AS Level Computer Science chapter 7: Ethics and ownership MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
12 exam-style questions on Ethics and ownership, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. A program can be used free for 30 days, after which the user must pay to keep using it. Which type of licence is this?
A
open source
B
free software
C
shareware
D
commercial
Show answer
Answer: C. Shareware lets people try the software, often with limited features or time, before paying. Commercial software must be paid for before use.
2. Which of these is an application of artificial intelligence?
A
a spreadsheet formula that adds up a column of monthly sales
B
a word processor tool that counts the words in a document
C
a database query that lists all customers in name order
D
a medical system that learns from cases to suggest diagnoses
Show answer
Answer: D. AI systems learn from data to make decisions or predictions. The other examples follow fixed rules written by a programmer.
3. A professional code of conduct says members must act in the public interest. Which action follows this principle?
A
keeping quiet about a flaw so the company's share price stays high
B
claiming expertise in a field you have never studied
C
reporting that a product your company sells has a dangerous flaw
D
using a client's data for your own research without consent
Show answer
Answer: C. Acting in the public interest means putting people's health, safety and rights first, even when it is inconvenient for the employer.
4. A program released under the Free Software Foundation's GPL is modified and then redistributed. What does the licence require of the new version?
A
it must also be free software with its source code available
B
it can then be sold as closed-source commercial software
C
it must be distributed only as a compiled executable file
D
it may be used only for a 30-day trial, then paid for
Show answer
Answer: A. The GPL is a copyleft licence: modified versions that are distributed must keep the same freedoms, including access to the source code.
5. A company knowingly releases software with a serious security flaw to meet a deadline. What is the most likely consequence?
A
no impact, as customers are responsible for their own security
B
higher sales because the product was released on time
C
the flaw is fixed automatically by the operating system
D
loss of customer trust and possible legal action after a breach
Show answer
Answer: D. If the flaw is exploited, customers' data may be stolen; the company faces damage to its reputation, lost business and possible legal claims.
6. A developer is told to add a hidden feature that uploads users' contacts without telling them. What is the most ethical response?
A
refuse or raise it with managers, as users have not consented
B
add the feature, because the manager has asked for it
C
add the feature but make sure the data is stored encrypted
D
add it and only tell the users who later complain about it
Show answer
Answer: A. Collecting personal data without consent breaks users' privacy and probably the law. Encrypting the data does not make secret collection acceptable.
7. Why is copyright legislation needed for software?
A
to stop others copying or selling a creator's work unlawfully
B
to make sure all software is free for anyone to use and share
C
to make sure every program is fully tested and free of bugs
D
to force every programmer to publish all their source code
Show answer
Answer: A. Copyright protects the creator's investment, so they can earn from their work and decide how it is copied and distributed.
8. Which is a feature of software released under an Open Source Initiative licence?
A
it may be used free for a trial period, then must be paid for
B
users pay for a licence and cannot see the source code
C
the source code is available and can be modified and shared
D
it may be used but its code may never be altered or shared
Show answer
Answer: C. Open source licences make the source code available and allow users to study, change and redistribute it. A free trial followed by payment is shareware.
9. Why is it important for a computing professional to join a professional body such as the BCS or IEEE?
A
it is a legal requirement before anyone can work as a programmer
B
it gives members free commercial software licences for work
C
it provides a code of conduct and professional standards to follow
D
it guarantees that software written by members has no bugs
Show answer
Answer: C. Professional bodies set a code of conduct, support training and uphold standards. Membership is not a legal requirement and cannot guarantee bug-free software.
10. A bank buys a software package and needs guaranteed support, updates and someone accountable if it fails. Which licence type suits it best?
A
commercial
B
shareware
C
open source
D
free software
Show answer
Answer: A. A commercial licence is a paid contract with a supplier, which usually includes support, updates and liability. Open source software may have no formal support.
12, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 1 topics: Ethics and ownership. Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the AS Level Computer Science chapter 7 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
