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IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge Syllabus
The Computer Knowledge syllabus for IBPS RRB in full: 3 chapters, 12 topics and 4 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 64 Computer Knowledge flashcards with answers.
Computer Knowledge syllabus: all 3 chapters
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.
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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
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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
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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
IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge flashcards — 64 questions with answers
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.
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.
Classify computers by size, from largest to smallest.
Supercomputer > Mainframe > Minicomputer > Microcomputer (PC). Supercomputers are the fastest and most powerful (e.g., PARAM).
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).
List common input devices.
Keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, microphone, webcam, barcode reader, OMR, OCR, MICR, and touchscreen.
List common output devices.
Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, projector, and headphones.
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).
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).
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.
What are the types of RAM?
SRAM (Static RAM) - faster, used in cache; DRAM (Dynamic RAM) - needs refreshing, used as main memory.
What are the types of ROM?
PROM (Programmable), EPROM (Erasable Programmable, erased by UV light), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable).
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.
Arrange memory access speed from fastest to slowest.
Registers > Cache > RAM (main memory) > Secondary storage (HDD/SSD). Registers inside the CPU are the fastest.
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).
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.
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.
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.
List the four common number systems and their bases.
Binary (base 2), Octal (base 8), Decimal (base 10), Hexadecimal (base 16).
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).
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.
Show the other 44 Computer Knowledge flashcards
Order data storage units from smallest to largest.
Bit < Byte < Kilobyte (KB) < Megabyte (MB) < Gigabyte (GB) < Terabyte (TB) < Petabyte (PB).
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).
What is the decimal equivalent of binary 1010?
10 (8 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 10).
What is an Operating System?
System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and acts as an interface between the user and the hardware (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS, Android).
List the main functions of an Operating System.
Process management, memory management, file management, device/I-O management, security, and providing a user interface.
What are the main types of Operating Systems?
Batch, Time-sharing (multitasking), Real-time (RTOS), Distributed, Multiprocessing, Single-user, and Multi-user operating systems.
What is the difference between a GUI and a CLI?
GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses icons, windows and a mouse (e.g., Windows); CLI (Command Line Interface) requires typed text commands (e.g., MS-DOS, Linux terminal).
What is multitasking versus multiprogramming?
Multitasking allows multiple tasks/processes to run seemingly at once for a single user; multiprogramming keeps multiple programs in memory to maximize CPU use.
What is the file extension for MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint?
Word: .docx; Excel: .xlsx; PowerPoint: .pptx (older formats: .doc, .xls, .ppt).
In MS Excel, what is the intersection of a row and column called, and how is the active one identified?
A cell. Its address (e.g., A1) is shown in the Name Box; the column letter comes first, then the row number.
In MS Excel, what symbol must every formula begin with?
The equals sign (=), for example =SUM(A1:A10).
Name common MS Excel functions for sum, average, count, and finding the largest value.
SUM (total), AVERAGE (mean), COUNT (count numbers), MAX (largest value), MIN (smallest value).
In MS PowerPoint, what is each page of a presentation called and what view runs the show?
Each page is a slide; the Slide Show view (started with F5) displays the full-screen presentation.
In MS Word, what feature checks and underlines incorrect spellings automatically?
Spell Check / Spelling & Grammar (red wavy underline for spelling, green/blue for grammar).
What is the keyboard shortcut to Copy, Cut, and Paste?
Copy = Ctrl + C; Cut = Ctrl + X; Paste = Ctrl + V.
What is the shortcut to Undo and Redo an action?
Undo = Ctrl + Z; Redo = Ctrl + Y.
What is the shortcut to Save, Open, and Print a document?
Save = Ctrl + S; Open = Ctrl + O; Print = Ctrl + P.
What is the shortcut to Select All and to Find text?
Select All = Ctrl + A; Find = Ctrl + F.
What key combination is used to permanently delete a file (bypassing Recycle Bin) in Windows?
Shift + Delete.
In Windows, what is the Recycle Bin used for?
It temporarily holds deleted files/folders, allowing them to be restored before being permanently removed.
What is a DBMS?
A Database Management System is software to create, store, manage, and retrieve data in a database (e.g., Oracle, MySQL, MS Access, SQL Server).
In a relational database, what are a row and a column called?
A row is a record (tuple); a column is a field (attribute). Data is stored in tables (relations).
What is a Primary Key in a database?
A column (or set of columns) that uniquely identifies each record in a table; it cannot be null or duplicated.
What does SQL stand for and what is it used for?
Structured Query Language; it is the standard language used to create, query, update, and manage relational databases.
What is the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN?
LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small area like an office; MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a city; WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large areas/countries (e.g., the Internet).
Name the common network topologies.
Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, and Hybrid topology.
In a Star topology, what central device connects all nodes?
A hub or switch; all nodes connect to this central device, so if it fails the whole network fails.
What is a protocol in networking, and name one common example.
A protocol is a set of rules governing data communication. Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP.
What does the Internet's TCP/IP protocol suite do?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable, ordered delivery of data; IP (Internet Protocol) handles addressing and routing of packets between devices.
What does an IP address do and name its two versions?
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network. IPv4 is 32-bit (e.g., 192.168.1.1); IPv6 is 128-bit.
What is a URL and what does HTTP/HTTPS stand for?
URL = Uniform Resource Locator (web address). HTTP = HyperText Transfer Protocol; HTTPS is the secure (encrypted) version.
Name common web browsers and what a search engine is.
Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari. A search engine (e.g., Google, Bing) is a tool/website used to find information on the web.
What do the email protocols SMTP, POP3, and IMAP do?
SMTP sends outgoing mail; POP3 downloads mail to one device (removing from server); IMAP syncs mail across multiple devices (kept on server).
In email, what is the difference between CC and BCC?
CC (Carbon Copy) sends a visible copy to others; BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) sends a hidden copy so other recipients cannot see those addresses.
What is malware and name common types.
Malware is malicious software designed to harm/exploit systems. Types: virus, worm, Trojan horse, spyware, ransomware, adware.
What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
A virus attaches to a file and needs a host/user action to spread; a worm is standalone and self-replicates across networks without user action.
What is phishing?
A cyber attack using fake emails/websites that impersonate trusted entities to trick users into revealing sensitive data like passwords or bank details.
What is a firewall?
A network security system (hardware or software) that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules, acting as a barrier against unauthorized access.
What is the purpose of antivirus software?
To detect, prevent, and remove malware (viruses, worms, Trojans) from a computer (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Quick Heal).
What do the abbreviations CPU, ALU, and CU stand for?
CPU = Central Processing Unit; ALU = Arithmetic Logic Unit; CU = Control Unit.
What do the abbreviations RAM, ROM, and BIOS stand for?
RAM = Random Access Memory; ROM = Read Only Memory; BIOS = Basic Input Output System.
What do the abbreviations USB, HTTP, and HTML stand for?
USB = Universal Serial Bus; HTTP = HyperText Transfer Protocol; HTML = HyperText Markup Language.
What do the abbreviations PDF, GUI, and OS stand for?
PDF = Portable Document Format; GUI = Graphical User Interface; OS = Operating System.
What do the abbreviations LAN, WAN, and ISP stand for?
LAN = Local Area Network; WAN = Wide Area Network; ISP = Internet Service Provider.
IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge FAQ
What is in the IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge syllabus?
IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge is split into 3 chapters: Computer Fundamentals, Operating Systems and Software and Internet, Networking and Security. Together they contain 12 topics and 4 sub-topics.
How many chapters are in IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge?
3 chapters, containing 12 topics and 4 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Computer Fundamentals, with 4 topics.
Are there flashcards for IBPS RRB Computer Knowledge?
Yes — a 64-card Computer Knowledge deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.