ICT Skills
ICT Skills
This domain tests practical digital literacy: hardware and software basics, file management, internet use, email, safe browsing and digital citizenship. The exam favours applied questions such as what to click, what to send and what to avoid.
Core rules and concepts
- A computer system follows input → process → output, with storage. RAM is temporary working memory; ROM is read-only; a hard disk or SSD stores files when power is off.
- Save files with meaningful names and organise folders. Back up important work in more than one place.
- Email fields: To is the primary recipient; Cc keeps others informed; Bcc hides recipients and protects addresses. Use a clear subject line, short paragraphs and an attachment only when needed.
- Netiquette: no all-caps shouting, quote only what is needed, proofread, and do not forward private messages without consent.
- Cybersecurity basics: use long unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication where available, avoid unknown links and attachments, and log out on shared devices.
- A digital footprint is the trail you leave online. Employers and colleges may see public posts.
Worked example
You must send a leave request to a teacher and keep the class representative informed without revealing other students email addresses. Put the teacher in To, the representative in Cc, and any group of students in Bcc. Explain the dates and reason briefly, attach a medical note if required, and end with your name and roll number. Reasoning: Cc keeps the representative in the loop; Bcc protects addresses and avoids a reply-all chain.
Traps that cost marks
Do not use Reply All for a message that concerns only the sender. Do not put confidential recipients in To or Cc. Do not treat a password as strong because it contains a symbol if it is short and reused. Do not confuse RAM with permanent storage. Do not forward chain messages or click unsubscribe in suspicious mail.
Key points
- Input-process-output-storage describes a computer system; RAM is temporary.
- To, Cc and Bcc have different privacy and reply consequences.
- Strong passwords are long, unique and backed by two-factor authentication where possible.
- Treat unexpected links and attachments as potential phishing.
- Your digital footprint includes posts others can copy or share.