Information Technology and Digital Skills (Τεχνολογίες Πληροφορίας και Ψηφιακές Δεξιότητες)
What is tested
Everyday computer literacy used for reports and records: hardware and software basics, file handling, spreadsheet formulas, email etiquette, cybersecurity hygiene and personal-data protection.
Core knowledge
- Hardware versus software: RAM is volatile working memory, storage (SSD/HDD) is persistent, and the CPU executes instructions. Losing an unsaved document is a RAM/power event, not a disk failure.
- File types: .docx text document, .xlsx spreadsheet, .pdf fixed layout, .jpg image, .mp4 video, .exe executable - never open an unexpected .exe or .zip attachment.
- Spreadsheets: formulas begin with =; relative references change when copied (A1), absolute references do not ($A$1). Common errors: #DIV/0! (division by zero), #REF! (deleted cell), #NAME? (misspelt function).
- Email: To for action, Cc for courtesy copy, Bcc for hidden recipients - use Bcc for large distribution lists so addresses are not exposed.
- Security: unique passwords held in a manager, multi-factor authentication, HTTPS, verify the sender address, hover over links before clicking, lock the screen, report phishing.
- GDPR: process personal data lawfully and minimally; data subjects have access, rectification and erasure rights; breaches are notified to the supervisory authority within 72 hours where required. In Cyprus the authority is the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.
Worked example
'Cell B1 contains =A1*$A$10 and is copied down to B3. What does B3 compute?' Reasoning: A1 is relative, so copying two rows down shifts it to A3. $A$10 is absolute and stays fixed. B3 therefore computes A3*$A$10. If A3 = 40 and A10 = 5, the result is 200. The common wrong answer, A1*$A$10, comes from ignoring the relative shift.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing RAM with storage when asked why work was lost.
- Believing a padlock or HTTPS proves a site is genuine - it only proves the connection is encrypted.
- Placing a mailing list in Cc and exposing every address.
- Selecting =SUM(A1:A5) when the header row must be excluded.
- Assuming a deleted file is gone when it is still in the recycle bin.