Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
What the domain covers
Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems tests whether you can identify hardware, explain what each component does, distinguish system software from application software, and use common units correctly. Questions often appear as label-the-part, match-the-function and one-line application items.
Core rules
- A computer follows input → process → output; storage holds data for later use.
- The CPU has an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit (CU) and registers. RAM is primary, volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile and holds start-up instructions.
- Secondary storage (HDD, SSD, pen drive, DVD) is non-volatile. In exam calculations use 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB unless the question states decimal units.
- System software includes the operating system, drivers and utilities; application software includes word processors, spreadsheets and browsers. Firmware is stored on ROM.
Worked example
A 32 GB pen drive must be reported in MB. Convert: 32 × 1024 = 32,768 MB. If the question instead says “using 1 GB = 1000 MB”, the answer is 32,000 MB. Read the unit convention before calculating.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling RAM “permanent” or ROM “temporary”.
- Mixing storage capacity with processor speed (GHz) or screen resolution.
- Labelling a touchscreen as input only: it is both input and output.
- Treating a driver or antivirus as application software when the question asks for system software.