Basic Computer Knowledge: Hardware, Software and Security
Fundamentals
Understand the distinction between hardware and software, input and output devices, and the roles of CPU, memory, and storage. Know that RAM is volatile working memory while ROM is non-volatile, and that secondary storage (hard disk, SSD) retains data without power. Learn units of storage: bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte, and their base-2 relationships.
Software and networks
Revise operating-system functions, common application software, file extensions, and basic networking concepts: LAN versus WAN, IP addresses, the internet versus the World Wide Web, and the role of browsers and search engines. Know what an email address consists of and safe-practice basics.
Security and office tools
Learn about viruses, malware, phishing, firewalls, and strong passwords. Understand basic spreadsheet and word-processing operations, since questions often test what a formula or shortcut does.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps: confusing RAM with ROM; mixing up the internet with the web; calling a browser a search engine; and misidentifying which device is input versus output. Rule of thumb: ask whether the item takes data into the computer (input), sends results out (output), or processes/stores it. Worked example: a touchscreen both displays and accepts touch, so it acts as both output and input; a printer only produces output.