GCSE Computer Science: Networking and Databases Quiz

Computer Science Education

GCSE

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| Questions: 22 | Updated: Oct 24, 2025

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1. What does the Internet Protocol TCP/IP stand for?

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Transport Connection Protocol/Internet Protocol

Technical Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Transfer Coding Protocol/Internet Protocol

The correct expansion of TCP/IP is Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, which are two distinct protocols used for communication on the internet. The incorrect options provided do not accurately define the acronyms within TCP/IP.

Explanation

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About This Quiz

Databases And Information Management Quizzes & Trivia

Enhance your understanding of key Computer Science concepts targeted at GCSE level. This educational tool focuses on crucial topics, helping learners reinforce their knowledge and prepare effectively for exams.

2. What's your name?

We’ll put your name on your report, certificate, and leaderboard.

2. TCP/IP organises how data packets are sent and received. It ensures that each data packet carries what information?Think of at least three.

A. SOURCE - where the packet came fromb. DESTINATION - where the packet is going toc. CHECK SUM - to... A. SOURCE - where the packet came fromb. DESTINATION - where the packet is going toc. CHECK SUM - to make sure everything has been sent.d. DATA - the content of the packete. SEQUENCE - eg 2 of 5 packets

TIMESTAMP - when the packet was created

AUTHORISATION - access permissions for the packet

SIZE - the dimensions of the packet

When data packets are sent and received using TCP/IP, it is important for each packet to contain information regarding its source, destination, and a check sum for verification. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the essential information carried by data packets in TCP/IP communication.

Explanation

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3. What is a database?

A spreadsheet for storing and organizing data.

A collection of data that is organised so that it can be accessed, managed and updated. A relational database has... A collection of data that is organised so that it can be accessed, managed and updated. A relational database has links between tables

A software application used for browsing the internet.

A type of computer hardware used for processing data.

A database is not a spreadsheet, software application, or computer hardware. It is a structured collection of data.

Explanation

A database is not a spreadsheet, software application, or computer hardware. It is a structured collection of data.

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4. In database terminology, what is the term used to refer to the UNIQUE IDENTIFIER of a record in a table?

Foreign Key

Primary Key

Index Key

Unique Key

In database design, the primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table. A foreign key is used to link two tables together. Index key is used for faster retrieval of records. Unique key ensures that all values in a column are distinct.

Explanation

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5. When the PRIMARY KEY of a table is placed in another table to make a link it is known as what?

PRIMARY KEY

UNIQUE KEY

FOREIGN KEY

INDEX

A FOREIGN KEY is a key used to link two tables together. It is a field (or collection of fields) in one table that refers to the PRIMARY KEY in another table.

Explanation

A FOREIGN KEY is a key used to link two tables together. It is a field (or collection of fields) in one table that refers to the PRIMARY KEY in another table.

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6. What is SERVER SIDE SCRIPTING?

Scripts are directly executed on the client machine's browser.

Server side scripting is not compatible with databases.

Scripts are embedded into the HTML of the webpage and the program is carried out on the webserver NOT the... Scripts are embedded into the HTML of the webpage and the program is carried out on the webserver NOT the client machine.An example is verifying your log in details - it will check these against the database on the webserver.Software updates and patches only performed on server

Server side scripting is used for designing the user interface of a website.

Server side scripting involves running scripts on the webserver as opposed to the client machine. It is commonly used for tasks such as verifying log in details against a database and performing software updates on the server. Incorrect answers provided do not accurately define server side scripting.

Explanation

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7. What is CSS used for?

To style the web pages. Pages and sites can be changed just by changing the CSS.

To animate elements on a web page.

To create and manage databases for websites.

To write server-side code for websites.

CSS is primarily used for styling the visual presentation of web pages, such as layout, colors, and fonts. It is not used for server-side coding, database management, or creating animations.

Explanation

CSS is primarily used for styling the visual presentation of web pages, such as layout, colors, and fonts. It is not used for server-side coding, database management, or creating animations.

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8. What does RLE stand for?

Run Length Encoding Encoded as 2G 5Y 5R instead ofGGYYYYRRRR

Random Length Encoding

Run Length Extension

Repeated Letter Encoding

RLE stands for Run Length Encoding, which is a method of lossless data compression. It is used to represent data efficiently by describing consecutive data values as one value and the count of how many times it is repeated.

Explanation

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9. What are two benefits of structuring data in a database?

A. Increase data security

B. Reduce storage space

Easier / faster to:o Sorto Search (by using queries)o Produce reportso Analyse datao Keep organised

C. Improve network connectivity

Structuring data in a database primarily helps in organizing and efficiently retrieving data for various tasks like sorting, searching, reporting, analyzing, and organizing. The incorrect answers do not directly relate to the advantages of structuring data in a database.

Explanation

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10. What is computer modelling?

Using computers to work out/model the effects of changing something. eg using a spreadsheet to model the effects of a... Using computers to work out/model the effects of changing something. eg using a spreadsheet to model the effects of a pay rise on household saving

Using computers to create virtual reality games.

Using computers to develop software applications.

Using computers to design logos and graphics.

Computer modelling involves using computers to simulate and predict the effects of changing variables in a specific scenario, not necessarily limited to creating games, software applications, or graphic design.

Explanation

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11. What are three features of a compiled programming language?

Compiled code is platform-independent, Debugging is easier than interpreted languages, Development is faster due to reduced compilation times

Translates all the source code as a single blockGenerated executable does not need compiler to executeExecutable file runs more quickly... Translates all the source code as a single blockGenerated executable does not need compiler to executeExecutable file runs more quickly than an interpreter with source codeNeeds to be recompiled with each code change therefore development is slower.

Compiled programming languages have specific characteristics that set them apart from interpreted languages. It is important to understand these features when working with compiled languages.

Explanation

Compiled programming languages have specific characteristics that set them apart from interpreted languages. It is important to understand these features when working with compiled languages.

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12. What is a feature of a Magnetic Hard Drive?

Relies on optical principles for data reading and writing

Utilizes touch screen technology for data storage

Operates using radio frequency signals for data transfer

Uses Magnetism to record 0s and 1sUses metal platters coated in Iron OxideThe platters rotate at high speed

Magnetic hard drives function by utilizing magnetism to record binary data on metal platters coated in iron oxide. This process involves the platters rotating at high speeds to read and write data.

Explanation

Magnetic hard drives function by utilizing magnetism to record binary data on metal platters coated in iron oxide. This process involves the platters rotating at high speeds to read and write data.

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13. How many different numbers can be represented by an 8-bit binary number?

512

256 You can only count up to 255 but 256 includes the 0

128

An 8-bit binary number can represent 256 different numbers ranging from 0 to 255, inclusive.

Explanation

An 8-bit binary number can represent 256 different numbers ranging from 0 to 255, inclusive.

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14. How many bytes are in a kilobyte?

512

1000

2048

1024

A kilobyte consists of 1024 bytes, not 1000, 512, or 2048. This is because computers use binary which works in powers of 2.

Explanation

A kilobyte consists of 1024 bytes, not 1000, 512, or 2048. This is because computers use binary which works in powers of 2.

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15. What is the result of 2^10?

256

512

1024

2048

2^10 means 2 multiplied by itself 10 times, which equals 1024.

Explanation

2^10 means 2 multiplied by itself 10 times, which equals 1024.

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16. Why are hexadecimal representations used?

To confuse computer systems

To save memory space

To make calculations more complex

Easier for humans to understandShorter to write down than binary

Hexadecimal representations are used because they are easier for humans to understand and are shorter to write down than binary. They provide a more human-readable format while still being compact and efficient.

Explanation

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17. What kind of algorithm can keep data secure when transmitted over a network?

Decryption

ENCRYPTION

Hashing

Compression

Encryption is the process of encoding information so that only authorized parties can access it. Compression reduces the size of data but does not necessarily make it secure. Decryption is the opposite of encryption and Hashing is used for data integrity verification, not necessarily for secure transmission.

Explanation

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18. State two advantages of connecting computers using a network.

Isolation from other computers, Inability to share data

Difficulty in communication, Limited access to resources

Having slower internet speeds, Increased hardware/software costs

Sharing Internet connectionCost savings by sharing hardware/softwareShare data (files, database, ...)Transfer files between computersCollaboration on projectsCommunicating (email, instant messaging, chat,... Sharing Internet connectionCost savings by sharing hardware/softwareShare data (files, database, ...)Transfer files between computersCollaboration on projectsCommunicating (email, instant messaging, chat, ...)Data can be backed up from one location

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19. What are two features of MAC addresses?

Assigned to each piece of hardware at manufactureUNIQUE for every deviceUsed to identify the hardware on a networkMAC addresses never... Assigned to each piece of hardware at manufactureUNIQUE for every deviceUsed to identify the hardware on a networkMAC addresses never change

Are the same for all devices manufactured by the same company

Have a maximum length of 8 characters

Can be changed by the user

MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to hardware devices and are not user-changeable. They are typically 12 characters long and differ for each individual device.

Explanation

MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to hardware devices and are not user-changeable. They are typically 12 characters long and differ for each individual device.

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20. What are three functions of an operating system?

Ensures good internet connectivity

Monitors social media usage

Manages SECURITY for usersManages Peripherals like printers, mice etcManages Memory - allocates time slices for programsCreates a file systemIs like... Manages SECURITY for usersManages Peripherals like printers, mice etcManages Memory - allocates time slices for programsCreates a file systemIs like a responsible parent organising their children - don't put this - just think of it!

Produces high-quality graphics for games

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21. Give two examples of ANALOGUE data.

TemperatureSoundWind speedLight

Binary code

GPS coordinates

Digital images

Analog data refers to continuous data that changes smoothly rather than in chunks. Temperature, sound, wind speed, and light are good examples of analog data where values can vary at any point within a range.

Explanation

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22. How can binary be used to represent real/floating numbers?

1101 . 0010 The first part represents 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc. The second part represents 1,2,4,8,16, etc.

1010 . 1110 The first part represents 1,2,4,8,16, etc. The second part represents 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc.

1001 . 0110 The first part represents 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, etc. The second part represents 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16,... 1001 . 0110 The first part represents 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, etc. The second part represents 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc.

1111 . 0101 The first part represents 1,2,4,8,16 etcThe second part represents 1/2, 1/4, 1/8,1/16 etc

Binary can be used to represent real/floating numbers by considering the binary digits as fractional parts of varying powers of 2. The first part of the binary number represents increasing powers of 2, while the second part represents decreasing negative powers of 2, effectively allowing for real number representation in binary form.

Explanation

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