Computer Literacy and Basic IT: A Layered Model
Build a layered mental model
Computer literacy questions move from hardware to applications to networks. Know the difference between primary memory (RAM, cache) and secondary storage (hard disk, SSD, USB), input and output devices, and system software versus application software. Understand the operating system's jobs: process, memory, file, and device management. For files, know extensions and the difference between copy and move, save and save as, and absolute and relative paths.
Office and spreadsheet skills
In word processing, know styles, headers, mail merge, and track changes. In spreadsheets, understand cell references: relative (A1) changes when copied, absolute ($A$1) does not, and mixed references lock one part. Learn common functions-SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF, VLOOKUP-and the difference between a formula and a value. Presentations test slide masters, transitions, and speaker notes.
Internet and security
Know URL structure, domains, HTTP versus HTTPS, IP addresses, DNS, browsers, search operators, and cloud storage. Security basics: strong passwords, two-factor authentication, phishing, malware, firewalls, backups, and safe browsing.
Traps
Frequent confusions include RAM with ROM, the internet with the web, .org with .com, and 'delete' with 'move to recycle bin'. Shortcut questions test exact keys; practise the ones you use.
Worked example
If B1 contains =A1 and you copy it to B2, it becomes =A2. If it contains =$A$1, it stays =$A$1. Rule of thumb: dollar signs freeze; no dollar signs travel.