Basics of Computers and Computer Applications

Overview

Computers and computer applications form a recurring segment in RRB NTPC General Awareness, typically yielding 3–5 questions. Questions appear straightforward — identifying hardware components, differentiating software types, naming MS Office tools, understanding internet terminology, and recognising basic networking concepts. This topic does not demand deep technical knowledge but **accuracy on fundamentals**. A candidate who confuses RAM with ROM, or input with output devices, loses easy marks.

The exam tests **practical familiarity** rather than theory. You must know what a component does, where it sits in the system, and the correct technical term. Questions often use real-world scenarios: "Which device is used to…?", "What does HTTP stand for?", "Which MS Office application is used for…?". Mastery here means being able to instantly classify, define, and differentiate without hesitation.

Expect a mix of direct-definition MCQs and applied questions. Study this topic systematically — hardware first, then software layers, internet/networking concepts, and MS Office tools. Avoid vague understanding; know exact terms and their one-line definitions.

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Key Concepts

• **Computer**: An electronic device that accepts input (data), processes it using a CPU, stores it in memory or storage, and produces output. The four basic operations are input, processing, storage, and output.
• **Hardware vs Software**: Hardware is the physical, tangible part of a computer (monitor, keyboard, motherboard). Software is the intangible set of instructions that tells hardware what to do (operating systems, applications).
• **Input and Output Devices**: Input devices feed data into the computer (keyboard, mouse, scanner). Output devices display or deliver results (monitor, printer, speakers). Some devices like touchscreens are both input and output.
• **Storage Hierarchy**: Primary storage (RAM, ROM) is fast, volatile or non-volatile, directly accessible by the CPU. Secondary storage (hard disk, SSD, USB drive) is slower, non-volatile, used for long-term data retention.
• **System Software vs Application Software**: System software manages hardware and provides a platform for applications (e.g. Windows, Linux). Application software performs specific user tasks (e.g. MS Word, Chrome browser).
• **Networking Basics**: A network connects two or more computers to share resources. LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small area like an office; WAN (Wide Area Network) spans large distances. Internet is the global WAN. Devices like routers and switches manage network traffic.
• **Internet Protocols and Services**: The internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite. HTTP/HTTPS for web browsing, FTP for file transfer, SMTP for email. WWW (World Wide Web) is the collection of interconnected web pages accessed via browsers.