Edexcel IGCSE Computer Science
Revision
Paper 1 - Topics 5 and 6
FULL THEORY + PROCESSES + EXAM QUESTIONS + MODEL ANSWERS
This document continues from Part 1 and covers Topic 5 and 6 with all theory points,
processes, and FULL MARK model answers for every subtopic.
Topic 5: Communication and the Internet
Networks
- LAN → Small area → Fast, secure.
- WAN → Large area → Connects LANs → Internet.
- PAN → Very small area → Bluetooth.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain the difference between LAN and WAN.
Model Answer:
- LAN covers small geographical area.
- WAN covers large geographical area and connects LANs.
- LAN is faster and more secure than WAN.
Network Types
- Client-Server → Centralised, secure, efficient.
- Peer-to-Peer → Simple, low cost, less secure.
Exam Question (4 Marks): Compare Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer networks.
Model Answer:
- Client-server has a central server → better management.
- Peer-to-peer shares equally → easy to set up.
- Client-server is secure and fast.
- Peer-to-peer is cheaper but less secure.
Wired vs Wireless
- Wired (Ethernet) → Fast, secure.
- Wireless (Wi-Fi) → Convenient, less secure.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain advantages of wired networks over wireless.
Model Answer:
- Wired is faster and more reliable.
- Wired is more secure.
- No interference affects wired connections.
Protocols + TCP/IP
- Protocols are rules for data transmission.
- TCP/IP → Standard for communication.
- Layers:
- Application → Services (HTTP, FTP, SMTP).
- Transport → Splits data (TCP, UDP).
- Internet → Adds IP address and routes.
- Link → Physical transmission (MAC, Ethernet).
Exam Question (4 Marks): Explain the role of each TCP/IP layer.
Model Answer:
- Application provides network services.
- Transport splits and manages data.
- Internet routes packets using IP addresses.
- Link manages physical data transmission.
Topologies
- Bus → Simple, cheap, collision issues.
- Ring → One direction, simple, failure stops network.
- Star → Reliable, expensive, central point.
- Mesh → Very reliable, expensive.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain one advantage and disadvantage of mesh topology.
Model Answer:
- Advantage: Very reliable → multiple routes.
- Disadvantage: Expensive to install → many cables needed.
- Also complex to set up.
Network Security
- Validation → Checks data input.
- Authentication → Passwords, biometrics.
- Threats → Malware, phishing, eavesdropping.
- Protection → Firewall, antivirus, secure coding.
Exam Question (6 Marks): Explain ways to protect a network from cyber threats.
Model Answer:
- Use strong authentication → passwords and biometrics.
- Install firewalls → block unauthorised access.
- Use antivirus software → detect and remove malware.
- Secure coding → prevent exploits.
- Regular software updates → patch vulnerabilities.
- Train users to avoid phishing attacks.
Internet vs WWW
- Internet → Physical infrastructure.
- WWW → Collection of websites.
- IP addresses identify devices.
- DNS → Translates domain names into IP addresses.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain the role of DNS.
Model Answer:
- DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.
- Allows users to use easy-to-remember names.
- Automatically directs users to correct servers.
Topic 6: The Bigger Picture
Environmental Impact
- Energy consumption → Servers and devices.
- Resource usage → Rare metals in manufacturing.
- E-waste → Toxic materials in landfill.
- Health risks → RSI, eye strain.
Exam Question (4 Marks): Explain two negative impacts of computers on the environment.
Model Answer:
- E-waste causes pollution when computers are thrown away.
- Computers use lots of electricity → increases carbon emissions.
Ethical Issues
- Privacy → Data collection and misuse.
- Digital divide → Not everyone has access.
- Responsibility → Developers must act ethically.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain what is meant by the digital divide.
Model Answer:
- Not everyone has access to technology.
- Poorer areas or countries may lack devices or internet.
- This limits opportunities for learning and jobs.
Legal Issues
- Copyright → Protects creators’ work.
- Licensing → Defines usage rules.
- Cybersecurity laws → Prevent hacking and data theft.
Exam Question (3 Marks): Explain why software licenses are used.
Model Answer:
- Define how software can be used.
- Prevent illegal copying and sharing.
- Protect developer’s rights.
Emerging Technologies
- Quantum Computing → Very fast, early stage.
- DNA Computing → Biological data processing.
- AI → Smart systems → can replace jobs.
- Nanotechnology → Tiny devices → medical/industrial use.
Exam Question (6 Marks): Assess the positive and negative impacts of AI.
Model Answer:
Positive:
- Automates repetitive tasks.
- Improves accuracy and efficiency.
- Used in medicine, translation, navigation.
Negative:
- May replace human jobs.
- Can inherit biases from training data.
- Raises ethical concerns.
Overall → AI has huge benefits but must be carefully managed.
