Computer Awareness and Basic IT
What Computer Awareness tests
Basic IT literacy: hardware and software, memory units, operating systems, MS Office, internet and networking, shortcuts, databases, cyber security, and police IT systems such as CCTNS.
Core rules and facts
- Memory: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.
- Primary versus secondary: RAM is volatile and primary; ROM is non-volatile; hard disks, SSDs and pen drives are secondary storage.
- Software: system software (operating system, drivers, utilities) versus application software (Word, Excel, browsers).
- Networking: LAN, WAN, MAN; an IP address identifies a device; HTTP and HTTPS are protocols, and HTTPS is encrypted.
- Cyber law: the Information Technology Act, 2000 covers identity theft (Section 66C), cheating by impersonation (66D) and publishing obscene material (67).
- Police IT: CCTNS links police stations nationwide; AFIS handles fingerprints; INTERPOL notices are issued internationally.
Worked example
A file is 2,048 KB. How large is it in MB? Reasoning: 1 MB = 1024 KB, so divide 2,048 by 1,024 = 2 MB. Do not divide by 1,000; exam options usually include that wrong value as a distractor.
Traps that cost marks
- Bit versus byte (b versus B) - internet speeds are quoted in megabits, storage in megabytes.
- ROM is read-only and keeps data without power; RAM loses it on shutdown.
- Shortcut questions mix Ctrl and Alt variants: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+Shift+N new folder.
- Phishing, pharming and spoofing are distinct; phishing is the deceptive message that harvests credentials.