Cambridge A Level · 9608 · Paper 1 · Theory fundamentals

Computer Science 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017 past paper

Cambridge A Level Computer Science (9608) (previous syllabus, now 9618) Paper 1 (Theory fundamentals), variant 2, Oct/Nov 2017: the question paper and its official mark scheme, 7 questions worth 75 marks, with the grade thresholds. Free to open, no account needed.

Questions: 7
Marks: 75
Grade A from: 44

Open the question paper Mark scheme

File names: 9608_w17_qp_12 · 9608_w17_ms_12

Grade thresholds for 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017

The minimum raw marks Cambridge set for each grade on this component (out of 75). Thresholds change every session and variant, so always compare your score with the paper you actually sat.

A	B	C	D	E
44	38	32	27	21

Topics in this paper

Which syllabus chapters 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017 tested, by marks. Each chapter links to every past-paper question on it.

Chapter	Questions	Marks
Processor Fundamentals	1	22
Databases	1	16
System Software	2	14
Security, privacy and data integrity	1	10
Hardware	1	7
Ethics and Ownership	1	6

Questions in 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017

Question 1System Software · 6 marks
One of the tasks of the operating system (OS) is the management of the main memory of the computer system. State and describe three other operating system management tasks. …
Question 2System Software · 8 marks
(a) The diagram shows three items of software that translate program code. Draw one line from each context to the correct item of translation software. Assembler Interpreter Compiler Context Item of translation software The source code is written in a …
Question 3Security, privacy and data integrity · 10 marks
A Local Area Network is used by school staff who access data stored in a Database Management System (DBMS). (a) (i) Explain the difference between security and privacy of data. (ii) Give an example for this application where privacy of …
Question 4Processor Fundamentals · 22 marks
The following diagram shows the components and buses found inside a typical personal computer (PC). …
Question 5Ethics and Ownership · 6 marks
The IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics uses eight key principles shown in the right-hand column of the following diagram. Tom is employed as a tester with a software company. He is keen to become a trainee programmer. The middle …
Question 6Hardware · 7 marks
(a) A personal computer (PC) is extensively used for a wide range of applications, including the three shown in the following table. Write in the table, a suitable input device, output device, or both needed for each application. Do not …
Question 7Databases · 16 marks
A company takes customer service for its clients very seriously. The client • The client names are unique. A visit • The company arranges a date for a visit to gather feedback from a client. • A visit to a …

Other Computer Science papers from Oct/Nov 2017

Questions students ask

Where can I get the 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017 mark scheme?

Open the mark scheme above - it is the official Cambridge scheme for this exact paper (9608_w17_ms_12), and on a wide screen it sits beside the question you are reading.

What was the grade threshold for an A in 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017?

44 marks out of 75, a C needed 32.

Which topics came up in 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017?

Mostly Processor Fundamentals, Databases, System Software. The full list is in the table above.

Do I need an account to open 9608/12 Oct/Nov 2017?

No. Every paper opens for free without signing in. A free account also saves your pen marks and records your score against the grade thresholds.