SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) Computer Knowledge (Tier II Module) Syllabus

Computer Knowledge (Tier II Module) 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 (Tier II Module) in SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Computer Fundamentals

   4 topics

   • Generations and Classification of Computers
   • Hardware Components
     • CPU, memory and storage devices
     • Input and output devices
   • Software Types
     • System and application software
     • Operating systems basics
   • Number Systems and Data Representation
2. 2

   MS Office and Productivity Tools

   4 topics

   • Word Processing (MS Word)
   • Spreadsheets (MS Excel)
     • Formulas and functions
     • Charts and data handling
   • Presentations (MS PowerPoint)
   • Working with Communication and Email
3. 3

   Internet, Networking and Security

   4 topics

   • Internet and World Wide Web Basics
   • Networking Concepts
     • LAN, WAN and topologies
     • Protocols and IP addressing basics
   • Cyber Security and Threats
     • Viruses, malware and antivirus
     • Safe browsing and password hygiene
   • Digital India and E-Governance Initiatives

Computer Knowledge (Tier II Module) flashcards for SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)

18 of 50 cards from the Computer Knowledge (Tier II Module) deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What technology characterized each of the five generations of computers?

   1st Gen: Vacuum tubes; 2nd Gen: Transistors; 3rd Gen: Integrated Circuits (ICs); 4th Gen: Microprocessors (VLSI); 5th Gen: Artificial Intelligence (ULSI / parallel processing).

2. Classify computers by size from smallest/least powerful to largest/most powerful.

   Microcomputer (PC) -> Minicomputer -> Mainframe -> Supercomputer.

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

   Analog computers process continuous physical quantities (e.g., temperature, speed); digital computers process discrete data in binary (0s and 1s); hybrid computers combine both (e.g., ECG machines, used in hospitals).

4. What are the four main functional units of a computer?

   Input unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Output unit, and Memory/Storage unit.

5. What are the two main components of the CPU and their functions?

   ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs arithmetic and logical operations; CU (Control Unit) directs and coordinates all operations by fetching, decoding, and executing instructions.

6. Differentiate between primary memory and secondary memory.

   Primary (main) memory is directly accessible by the CPU, fast, and mostly volatile (RAM); secondary memory is for permanent storage, slower, non-volatile, and not directly accessed by the CPU (e.g., HDD, SSD, pen drive).

7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

   RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, read-write, and stores data temporarily while running; ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile and stores permanent instructions like the BIOS/firmware.

8. Name the two types of RAM and how they differ.

   SRAM (Static RAM): faster, uses flip-flops, no refresh needed, used in cache; DRAM (Dynamic RAM): slower, uses capacitors, needs periodic refreshing, used as main memory.

9. What are the types of ROM?

   PROM (Programmable, write once), EPROM (Erasable using UV light), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and reprogrammable).

10. What is cache memory and why is it used?

    A very small, very fast memory between the CPU and main memory that stores frequently used data/instructions to speed up processing and reduce CPU wait time.

11. Differentiate between an input device and an output device, with examples.

    Input devices feed data into the computer (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone); output devices present results (monitor, printer, speaker, projector).

12. Which devices serve as both input and output (I/O) devices?

    Touchscreen, modem, network card (NIC), and hard disk drive.

13. What is the difference between system software and application software?

    System software manages and operates the hardware (e.g., operating systems, device drivers); application software performs specific user tasks (e.g., MS Word, browsers, games).

14. What are the main functions of an operating system?

    Process management, memory management, file management, device/I-O management, security, and providing a user interface.

15. What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?

    A compiler translates the entire program into machine code at once and reports all errors together; an interpreter translates and executes the program line by line, stopping at the first error.

16. What is an assembler?

    A translator program that converts assembly language (low-level mnemonics) into machine code (binary).

17. What is utility software? Give examples.

    System software that helps maintain and optimize a computer, such as antivirus, disk defragmenter, file compression tools (WinZip), and backup utilities.

18. What is the difference between freeware, shareware, and open-source software?

    Freeware is free to use but source code is closed; shareware is free for a trial period then requires payment; open-source software is free with publicly available, modifiable source code (e.g., Linux).

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