Computer Knowledge and Office Applications
What is tested
Fundamentals of hardware and software, operating systems, memory and storage units, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet and email use, cyber hygiene, and awareness of e-governance and judicial IT such as e-filing, the Case Information System (CIS), the National Judicial Data Grid and virtual courts.
Core rules
- Storage: 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB; RAM is volatile, ROM is not.
- Shortcuts: Ctrl+C/V/X copy, paste, cut; Ctrl+Z undo; Ctrl+S save; Ctrl+P print; Ctrl+F find; Alt+Tab switch windows; F2 rename.
- Word: .docx is the default format; Ctrl+E centres, Ctrl+J justifies; mail merge needs a main document plus a data source.
- Excel: every formula begins with '='; =SUM(A1:A10) adds a range, while =SUM(A1,A10) adds two cells; error values include #DIV/0!, #REF!, #NAME? and #VALUE!.
- PowerPoint: .pptx files; F5 starts the slide show; Slide Master controls global formatting.
- Email: To, Cc (visible copy) and Bcc (hidden copy); attachments have size limits.
Worked example
Cell C1 contains =A1+$B$1. If the formula is copied to C2, what does C2 contain? A1 is a relative reference and shifts down one row to A2. $B$1 is absolute - the dollar signs lock both column and row - so it remains $B$1. C2 contains =A2+$B$1. A reference written as B$1 would lock only the row.
Traps
- Reading 'B1:B10' as two separate cells rather than a range.
- Confusing Cc with Bcc when the question asks who can see recipients.
- Mixing decimal (1000) and binary (1024) storage conversions.
- Assuming deleted files always go to the Recycle Bin (Shift+Delete skips it).