Computer Literacy and ICT Appreciation
Core concepts
Computer literacy covers hardware, software, operating systems, file management, networks, the internet, email, and cybersecurity. Revise input, output, processing, and storage devices; RAM versus ROM; operating-system functions; file extensions; shortcuts; word-processing and spreadsheet basics; databases; algorithms; and cloud services. ICT appreciation asks how technology supports governance, education, health, and public service delivery, including digital payments, e-governance portals, and data protection.
Traps
Candidates often confuse RAM with storage, spam with phishing, and HTTP with HTTPS. Shortcut questions may swap Ctrl, Alt, and Shift combinations. Another trap is assuming that a familiar logo or sender name guarantees authenticity. Questions about backups may confuse a copy on the same drive with an off-site backup.
Worked example
An email urges immediate payment to a new bank account and threatens account closure. What should you do? This has classic phishing signs: urgency, a changed payment destination, and a threat. Do not click the link or pay. Verify through an official phone number or portal, report the message, and preserve evidence. Legitimate organisations do not demand secrecy or instant payment by email.
Rule of thumb
Verify the sender, hover over links to inspect the real URL, and use official channels. For file safety, follow the 3-2-1 backup idea: three copies, two media, one off-site.