Computer Essentials: Hardware, Files and Safe Working Practice
What the domain covers
Computer Essentials tests whether you understand the physical and logical parts of a personal computer and can manage them safely. Expect questions on hardware versus software, operating-system tasks (desktop, windows, icons, settings), file and folder management, storage and backup, and security or well-being issues.
Concepts to know
Know that hardware is the tangible equipment (CPU, RAM, storage drive, monitor, keyboard) while software is the programs and data. Understand the difference between RAM (volatile working memory, cleared at shutdown) and storage (persistent, e.g. a hard disk or USB stick). Be able to explain operating-system functions: managing files, running applications, controlling peripherals and user accounts. Learn file-management vocabulary: drive, folder/directory, path, file name and extension, copy versus move, and the difference between deleting to a recycle bin and permanent deletion.
Traps
Questions often swap copy and move: copy leaves the original, move removes it. Another common trap is confusing save with save as (the latter lets you choose a new name or location). Candidates also mix up log-off, sleep and shut down, or assume deleting a shortcut removes the program. Read whether a question asks for the first step or the safest step.
Rule of thumb
Before any file operation, ask: where does the file live now, and where should it live afterwards? If both answers are the same, you are copying; if the original location changes, you are moving.
Worked example
A user drags a file from a USB stick to a folder on the hard disk. On most systems this performs a move, because the two locations are different drives; dragging within the same drive performs a copy.