System Software: past paper questions
Real questions on system software
The newest 20 of 99 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(ii)[2]
The image files that are displayed on the touchscreen have been corrupted. Identify two examples of utility software that could be used to recover the images.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q10a[4]
Explain how the programmer can first use an interpreter and then a compiler to develop the computer program. Interpreter Compiler
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[4]
Some example data from the STAFF table is shown. StaffID StaffFirstName StaffLastName Department RemoteWorker 1 Ralph Jura E Yes 2 Luca Emcee A Yes 3 Darwin Acula F No Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to define the table STAFF.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[5]
Products are given a rating between 1 and 10 inclusive. Write an SQL script to return only the ProductID, ProductName and ComplaintDetails for all products with a rating of 5 or less. The results need to be displayed in descending order of rating.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q8d[3]
Memory management is one key management task performed by an OS. Give three other key management tasks that are performed by an OS.
See it on the paper → - 9618/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[6]
The algorithm to create the new file is expressed in steps. Complete the following numbered steps: Step 1 : open the file in Step 2 : open the file in Step 3 : read a line from and store in Step 4 : read a line from and store in Step 5 : read a line from and store in Step 6 : set NewString to Step 7 : write NewString t...
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q8c(i)[2]
The archive program will automatically generate a meaningful filename each time it is run. Outline a meaningful format to use for the filename.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[2]
A scheduling routine determines how processes are managed by the operating system. Identify two scheduling routines.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[2]
Outline the purpose of lexical analysis during the compilation of a program.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[3]
In process management, a process can be in one of three process states: running, ready or blocked. Complete the table to identify one reason why a process could be in each of the three states. Process state Reason running ready blocked
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[1]
State the purpose of the optimisation stage in the compilation of a program.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q10a[2]
Describe how program termination due to an exception can be avoided.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q10b[2]
Identify two possible causes of exceptions.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[1]
State the purpose of multi‑tasking.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[3]
Explain how an operating system ensures that multi‑tasking operates efficiently.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[2]
Outline the process of optimisation during the compilation of a program.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(ii)[3]
The two computers have different amounts of RAM. Explain how different amounts of RAM affect the performance of a computer. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[5]
Both computers have an Operating System (OS). Describe the purpose of an OS in a computer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3c(i)[3]
Describe the features of a commercial software licence.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3c(ii)[3]
Explain the reasons why an open source software licence might not be appropriate for the computer program described.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The question asked for a description of methods other than authentication used by a DBMS to improve the security of a database. Some answers gave just a list of methods which is not enough for a description. Other responses included methods such as passwords or biometrics, both of which are forms of authentication. There was also considerable confusion between access rights and the provision of vi...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/12 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
This question was generally not answered well. Many of the answers stated a management task performed by the Operating System rather than a purpose of the Operating System.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/12 Q8(a) (Cambridge)
Many candidates were able to correctly identify appropriate utility software. The most popular choice was disk defragmentation. Some candidates need to read the question more carefully. It asked for utility software that was not intended to improve security. Incorrect answers seen included software that is intended for security such as virus checkers and firewalls. Some candidates who correctly id...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/12 Q8(b) (Cambridge)
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