Computer Awareness
What this domain tests
Computer Awareness checks hardware/software basics, operating systems, memory, MS Office, internet, networking, security and database concepts.
Core rules
- Hardware: input, output, CPU (ALU + control unit), primary memory (RAM/ROM), secondary storage.
- Memory: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB.
- Software: system software (OS, utilities) vs application software; OS manages files, memory, processes and devices.
- Internet: IP address identifies a device; URL locates a resource; HTTP/HTTPS transfer web pages; email needs address, subject and message.
- Security: malware includes virus, worm and Trojan; firewall filters traffic; phishing is a fraudulent message that steals credentials.
- MS Office: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+S save; in Excel, formulas begin with =.
Worked example
A file is 2,048 KB. Convert to MB: 2,048 ÷ 1,024 = 2 MB. If asked for bits, 2 MB = 2 × 1024 × 1024 × 8 bits-check the unit before answering.
Traps
Do not confuse bit and byte; RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile; a URL is not the same as an IP address; antivirus does not replace a firewall.