Computer Literacy and Information Technology
Computer Literacy and IT tests hardware, software, operating systems, office applications, networking, the internet, and basic security. Expect shortcut keys, memory units, and safe-practice questions.
Core rules
- Hardware is physical; software is instructions. RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile.
- 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB.
- The operating system manages hardware, files, and processes.
- Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print.
- An IP address identifies a device on a network; a MAC address identifies the network interface.
- Phishing tricks users into revealing credentials; never click suspicious links.
- The internet is a network of networks; the World Wide Web is a service on it.
Worked example
Convert binary 1011 to decimal. Write place values 8, 4, 2, 1. Multiply: 1×8 + 0×4 + 1×2 + 1×1 = 11. So 1011₂ = 11₁₀.
Traps
- Saying 1 KB = 1000 bytes in an exam that uses binary units.
- Confusing RAM with storage.
- Mixing Ctrl+Z (undo) with Ctrl+Y (redo).
- Treating a browser as an operating system.
- Believing a strong password can be shared safely.