Computer and Information Technology
What the paper tests
The Computer and IT paper covers hardware and software, input–process–output–storage, operating systems, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, internet use, email, algorithms, and digital safety. Practical logic matters more than memorising brand names.
Core rules
- Input devices send data in; output devices present results; storage keeps data when power is off.
- RAM is temporary working memory; a hard disk or SSD is permanent storage.
- A spreadsheet formula begins with =; =SUM(B2:B6) adds a range.
- Relative references change when copied; absolute references use $ to stay fixed.
- Phishing tricks users into revealing passwords through fake messages or links.
Worked example
Cells B2 to B6 contain 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. What does =AVERAGE(B2:B6) return? Reasoning: the sum is 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 = 40. There are five values, so the average is 40 ÷ 5 = 8. The formula returns 8. Writing =SUM(B2:B6)/5 would also work, but =AVERAGE is safer because it counts the cells automatically.
Traps
- Forgetting the = sign, so the spreadsheet treats the formula as text.
- Confusing Save with Save As, which creates a new file or format.
- Using relative references when a fixed cell is needed.
- Believing that deleting a file always erases it from storage immediately.