Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
What this domain tests
The IT Fundamentals and Computer Systems domain checks whether you can identify hardware, software, memory, number systems and operating-system tasks, and explain how data moves through a computer. Expect definitions, unit conversions, binary/decimal conversion and basic troubleshooting.
Core rules and concepts
- A computer follows the input–process–output–storage cycle; the CPU (ALU, control unit and registers) executes instructions.
- Hardware is physical; software is a set of instructions. System software (operating system, utilities) runs the machine; application software helps the user.
- RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile and holds firmware. Secondary storage (HDD/SSD) keeps data when power is off.
- Units: 8 bits = 1 byte; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.
- The operating system manages files, memory, devices and users, and provides a user interface. Booting loads the operating system.
Worked example
Convert decimal 13 to binary. Subtract the largest powers of two: 13 − 8 = 5; 5 − 4 = 1; 1 − 1 = 0. The powers 8, 4, 2 and 1 give bits 1, 1, 0, 1, so 13₁₀ = 1101₂. Check: 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse bit and byte, or RAM and ROM. “Software” is not only applications. Use 1024, not 1000, for binary storage units. A GUI is an interface, not an operating system. Primary memory means RAM/ROM, not the hard disk.