Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems
This domain tests the vocabulary and mental model behind every other unit: what a computer is, how data becomes information, and how hardware and software cooperate. RBSE questions often ask you to classify a device, identify a processing stage, or choose the right memory or storage unit.
Core rules and concepts
- A computer accepts data, processes it under a stored program, stores results, and outputs information. The sequence input → process → output, with storage, is the IPO cycle.
- Hardware is physical equipment; software is instructions. System software includes the operating system, utilities, and language translators. Application software serves a user task.
- The CPU contains the ALU for arithmetic and logic, the control unit for fetch-decode-execute control, and registers for temporary data.
- Primary memory is directly accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile and holds running programs; ROM is non-volatile and stores startup firmware. Secondary storage such as HDD, SSD, and pen drive is non-volatile and slower.
- Units: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.
Worked example
A student asks whether a 16 GB pen drive can hold a 15,000 MB video. Reasoning: convert to the same unit. 16 GB = 16 × 1024 = 16,384 MB. Since 16,384 MB is greater than 15,000 MB, the drive can hold the video. If the file were 17,000 MB, the answer would be no. Show the conversion, not just the conclusion.
Traps that cost marks
Do not call RAM permanent or ROM volatile. Do not confuse storage capacity with processor speed. In unit conversion, use 1024, not 1000, unless the question explicitly uses decimal units. Do not label a touchscreen only as output: it is both input and output.