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OCR GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE EXAMINATION - 2026
(Computational Thinking, Programming & Computer Systems)
Qualification: GCSE Computer Science (OCR Specification J277)
Paper Code: J277/01 (Computer Systems) / J277/02 (Computational Thinking,
Algorithms & Programming)
Date: __________________________
Time: __________________________
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes (per paper)
Total Marks: 80
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Answer ALL questions.
Use black ink or ballpoint pen only.
Show all working for algorithm and logic questions.
Write algorithms using pseudocode or flowcharts where required.
Ensure all programming answers are clearly structured and indented.
No marks will be awarded for inaccurate or unclear logic.
A data sheet / reference sheet may be provided.
Calculators may be used where permitted.
ASSESSMENT FOCUS
Computer systems architecture (CPU, memory, storage)
Networks and cybersecurity
Data representation (binary, hexadecimal, images, sound)
Algorithms and problem-solving techniques
Programming constructs (selection, iteration, arrays)
Logic gates and Boolean algebra
CANDIDATE DETAILS
Full Name: ____________________________________________
Candidate Number: _____________________________________
Centre Number: ________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________
FOR EXAMINER’S USE ONLY
Question Marks Available Marks Awarded
Total 80
Program Counter (PC) Holds memory address of the instruction for each cycle Fetch The next instruction is retrieved by CPU from main memory Decode The instruction is broken down and decided so computer can understand Execute The CPU performs what the instructions told Embedded System A computer system built within a large device e.g. Camera, washer, car Volatile Memory loses its data when power of Non-volatile
Memory retains its data when power is lost Random Access Memory (RAM) Read/write - function is to load open programs and operating system data currently in use - volatile Read Only Memory (ROM) Can only be read, can't be changed, stores essential programs to be run in order to boot the computer - non-volatile Cache A type memory that stores copies of frequently used data, much faster than RAM, lower capacity - closer to CPU Buses Collection of wires that carry signals between various components of the computer system Central Processing Unit (CPU) Processes all of the data and instructions that make the system work - can be effected by clock speed, number of cores, cache size
DIS: not very portable, easily be broken Solid State storage USB, flash memory, SD ADV: fast, small, light, easily potable, quiet DIS: more expensive, storage capacity less, limited number erase/write cycles Cloud stortage Data is stored on multiple servers in a remote location ADV: secure, can be accessed anywhere, no need to buy DIS: needs internet, download and upload can be effected by internet connection, less control if data is held Operating System essential software that links the hardware and other software together and generally manages the computer system Command-line Interface Text commands where user has to type in command Graphical User Interface (GUI) uses icons and other visual indicators to navigate and issue commands
Utility Software maintains a computer Defragmentation Software reorganises data on the hard drive to put fragmented files back together and moves files to collect all the free space Backup Software Full Backup - a copy is taken from from every file on the system Incremental Backup - only files created or edited since last backup are copied Compression Software reduces file size so they take up less space on hard disk Encryption Software scrambles data to stop others from accessing it Open Source Software source code is made freely available and users can modify it
Network Interface Card (NIC) allow a device to connect to a network Switch connect devices on a LAN Router responsible for transmitting data between networks Ethernet a set of standards for connecting computers Client-server Network client has connection to server, servers can backup and store centrally but can be expensive and difficult to maintain Peer-to-peer Network no central server, each computer equal in responsibility, have to work as both server and a client. Star Topology
ADV: better performance, rest of network not affected in one fails, simple to add more devices DIS: wire needed for all devices, expensive Mesh Topology ADV: faster DIS: expensive MAC Address assigned to all devices, unique to all devises and cannot be changed, permanent, identifies the actual device. IP Adress assigned either manually or automatic, the location of your device on the internet Packet Switching split data into packets to be sent across the network, each packet given a number order of data, each router reads packet header and decides which way to send it according to IP rules, packets then arrive and reassemble them in the right order. TCP/IP sets of rules for how devices connect on the network.
ADV: manageable pieces, self-contained can change without effecting others Application Layer turning data into websites Transport Layer controlling data flow - splitting data into packets Network Layer making connections between networks Data link Layer passing data over physical network- Domain Name Server (DNS) translates websites' domain name into its IP address Virtual Network network that is entirely software based, created by partitioning of some physical network
Blagging invented scenario to engage a targeted victim in a manner that increases the chance the victim will divulge information Phishing used to gain personal information for purposes of identity theft, using fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses. Shouldering used to obtain information such as personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords and other confidential data by looking over the victim's shoulder. Malware malicious software - computer programs designed to infiltrate and damage computers without the users consent. Virus program loaded onto a user's computer without the user's knowledge and performs malicious actions. It can self-replicate, inserting itself onto other programs or files, infecting them in the process. Worm
The unauthorized taking or interception of computer-based information. Data theft is the act of stealing computer-based information from an unknowing victim with the intent of compromising privacy or obtaining confidential information. SQL Injection programming language used to search and query databases. Zero-day Attack before software is released it is tested as much as possible Penetration Testing organisations employ specialists to stimulate potential attacks on their network Anti-malware Software designed to find and stop malware from damaging a network Encryption data is translated into code which only someone with the correct key can access Data Protection Act your data should be protected and kept safe from hackers
Freedom of Information Act allows members of the public to access information held by a public organisation Computer Misuse Act stop hacking and cyber crime - stop unauthorized access to private network Copyright Act protect intellectual property - anything someone has created alphanumeric collective name for letters, digits, symbols analogue signal a continuous signal which can't be processed by a computer argument a value that a parameter of a subprogram actually takes
binary shift moving the bits in a binary number left or right and filling gaps with 0s BIOS Basic Input Output System bitmap image a graphic made up of pixels bit a binary digit either 0 or 1 bit rate number of bits used per second of sampled audio breakpoint a programming tool used to halt a program at a specific place
byte 8 bits casting a way of changing from one data type to another character a single alphanumeric symbol code editor part of an IDE where you write and edit your source code colour depth the number of bits used for each pixel in an image file comment a note added to source code to say what part of a program does comparison operator compares two values and outputs either true or false
