Basic Computer Knowledge and Applications
Basic Computer Knowledge and Applications tests everyday digital literacy: hardware and software, memory and storage units, operating-system functions, word processing and spreadsheets, internet/email use, shortcuts and basic security.
Core rules
- Hardware is physical; software is a set of instructions. System software includes the OS; application software includes Word and browsers.
- Memory: RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile. Storage units: 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB, 1 TB = 1024 GB.
- OS functions: process management, memory management, file management and device management.
- Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+Shift+N new folder in Windows File Explorer.
- Email: To, Cc (visible copy), Bcc (blind copy); attachments should be opened only from trusted senders.
- Security: use strong unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking unknown links.
Worked example
A file named report.docx is created in Microsoft Word. What is .docx? It is the file extension, which tells the OS/application the file type. Word is application software, not system software; the document is stored on secondary storage, not in RAM permanently.
Traps
Do not call RAM non-volatile; do not confuse memory (RAM) with storage (disk); do not mix up Cc and Bcc; and remember that a shortcut performs an action in the active application, so Ctrl+S in a browser is not the same as saving a Word file.