Basic Computer Applications: Core Concepts Guide
1. Fundamentals of a Computer System
• Hardware: physical parts — CPU, RAM, storage, input/output devices.
• Software: System software (Operating System) and Application software (MS Word, browsers, etc.).
• CPU has three main parts: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers/Memory Unit.
2. Operating System Basics
• Manages hardware resources and provides a platform to run application software.
• Common examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
• Key functions: memory management, process management, file management, I/O control.
3. Internet & Networking Basics
Term Meaning
IP Address Unique numerical address identifying a device on a network
URL Web address used to locate a resource on the internet
HTTP/HTTPS Protocol for transferring web pages (HTTPS is the secure version)
LAN Local Area Network — connects devices in a limited area
WAN Wide Area Network — connects devices over large geographical distances
4. MS Office Basics (Word/Excel)
• MS Word: used for document creation — formatting, tables, mail merge.
• MS Excel: used for spreadsheets — formulas, functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF), charts.
• Common shortcuts: Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+S (save).
Note: Computer awareness questions in exams are usually definitional — focus on clear, simple understanding rather
than depth.