Master Advanced Level Computer Science: Structural Revision Problems

Preparing for your Advanced Level Computer Science exams requires mastering both theoretical definitions and hands-on technical problem-solving. This practice session covers architectural components, process coordination, and relational database systems structured from image_22fee6.jpg and image_22ff02.jpg.

1. Computer Architecture & Logic Systems

Question 1:

• (a) What is cache memory? How is it different from main memory?

• (b) Describe two other factors that can affect the performance of a CPU.

Question 2:

Consider the binary pattern 1000 1100 0100.

• (a) Determine its hexadecimal representation.

• (b) Determine its value in denary if it represents an unsigned fixed-point number with four bits after the binary point.

2. Operating Systems & Process Coordination

Question 3:

A system has four processes P1, P2, P3, and P4. There are three types of dedicated resources R1, R2, and R3 of 3, 2, and 2 units respectively.

• Process P1 holds one unit of R1 and requests one unit of R2.

   

• Process P2 holds two units of R2 and requests two units of R1 and one unit of R3.

   

• Process P3 holds one unit of R1 and requests one unit of R2.

   

• Process P4 holds two units of R3 and requests one unit of R1.

   

• Task: What is a deadlock? State whether the system described above is deadlocked or not. Describe how deadlocks can be prevented by removing the “hold and wait” and “non-preemption” conditions.

3. Databases & Relational Schema

Question 4:

Consider the following SQL database relational schema provided in image_22ff02.jpg:

CREATE TABLE Students (
    StudentId int NOT NULL,
    StudentName varchar(30),
    DateOfBirth date/time,
    PRIMARY KEY (StudentId)
);

• Task: Write an SQL command which uses an INNER JOIN to retrieve the IDs and names of all the students who have an ‘A’ grade in the subject “Computer Science”.

📥 Download Full PDF & Answer Keys

Want to test yourself with the complete exam paper and access step-by-step marking guides?

Download the full PDF question bank and comprehensive answer keys directly on your smartphone. Get our interactive educational application Kawlo, available now on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, to unlock full corrections and boost your exam preparation!