GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Mark Scheme
J277/01: Unit 1.3 The Internet & The Cloud
Question Answer Marks Guidance
1a A worldwide collection of inter-connected computer networks. 1
Examiner's Note: The "World Wide Web" option is a distractor. The Internet is the infrastructure; the WWW is the service on top of it.
1b
  • It covers a large geographical area / global scale. (1)
  • It uses third-party / leased telecommunication infrastructure (cables/satellites) to connect. (1)
 2
Reject: "It is wireless" or "It has many computers" (not specific enough for WAN definition).
2a
  • URLs are easier for humans to remember/read... (1)
  • ...than complex numeric IP addresses (e.g. 192.149.119.226). (1)
 2
Accept: "Human-friendly" vs "Computer-readable".
2b Any 4 bullet points (Max 4):
  • The browser sends the URL to the DNS.
  • The DNS looks up / searches for the URL in its table/database.
  • The DNS finds the matching IP address.
  • The DNS returns the IP address to the browser/computer.
  • The browser then sends a request to that IP address to get the website.
 4
CRITICAL EXAMINER NOTE: Candidates often incorrectly say the DNS gets the website. It does not. It only finds the address.
Reject: "The URL is sent to the web server." (It goes to the DNS first).
2c It forwards the request to a higher-level / another DNS server. 1
Allow: "Returns an error" (only if they specify eventually, but forwarding is the primary next step).
3a
  • A computer/server that stores/hosts web pages/files. (1)
  • It sends the web pages to the client/browser when requested. (1)
 2
Key Terminology: "Host" and "Serve/Send".
3b
  • Identification: The Tablet / Sarah's device. (1)
  • Role: It sends a request to the server for the website / It displays the result. (1)
 2
Reject: "Sarah" (Sarah is the user, the tablet is the client device).
4a Remote service provision (storage/processing) accessed via the Internet. 1
Allow: "Storing data on remote servers accessed via the Internet."
Reject: "Storing data in the sky/wireless."
4b Access: Lawyers can access files from anywhere / home (1)... which allows for remote working / flexibility (1).

Backups: The cloud provider manages backups automatically (1)... so the firm does not need to pay staff to change backup tapes/drives (1).

Scalability: Easy to increase storage capacity (1)... without purchasing expensive new hardware (servers) (1). 		4
Examiner Note: "Cheaper" is NE (Not Enough). Must qualify why (e.g. "No upfront hardware cost").
4c Dependency: Requires a reliable Internet connection (1)... if the internet goes down, lawyers cannot access client files (1).

Security/Trust: The firm is not in control of the security (1)... if the cloud provider is hacked, sensitive legal data could be stolen (1).

Legal/Ownership: Unclear who owns the data (1)... which might violate data protection laws for client confidentiality (1). 		4
Examiner Note: For "Security", do not accept "It is less secure" (Cloud providers often have better security). Focus on the lack of control or the consequences of a breach.
4d Encryption 1
Accept: HTTPS / SSL.
OCR 2026