IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge Syllabus

Computer Knowledge syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Computer Knowledge in IBPS RRB, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Computer Fundamentals

   4 topics

   • Generations and Classification of Computers
   • Input, Output and Memory Devices
     • Primary vs secondary memory
     • RAM, ROM and cache
   • Hardware and Software Basics
   • Number Systems and Data Representation
2. 2

   Operating Systems and Software

   4 topics

   • Operating System Functions and Types
   • MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
   • Shortcut Keys and File Management
   • Database and DBMS Basics
3. 3

   Internet, Networking and Security

   4 topics

   • Networking Concepts (LAN, WAN, Topologies)
   • Internet, Email and Web Browsers
   • Computer Security and Cyber Threats
     • Viruses, malware and antivirus
     • Phishing and online banking safety
   • Abbreviations and Computer Terminology

Computer Knowledge flashcards for IBPS RRB

23 of 64 cards from the Computer Knowledge deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What defines the four generations of computers by their core electronic component?

   1st gen: Vacuum tubes; 2nd gen: Transistors; 3rd gen: Integrated Circuits (ICs); 4th gen: Microprocessors (VLSI). The 5th generation is based on Artificial Intelligence.

2. On what technology is the Fifth Generation of computers based?

   Artificial Intelligence (AI), using ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology and parallel processing; still in development.

3. Classify computers by size, from largest to smallest.

   Supercomputer > Mainframe > Minicomputer > Microcomputer (PC). Supercomputers are the fastest and most powerful (e.g., PARAM).

4. What is the difference between analog, digital, and hybrid computers?

   Analog computers measure continuous physical quantities; digital computers process discrete data (0s and 1s); hybrid computers combine both (e.g., ECG machines).

5. List common input devices.

   Keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, microphone, webcam, barcode reader, OMR, OCR, MICR, and touchscreen.

6. List common output devices.

   Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, projector, and headphones.

7. What is the difference between an impact and a non-impact printer?

   Impact printers strike the paper (e.g., dot-matrix, daisy-wheel); non-impact printers do not touch the paper (e.g., inkjet, laser printers).

8. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory?

   Primary (main) memory is volatile and directly accessed by the CPU (RAM, ROM); secondary memory is non-volatile, permanent storage (HDD, SSD, CD, pen drive).

9. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

   RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, read/write, temporary working memory; ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile, permanent, stores firmware/BIOS.

10. What are the types of RAM?

    SRAM (Static RAM) - faster, used in cache; DRAM (Dynamic RAM) - needs refreshing, used as main memory.

11. What are the types of ROM?

    PROM (Programmable), EPROM (Erasable Programmable, erased by UV light), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable).

12. What is cache memory and where is it located?

    Cache is a very fast, small memory between the CPU and RAM that stores frequently used data/instructions to speed up processing. It sits closest to the CPU.

13. Arrange memory access speed from fastest to slowest.

    Registers > Cache > RAM (main memory) > Secondary storage (HDD/SSD). Registers inside the CPU are the fastest.

14. What is the difference between hardware and software?

    Hardware is the physical, tangible components of a computer (CPU, monitor, keyboard); software is the set of programs/instructions that run on hardware (OS, applications).

15. What are the main categories of software?

    System software (OS, device drivers, utilities) and application software (Word, browsers, games). Sometimes utility/programming software are listed separately.

16. What is firmware?

    Firmware is permanent software programmed into read-only memory (ROM), such as the BIOS, that controls a device's basic hardware functions.

17. What are the parts of the CPU?

    ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs calculations and logic; CU (Control Unit) directs operations; Registers provide temporary high-speed storage. CPU is the 'brain' of the computer.

18. List the four common number systems and their bases.

    Binary (base 2), Octal (base 8), Decimal (base 10), Hexadecimal (base 16).

19. What digits/symbols are used in the hexadecimal number system?

    0-9 and A, B, C, D, E, F (where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15).

20. What is a bit, a nibble, and a byte?

    A bit is a single binary digit (0 or 1); a nibble is 4 bits; a byte is 8 bits.

21. Order data storage units from smallest to largest.

    Bit < Byte < Kilobyte (KB) < Megabyte (MB) < Gigabyte (GB) < Terabyte (TB) < Petabyte (PB).

22. What are ASCII and Unicode used for?

    They are character encoding standards. ASCII uses 7/8 bits for 128/256 characters; Unicode is a universal standard supporting characters of all languages (e.g., UTF-8).

23. What is the decimal equivalent of binary 1010?

    10 (8 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 10).

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