Basic Computer Knowledge and Office Applications
This section tests basic computer literacy and office applications: hardware and software, memory, input/output devices, Windows basics, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet and email, and basic security. Questions are usually one-line shortcut or definition checks.
Core rules
- Hardware is physical; software is a program. System software includes the operating system; application software includes Word and Excel.
- RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile. 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB.
- Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+Y redo, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print, Ctrl+F find.
- Excel: every formula begins with “=”; =SUM(A1:A5) adds a range; $A$1 is an absolute reference that does not shift when copied.
- Word uses .docx, Excel .xlsx, PowerPoint .pptx.
- Email: To, Cc (visible copy), Bcc (hidden copy); never open unknown attachments.
Worked example
“In Excel, cells B2 to B6 hold five subject marks. Which formula gives their total, and what happens if it is copied to C7?” Use =SUM(B2:B6). The reference is relative, so copying it one column right and one row down changes it to =SUM(C3:C7). To keep the range fixed, write =SUM($B$2:$B$6).
Traps
- RAM is volatile; ROM retains data without power.
- Ctrl+Z undoes; Ctrl+Y redoes - they are not the same.
- “Save” overwrites the current file; “Save As” creates a new copy.
- A formula typed without “=” is treated as text.