Topic map
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Basics | Input, processing, output and storage; types of computers |
| Hardware | CPU, ALU, control unit, input and output devices, ports |
| Memory and storage | RAM, ROM, cache, hard disk, SSD; bit, byte and larger units |
| Software | System and application software; operating systems; utilities |
| Networking and internet | LAN, WAN, IP address, URL, browser, email, HTTP and HTTPS |
| Security | Virus, malware, phishing, firewall, antivirus, encryption |
| Office tools | Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, shortcuts |
Stable facts and examples
- Units: 8 bits = 1 byte; 1 KB = 1,024 bytes; 1 MB = 1,024 KB; 1 GB = 1,024 MB; 1 TB = 1,024 GB.
- CPU: the arithmetic logic unit performs calculations and logical operations; the control unit directs the flow of instructions.
- RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile and holds start-up instructions.
- Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone. Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker.
- System software: operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Android. Application software: word processors, browsers, spreadsheets.
- URL is the address of a web resource; HTTPS is HTTP with encryption.
- Phishing tricks users into giving away sensitive information; a firewall filters network traffic by rules.
Keyboard shortcuts (common Windows ones)
Ctrl + C copy; Ctrl + X cut; Ctrl + V paste; Ctrl + Z undo; Ctrl + Y redo; Ctrl + A select all; Ctrl + S save; Ctrl + P print; Ctrl + F find; Alt + Tab switch windows. Shortcuts can vary between applications and systems.
Worked examples
Example 1. Which of the following is an output device: keyboard, scanner, printer, mouse? Printer.
Example 2. How many bytes are in 2 KB? 2 × 1,024 = 2,048 bytes.
Example 3. Which memory loses its data when power is switched off? RAM.
Example 4. What is the full form of URL? Uniform Resource Locator.
Example 5. Which key combination copies selected text? Ctrl + C.
Example 6. Which of the following is system software: Windows, a spreadsheet, a web browser, a game? Windows (an operating system).
Keeping facts current
Hardware, software versions and digital initiatives change. Questions about specific products or recent technology need current sources. Prefer stable concepts for your core revision and check recent terms from official or well-maintained sources.
A revision plan
- Session 1: basics and hardware; make a table of devices.
- Session 2: memory units and storage; practise conversions.
- Session 3: software, operating systems and file types.
- Session 4: networking, internet and security terms.
- Session 5: shortcuts and a 30-question quiz.
See computer awareness basics for banking exams for more, and revise on a spaced schedule.
Where it appears
Computer awareness has appeared in some banking, SSC and other government exams, and not in others, depending on the exam, post and year. Check the official notification for your exam, and see the banking hub and SSC CGL hub.
Practice tests below are published by institutes and educators on TestMint.
