Basic Computer Knowledge and Information Technology
What the domain tests
Basic Computer Knowledge and Information Technology tests hardware, software, memory, operating systems, MS Office, internet and email, networking, cybersecurity and everyday IT terms. Questions are definition-based and often ask for units, shortcuts or file extensions.
Core rules and concepts
- Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner and microphone. Output: monitor, printer, speaker and projector.
- Memory: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB.
- RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile. Secondary storage includes hard disk, SSD and pen drive.
- Operating systems manage hardware and software; examples are Windows, Linux, macOS and Android.
- Internet terms: URL is a web address; HTTP and HTTPS transfer web pages; HTTPS is encrypted.
- Email fields: To, Cc, Bcc, Subject and Attachment.
- A computer virus is malicious software; antivirus and updates reduce risk.
Worked example
Question: How many MB are in 2 GB? Reason: 1 GB = 1024 MB, so 2 GB = 2 × 1024 = 2048 MB. Do not use 1000 unless the question explicitly uses decimal units.
Traps that cost marks
- Mixing RAM and ROM.
- Confusing KB with Kb; bytes and bits differ by eight.
- Treating HTTP and HTTPS as identical.
- Confusing Save with Save As.
- Mixing virus, worm and Trojan.
- Forgetting that Cc is visible to other recipients while Bcc is hidden.
Exam habit
Learn shortcut keys and file extensions by use: .docx for Word, .xlsx for Excel, .pptx for PowerPoint.