Computer Knowledge
Computer Knowledge in UPPCL JE checks hardware and software basics, number systems, operating-system and MS Office operations, internet and networking terms, and basic cyber safety. Questions are factual and often test the difference between look-alike terms.
Core rules
- Primary memory is RAM/ROM; RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile. Secondary storage includes HDD, SSD and pen drives.
- Binary to decimal: multiply each bit by 2 raised to its position from the right, starting at 0.
- IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses; IPv6 uses 128-bit. HTTP is unsecured; HTTPS uses TLS.
- In MS Excel, a formula begins with =; $ fixes a row or column in a cell reference.
- Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+Shift+N new folder in File Explorer.
Worked example
Convert 1101 base 2 to decimal. Write positions from the right: 1×2³ + 1×2² + 0×2¹ + 1×2⁰ = 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13. The zero bit contributes nothing, which is why the answer is 13 and not 14 or 15.
Traps
- Calling ROM volatile or RAM permanent.
- Treating 1 KB as exactly 1000 bytes in binary contexts; it is 1024 bytes.
- Saying HTTPS encrypts the URL path; it protects the connection, not the visible address bar.
- Forgetting that Excel cell references change on copy unless made absolute with $.