Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, Shortcuts and Internet Basics
Computer Fundamentals checks basic digital literacy: parts of a computer, hardware and software, memory, operating-system basics, MS Office, internet and email, and cyber safety. Questions are definitional and shortcut-based.
Core facts
- Generations: valves (first), transistors (second), integrated circuits (third), microprocessors (fourth), artificial intelligence (fifth).
- Memory: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
- Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone; output devices: monitor, printer, speaker.
- Shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+Y redo, Ctrl+A select all, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print, Alt+F4 close.
- MS Office extensions: .docx for Word, .xlsx for Excel, .pptx for PowerPoint.
- Email fields: To is the primary recipient, Cc is a visible copy, Bcc is a hidden copy.
- Security: use strong passwords, never share OTPs, and check URLs before logging in.
Worked example
How many MB are in 2 GB? Since 1 GB = 1024 MB, 2 GB = 2 x 1024 = 2048 MB.
Traps
- Confusing bit (b) with byte (B); internet speeds are often quoted in bits per second.
- Calling RAM permanent storage; it loses data when power is switched off.
- Mixing Cc and Bcc, or using reply-all when only the sender should receive the reply.
- Treating an operating system or a compiler as application software.
- Forgetting that a compiler translates the whole program while an interpreter translates line by line.