Computer Knowledge / Basic Computer Literacy
Computer Knowledge is 20 questions in Phase I and 20 in Phase II. It covers hardware and software, input/output devices, memory units, operating-system basics, MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint, internet and email, networking, and cyber hygiene. Questions are often shortcut- or definition-based, so precise recall matters.
Core rules
- Memory: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB. ROM is non-volatile; RAM is volatile.
- Excel references: relative (A1) changes when copied; absolute ($A$1) does not; mixed ($A1 or A$1) fixes one part.
- Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print, F2 edit a cell, Ctrl+; inserts current date in Excel.
- Internet: HTTP/HTTPS for web, SMTP for sending mail, POP3/IMAP for receiving; URL identifies a resource.
- Security: phishing, malware, ransomware, and strong password/2FA practices.
Worked example
Cell C1 contains =$A$1+B1. If copied to D1, what does D1 show? Reasoning: the $ before A and 1 makes A1 absolute; B1 is relative. Moving one column right changes B1 to C1, but $A$1 stays fixed. D1 becomes =$A$1+C1.
Traps
- Treating 1 KB as 1000 bytes in binary-based exam questions.
- Mixing relative and absolute references when copying formulas.
- Confusing RAM (temporary) with ROM (permanent).
- Assuming all email protocols both send and receive; SMTP sends, POP3/IMAP retrieve.