Computer Literacy and Communication Skills
What this section tests
Basic digital literacy for a modern force: operating a computer, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email and internet use, file management, and the security habits that go with handling official data.
Core skills
- Windows: files and folders, copy, move, rename, extensions (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg) and the Recycle Bin. Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V copy, cut and paste; Ctrl+Z undoes; Ctrl+S saves; Ctrl+P prints; Alt+Tab switches windows.
- Excel: every formula begins with “=”. =SUM(A1:A10) adds a range; =AVERAGE(B1:B5) averages one. The dollar sign locks a reference - =B2*$C$1 does not shift when copied down.
- Email: To, Cc (for information), Bcc (hidden recipients), a clear subject line, and attachments. Use Reply All only when everyone genuinely needs the reply.
- Security: strong unique passwords, never share tokens or OTPs, verify the sender before opening attachments, and report suspected phishing rather than forwarding it.
Worked example
A duty log must multiply each row by a fixed rate held in cell C1. Typing =B2C1 and dragging down produces =B3C2, which is wrong because the rate reference drifts. The correct form is =B2*$C$1 - the dollar signs lock column and row.
Traps
- Confusing Save with Save As: Save overwrites the open file, Save As creates a new one.
- Shift+Delete deletes permanently, bypassing the Recycle Bin.
- Sending an unencrypted official file to a personal email address is a security incident, not a shortcut.
- Attaching a file without mentioning it in the body - recipients miss it.