QUESTION

Page 8 1. Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper

Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 11

(b)

description of stage sequence

number

the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the
MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory data 3
register)

the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed 7

the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to be (1)
fetched

the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data register)
4
and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)

the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the MAR

2
(memory address register) via the address bus

the address part of the instruction is placed in the MAR (memory address
6
register)

the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it points

5*
to the next instruction to be fetched

The incrementation of the program counter can appear at any stage after 2. All other
stages must be in the correct given order. [6]

8 (a) hours: 18

minutes: 53 [2]

(b)

hours (“C”) minutes (“D”)

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 : 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0

[2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

Page 9 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 11

(c) Any three from:

– reads values in registers “C” and “D”

– and checks the values against those stored in registers “A” and “B”
(NOTE: the first two statements can be interchanged, i.e. “A” and “B” read first)

– If values in corresponding registers are the same

– the microprocessor sends a signal to sound alarm/ring [3]

(d) Any three from:

– uses a light sensor

– sends signal/data back to microprocessor

– signal/data converted to digital (using ADC)

– value compared by microprocessor with pre-set/stored value

– if value < stored value, signal sent by microprocessor …

– … to the voltage supply (unit)

– … “value” of signal determines voltage supplied/brightness of LED [3]

(e) Any two from:

– no need to warm up

– whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image

– higher resolution

– much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight

– more reliable technology/longer lasting

– uses much less power/more efficient [2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

Page 10 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 11

What is the denary (base 10)

equivalent to the hexadecimal
digit “E”? 8

x
If 1 GByte = 2
value of X?
then what is the
12

The number of bits in one byte 14

If the broadband data download

rate is 40 megabits/ second; how
long will it take to download a 60 19
MByte file?

What is the denary (base 10)

value of the binary number:
30
0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0?

What hexadecimal value is

obtained when the two
hexadecimal digits, C and D, are 36
added together?

5/6 matches – 5 marks

4 matches – 4 marks
3 matches – 3 marks
2 matches – 2 marks
1 match – 1 mark
[5]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

QUESTION
Page 5 2. Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 12

4 (a) Any one from:

− secure sockets layer

− encrypts data being transmitted
− use of https
− use public and private keys
[1]

(b) 1 mark for each number in the correct order, next to the correct stage.

Sequence
Stage
number

the encrypted data is then shared securely between the web browser and the
6
web server

the web browser attempts to connect to a web site which is secured by SSL (1)

the web server sends the web browser a copy of its SSL certificate 3

the web browser requests the web server to identify itself 2

the web server will then send back some form of acknowledgement to allow the
5
SSL encrypted session to begin

the web browser checks whether the SSL certificate is trustworthy; if it is then
4
the web browser sends a message back to the web server

[5]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

 Page 6 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 12

5 (a) 1 mark per correctly placed tick

Received byte Byte transmitted correctly Byte transmitted incorrectly

11001000

01111100

01101001

[3]

(b) (i) byte number: 7

column number: 6
[2]

(ii) Any two from:

− letter “A”(byte 7) transmitted as odd parity (three 1s)

− column 6 has odd parity (seven 1s)
− intersection of byte 7 and column 6 indicates incorrect bit value
[2]

(c) 190
[1]

(d) Any one from:

− 2 bits interchanged (e.g. 1 → 0 and 0 → 1) that won’t change parity value

− even number of bits/digits are transposed
− If there are multiple errors in the same byte/column, that still produce the same parity bit,
the error will not be detected
[1]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

 Page 7 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2015 0478 12

6 (a) 1 mark per correct logic gate, correctly connected

C X

[5]

(b)

G C L Workspace X

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0
] 1 mark
0 1 0 1

0 1 1 0
] 1 mark
1 0 0 1

1 0 1 1
] 1 mark
1 1 0 1

1 1 1 0
] 1 mark

[4]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

QUESTION
Page 7 3.CambridgeMark Scheme
IGCSE – May/June 2016
Syllabus
0478
Paper
11

8 (a) (i) Any two from:

– to protect against key logging software/spyware

– can stop key presses being recorded
– can stop key presses being relayed
– drop down boxes cannot be recorded as key presses
– drop down boxes can be placed in different location on the screen each time
(to overcome screen capture issues) [2]

(ii) Any one from:

– hacker never finds all characters on the first hack

– makes it more difficult for hackers to find the order of the characters
– hacker needs to hack the system several times to gain the whole password
– shoulder surfing will not give person full password [1]

(b) Any two from:

– fingerprint scanner
– face recognition software
– retina scanner/iris scanner
– voice recognition software [2]

9 (a) 1 mark for correct check digit and 1 mark for showing the calculation

(4 × 1) + (2 × 2) + (4 × 3) + (1 × 4) + (5 × 5) + (0 × 6) + (8 × 7)
1 mark for any correct
line of working
= 4 + 4 + 12 + 4 + 25 + 0 + 56 = 105

105/11 = 9 remainder 6

check digit is: 6 [2]

(b) incorrect check digit [1]

– check digit should be 1

– (3*1) + (2*2) + (4*3) + (0*4) + (0*5) + (4*6) + (5*7) // 3 + 4 + 12 + 0 + 0 + 24 + 35 //
Total = 78
– 78/11 gives 7 remainder 1 [2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2016

 Page 8 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2016 0478 11

10

illegal access to a computer system

Pharming without the owner’s consent or
knowledge

software that gathers information by

Phishing monitoring key presses on a user’s
keyboard; the information is relayed back
to the originator of the software

malicious code installed on the hard drive

Viruses of a user’s computer or on a web server;
this code will re-direct the user to a fake
website without the user’s knowledge

creator of code sends out a legitimate-

looking email in the hope of gathering
Hacking personal and financial information from
the recipient; it requires the user to click
on the link in the email or attachment

a message given to a web browser by a

Spyware web server; it is stored in a text file; the
message is then sent back to the server
each time the browser requests a page
from the server

program or code that replicates itself

Cookies designed to amend, delete or copy data
or files on a user’s computer; often
causes the computer to crash or run
slowly

5/6 matches – 5 marks

4 matches – 4 marks
3 matches – 3 marks
2 matches – 2 marks
1 match – 1 mark [5]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2016

QUESTION
Page 4 4.CambridgeMark Scheme
IGCSE – May/June 2016
Syllabus
0478
Paper
12

5
Description Device

Allows a user to write on a

surface using a pen; text and
drawings are then captured Digital Light Projector
electronically and stored for
later use.

Converts sound into an

electrical signal/voltage. Inkjet printer

Uses thermal bubble and

piezoelectric technology to Interactive whiteboard
produce a hard copy.

Uses a bright white light source

and micro mirrors (on a chip) to Laser printer
produce an image to be shone
onto a wall or screen.

Converts a hard copy document Microphone

into an electronic form to be
stored as a file on a computer.

Uses negatively charged

images on a rotating drum and Scanner (2D)
positively charged toner to
output a hard copy.

5/6 matches – 5 marks

4 matches – 4 marks
3 matches – 3 marks
2 matches – 2 marks
1 match – 1 mark [5]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2016

 Page 5 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – May/June 2016 0478 12

6 (a)
Tick Tick
Type Method
(
) (
)

simplex serial

half-duplex parallel

full-duplex

Tick Tick
Type Method
(
) (
)

simplex
serial

half-duplex parallel

full-duplex

Tick Tick
Type Method
(
) (
)

simplex serial

half-duplex
parallel

full-duplex
[6]

(b) Any two from:

– single wire means there is less chance of interference/data corruption
– single wire reduces costs
– more reliable over greater distances
– bits will still be synchronised after transmission [2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2016

0478/11 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
QUESTION 5.
Question Answer Marks

13(a) Two from: 2

• Smaller file to transmit
• The file is transmitted quicker
• Uses / requires less bandwidth

13(b)(i) • Lossless (compression) « 3

• « It is important the code must be (exactly) the same as the original
file
• « If it does not match the original file it will not work

13(b)(ii) • Lossy (compression) « 3

• « It would make the file smaller than lossless compression / the file
would stream faster than lossless compression
• « The quality of the video can be reduced but it can still be viewed

© UCLES 2017 Page 8 of 8

0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
QUESTION 6.
Question Answer Marks

4 Two marks for each correct description 8

Parity Check
• Checks a byte of data
• Check is performed when data is received
• A parity bit is added (to the parity byte)
• Counts / checks number of 1’s // counts / checks to see if 1’s are even
// counts / checks to see if 1’s are odd
• Can be even or odd
• If parity is incorrect, error is detected

Check digit
• A digit that is calculated from the data // uses modulo to calculate digit
// valid description of modulo
• It is appended / added to the data
• Digit is recalculated when data is entered
• Digits are compared to check for error

Checksum
• A value is calculated from the data // Valid description of calculation
• It is transmitted with the data
• Value is recalculated after transmission
• Values are compared after transmission to check for error

Automatic Repeat reQuest

• Uses acknowledgement / request and time-out
• Error control protocol
• Check performed on receiving data // error is detected by e.g. parity
check, check sum
• If error detected, request is sent to resend data // negative
acknowledgement is used
• Resend request is repeated till data is sent correctly / requests time
out / limit is reached
• Send acknowledgement that data is received // positive
acknowledgement is used
• If acknowledgement not received in set time data is resent

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 9

0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

5(a) 1 mark for correct method, 1 mark for correct answer 2

32 + 16 + 8 + 1
(00)111001

5(b) registers must have leading zeros, allow follow through from 5(a) for an 2
incorrect value
1 mark for each correct register.

0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1

5(c) Two from: 2

• data
• ASCII value / Unicode value / character
• number
• part of image / small image
• a sound / sound sample / small sound track
• instruction

5(d) 3A 1

Question Answer Marks

6 1 mark for correct name of code, up to a further 3 marks for appropriate 4

explanation

• Quick response (QR) Code

Three from:
• Barcode is captured / scanned / imaged, by a camera / scanner /
barcode reader / QR code reader
• Read using a laser
• Processed by an app
• Light is reflected back
• Black squares reflect less light than white squares
• Modules are used for orientation / alignment
• Squares / data are decoded

© UCLES 2017 Page 4 of 9

 0478/13 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2020
QUESTION 7. PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

9 − 1 4
− 0
− 1
− 1

Question Answer Marks

10(a) Any four from: 4

− Example of spyware e.g. Keylogger is used
− Spyware is downloaded without knowledge (by example)
− Spyware records key presses / screen clicks / screen activity
− Data is relayed back to third party
− Data is analysed // Patterns in data could reveal log-in details …
− … details can then be used to log into the laptop (remotely)

10(b) − Biometric device 1

− Two step authentication

© UCLES 2020 Page 10 of 10

Buy O / A Level & IGCSE Original Books, Solved Past Papers & Notes Online at Discounted Prices.
Home Delivery all over Pakistan Call / WhatsApp: (0331-9977798) Visit: www.TeachifyMe.com/Shop
QUESTION
Page 8 8. Mark Scheme
Cambridge IGCSE – October/November 2015
Syllabus
0478
Paper
12

(b) (i) 1 mark for each correct parity bit

parity bit

0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0

parity bit

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
[2]

(ii) Any one from:

– an even number of digits are changed
– a transposition error(s) has occurred [1]

8 1 mark for each step in correct order. (NOTE: Marks can be awarded for a correct sequence.)

Steps in the printing process Step order

As the printing drum rotates, a laser scans across it; this removes the
positive charge in certain areas 4
The printing drum is coated in positively-charged toner; this then sticks to
the negatively-charged parts of the printing drum 6
The paper goes through a fuser which melts the toner so it fixes
permanently to the paper 9
The printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the laser printer
can understand (1)
A negatively-charged sheet of paper is then rolled over the printing drum 7
Data is then sent to the laser printer and stored temporarily in the printer
buffer 2
The toner on the printing drum is now transferred to the paper to
reproduce the required text and images 8
The printing drum is given a positive charge 3
Negatively-charged areas are then produced on the printing drum; these
match exactly with the text and images to be printed 5
[8]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

QUESTION
Page 8 9. Mark Scheme
Cambridge IGCSE – October/November 2016
Syllabus
0478
Paper
12

8
Statement TRUE or FALSE

MIDI stores the actual music notes in a compressed format FALSE

JPEG files are examples of lossless file compression FALSE

MP3 files are, on average, 90% smaller than the music files
TRUE
stored on a CD

MP4 files are examples of lossy file compression

TRUE

[4]

9 (a) Any two from:

– a large number of requests are sent to the network/server all at once

– designed to flood a network/server with useless traffic/requests
– the network/server will come to a halt/stop trying to deal with all the traffic/requests
– prevents users from gaining access to a website/server
[2]

(b) 1 mark for each security threat and 1 mark for matching description

Security threat Description

Viruses – software that replicates

– causes loss/corruption of data // computer may “crash”/run
slow

Hacking/cracking – illegal/ unauthorised access to a system/data

Phishing – a link/attachment sends user to fake website (where personal

data may be obtained)

Pharming – malicious code installed on user’s hard drive / computer

– user is redirected to a fake website (where personal data may
be obtained)

Spyware/key logger – send/relay key strokes to a third party

[4]

© UCLES 2016
 0478/11 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November
QUESTION 10. PUBLISHED 2017
Question Answer Marks

2 1 mark for each correct file format e.g. 3

File type File format

Pictures .JPEG
.doc, .txt, .rtf,
Text
.docx, .odt .pdf
.mp3, .wav, .aif,
Sound
.flac, .mid
Video .mp4, .flv, .wmv

Question Answer Marks

3(a) – Part 1 (access) protocol 3

– Part 2 domain (name)
– Part 3 filename

3(b) Four from: 4

– IP address is used to identify a device (on the Internet / network)
– IP address is allocated by the network/ ISP
– Can be used in place of URL
– IP addresses can be IPv4 or IPv6
– IP address can be static «
– ... meaning it doesn’t change each time it is connected to the Internet
– IP address can be dynamic «.
– « meaning that it can change each time a device is connected to the Internet
– Any valid example (e.g. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx or xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx)

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 10

 0478/11 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2018
QUESTION 11. PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

7(a) 1 mark for each correct answer: 2

• uses several/multiple wires
• transmits multiple bits at a time

7(b) Benefit 2
1 mark for:
• quicker/faster data transfer

Drawback
One from:
• More chance of data being skewed due to bits being sent simultaneously/out of order // less safe transmission as bits
are sent simultaneously/out of order
• More expensive as requires more/several/multiple wires
• More chance of interference as more/several/multiple wires are used (than can create crosstalk)

7(c) One from: 1

• Used in integrated circuits
• Used in RAM
• Used in connections to peripheral devices (e.g. printer)

Question Answer Marks

8 1 mark for each correct answer, in the given order: 6

• browser
• webpages
• Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Internet
• protocol
• IP address

© UCLES 2018 Page 11 of 12

0478/11 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2018
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

9 Five from: 5
• The data is sent to the microprocessor
• The analogue data is converted to digital (using ADC)
• The microprocessor compares the data to a stored value of 5 kg
– If the value is greater than 5 kg
– a counter is added to/incremented
• The process is continuous

Question Answer Marks

10 Four from: 4
• It performs a number of basic tasks, including controlling hardware/file handling (any other suitable examples)
• It allows the user to communicate with the computer using hardware // without it the user would not be able to
communicate with the computer using hardware
• It provides the user with a user interface // without it the user would not have a user interface to use
• PC’s are often used to perform many complex tasks at a time
– the OS is needed to handle this multitasking
– therefore, it provides the ability to handle interrupts

© UCLES 2018 Page 12 of 12

 0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2018
QUESTION 12. PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

8 Four from: 4
• Used to attend to certain tasks/issues
• Used to make sure that vital tasks are dealt with immediately
• The interrupt/signal tells the CPU/processor (that its attention is required)
• A signal that can be sent from a device (attached to the computer)
• A signal that can be sent from software (installed on the computer)
• The interrupt will cause the OS/current process to pause
• The OS/CPU/ISR will service/handle the interrupt
• They have different levels of priority
• After the interrupt is serviced, the (previous) process is continued
• It enables multi-tasking to be carried out on a computer
• A valid example of an interrupt e.g. ‘out of paper’ message for a printer

Question Answer Marks

9(a)(i) Two from: 2

• Data is transmitted one bit at a time
• Data is transmitted using a single wire
• Bits arrive in order/sequence

9(a)(ii) Two from: 2

• Data is transmitted multiple bits at a time/simultaneously
• Data is transmitted using multiple wires
• Bits may arrive out of sequence/skewed (and are reordered)

9(a)(iii) 1 mark for each: 2

• Data is transmitted in both directions
• « at the same time/simultaneously

© UCLES 2018 Page 11 of 12

0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2018
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

9(b) Maximum of three marks per error detection method. 9

1 mark for naming the method, 2 marks for describing it.
Parity (check)
• Odd or even parity can be used
• Bits are added together // 1 bits are counted
• Parity bit added (depending on parity set)
• Parity checked on receipt
• If parity bit is incorrect an error is detected

Checksum
• Calculation performed on data (to get the checksum)
• Checksum sent with data
• Checksum recalculated after transmission
• Comparison made between checksum before and checksum after transmission
• Error detected if checksums are different

Automatic repeat request (ARQ)

• Uses acknowledgement and timeout
• Request is sent (with data) requiring acknowledgement
• If no response/acknowledgment within certain time frame data package is resent
• When data received contains an error a request is sent (automatically) to resend the data
• The resend request is repeatedly sent until packet is received error free/limit is reached/acknowledgement received

Question Answer Marks

10 Five from: 5
• The sensor sends data to the microprocessor
• The analogue data is converted to digital (using ADC)
• The microprocessor compares the reading to the set range/stored values/stored data (6 to 8) «
– « If the reading is >8 or <6 / outside range «
o « the microprocessor sends a signal to output the alert
• The process is continuous/repeated

© UCLES 2018 Page 12 of 12

 0478/13 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2018
QUESTION 13. PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks

12 Four from (Max three from each): 4

MP3
• Digital recording of sound
• Produced by recording software / microphone
• Used when distributing sound files
• Compressed file format

MIDI
• Instructions of how to make sound
• Non-audio recording
• File created using digital musical instruments
• Produced by synthesizer
• Used when composing music
• Individual notes/instruments can be changed

Question Answer Marks

13(a) 1 mark for storage, 1 mark for justification 2

• External/Removable HDD // External/Removable SSD // Large capacity USB Flash Drive

• Backups must be stored separately

• Will hold sufficient data
• Faster write abilities (SSD/USB drive only)

© UCLES 2018 Page 12 of 13

 0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2019
QUESTION 14. PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

10(a) Four from: 4

• Validation method
• Used to check data entry
• Digit is calculated from data // by example
• Digit is appended / added to data
• Digit is recalculated when data has been input
• Digits are compared
• If digits are different, error is detected // If digits match, no error is detected

10(b) Six from (maximum three marks per security method): 6

• Firewall «
• « Monitors the traffic
• « Blocks any traffic that doesn’t meet the criteria / rules

• (Strong) password // biometric «

• « Data cannot be accessed without the use of the password / bio data
• « Prevent brute force attacks

• Encryption «
• « Data will be scrambled
• « Key is required to decrypt the data
• « If data is stolen it will be meaningless

• Physical security methods «

• « The physical security will need to be overcome
• « This can help deter theft of the data

• Antispyware «
• « will remove any spyware from system
• « will prevent data being relayed to a third party

© UCLES 2019 Page 14 of 15

Buy IGCSE, O / A Level Books, Past Papers & Revision Notes Online at Discounted Prices
Visit: www.TeachifyMe.com / Shop Call / WhatsApp: (0331-9977798) Delivering all Over Pakistan
0478/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2019
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

11(a) RAM 3
• To store the data / instructions / parts of OS that are currently in use
ROM
• To store the firmware / bootup instructions / BIOS
SSD
• To store files / software // by example

11(b) Two from: 2

• It is more durable // it has no moving parts
• It has a faster read / write / access speed
• It is more compact / light weight / smaller / portable
• It uses less energy // battery will last longer
• It is quieter
• Not affected by magnetic forces
• It runs at a cooler temperature
• Less latency // takes less time to warm up

© UCLES 2019 Page 15 of 15

Buy IGCSE, O / A Level Books, Past Papers & Revision Notes Online at Discounted Prices
Visit: www.TeachifyMe.com / Shop Call / WhatsApp: (0331-9977798) Delivering all Over Pakistan
 0478/13 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November 2019
QUESTION 15. PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

5 One mark for each correct parity bit 3

Parity
bit
Register A 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1

Register B 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

Register C 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Question Answer Marks

6(a) • Free software 1

6(b) • Freeware 1

6(c) • Shareware 1

6(d) • Plagiarism // Intellectual property theft 1

6(e) • Copyright 1

© UCLES 2019 Page 11 of 14

Buy IGCSE, O / A Level Books, Past Papers & Revision Notes Online at Discounted Prices
Visit: www.TeachifyMe.com / Shop Call / WhatsApp: (0331-9977798) Delivering all Over Pakistan