Cambridge IGCSE · 0478 · Paper 1 · Computer systems
Computer Science 0478/12 Feb/March 2026 past paper
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Paper 1 (Computer systems), variant 2, Feb/March 2026: the question paper, 9 questions worth 75 marks. Free to open, no account needed.
- Questions
- 9
- Marks
- 75
File names: 0478_m26_qp_12
Topics in this paper
Which syllabus chapters 0478/12 Feb/March 2026 tested, by marks. Each chapter links to every past-paper question on it.
| Chapter | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Software | 2 | 20 |
| Data Transmission | 2 | 12 |
| Hardware | 1 | 12 |
| Automated and Emerging Technologies | 1 | 11 |
| Data Representation | 2 | 10 |
| The Internet and its Uses | 1 | 10 |
Questions in 0478/12 Feb/March 2026
- Question 1
(a) Tick (✓) one box to show which statement about data storage is correct. A One bit equals four nibbles. B One byte equals 16 bits. C One exbibyte (EiB) equals …
- Question 2
A user accesses a website using a web browser. (a) Two functions of a web browser are to provide an address bar and to store cookies. Give three other functions of a web browser. …
- Question 3
A drone is used to search for lost animals. The drone is a flying device that can be autonomous or operated using a remote control. (a) The drone is a robot. Give two characteristics of the drone that identify it …
- Question 4
Draw and annotate a diagram or diagrams to show: • the contents and structure of a data packet • how a data packet is transmitted across a network. Turn over
- Question 5
A student stores their schoolwork on secondary storage devices. They store their schoolwork on their home computer and on cloud storage. (a) Give two characteristics of secondary storage. …
- Question 6
(a) Convert the denary number 150 into an 8‑bit binary number. working space (b) Convert the hexadecimal number F08 into a 12‑bit binary number. working space (c) Give the 8‑bit binary value after a logical binary shift left of two …
- Question 7
Data is transmitted between a computer and a printer using a wired connection. The computer transmits the data to the printer. The printer transmits data and interrupts to the computer. (a) State whether the method of transmission should be serial …
- Question 8
A computer has system software and application software. (a) Explain how system software is different to application software. (b) One type of system software is an operating system. One function of an operating system is to manage peripherals. Describe the …
- Question 9
A programmer is writing a program using an integrated development environment (IDE). (a) The program will take data from bar codes as input. A bar code includes a check digit. Explain how the check digit is used to check for …