: • The watch can only perform a dedicated/limited functions/tasks • … and a general purpose computer performs many/multiple functions • … (this means that) it is an embedded system • You cannot plug in peripherals • You cannot reprogram the smartwatch // Cannot install other software/apps • It would only have a microprocessor // It would not have a CPU 2 Question Answer Marks 5(a) Any four from: • A check digit is calculated from/using the barcode data • … using an algorithm // by example e.g. Modulo 11 • … and added to the barcode • When/after the barcode is scanned the check digit is recalculated … • … using the same algorithm • If the check digits do not match an error has occurred when scanning the barcode // If the check digits match no error has occurred when scanning the barcode 4 5(b)(i) • Bits are sent one at a time • Bits are sent down a single wire • Data is sent in one direction only 3

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 8 of 11 Question Answer Marks 5(b)(ii) Any three from: • The stock control system may be a long distance away • … parallel should not be used in long distance transmission // Serial is more reliable for long distance transmission • The data does not need to be sent quickly • … the increased speed of parallel is not needed • … as only small amounts of data need to be sent • The bits are sent/arrived in order • … the data will not be skewed // the data could be skewed if parallel was used • … there will be no data collisions • There will be less interference/crosstalk (due to single wire) • … there will be fewer errors in the data • No need for a reply/response from stock control system • … half-duplex/full-duplex is not necessary as only one way transmission needed 3 5(b)(iii) Any two from: • (Odd/even) Parity check // Parity byte check // parity block check • Checksum • Echo check • (Positive/negative) ARQ // Automatic repeat query // Automatic repeat request 2

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 9 of 11 Question Answer Marks 6 One mark for each correct term or definition in the correct place: Components • Control unit // CU • Memory address register // MAR • Data bus • Current instruction register // CIR Descriptions • (Program counter) Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched • (Accumulator) Stores the interim result for a calculation 6 Question Answer Marks 7(a) A text-based address for a website/web page 1 7(b) Any two from: • Protocol • Domain name • File name 2 7(c) Web browser 1

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 10 of 11 Question Answer Marks 7(d) One mark for each correct part of the diagram. The diagram shows: • URL sent from web browser to the DNS • DNS finding matching IP address • If it cannot find the URL, it is sent to the next DNS (until found) • IP address returned to web browser • Request sent from web browser to web server (for web page) • Web page/HTML files sent from web server to web browser • Web browser rendering HTML For example: 5 Web browser DNS Web server DNS URL sent to DNS Searches for matching IP address IP address returned Request sent Sent to next DNS if URL not found Web pages sent

0984/12 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2024 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 11 of 11 Question Answer Marks 7(e) One mark for each correct term in the correct order: • Web browser • Web server • Web server • Web browser • Encrypted 5 Question Answer Marks 8(a) A 1 8(b) • Knowledge base • Rule base • Inference engine 3 8(c) Any three from: For example: • It could gather data during vacuuming • … and adapt its own processes • … such as where obstacles are placed in the room • … such as where dirtier areas are • … such as a path through a room • … such as the shape of a room • … such as the most efficient route to vacuum a room • … so, it knows areas to avoid/concentrate on/use different cleaning tools 3