Static GK
Computer & Technology Basics
Banking (IBPS, SBI) papers ask 5–10 computer awareness questions; SSC asks 2–3. The fundamentals — generations, memory, networking abbreviations and shortcuts — will cover most.
Why this matters: Heaviest weightage in IBPS PO/Clerk and RRB Office Assistant. Focus on generations of computers, abbreviations, types of memory, and MS Office shortcuts.
Generations of computers
| Generation | Period | Key Technology |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1940–1956 | Vacuum tubes |
| 2nd | 1956–1963 | Transistors |
| 3rd | 1964–1971 | Integrated Circuits (IC) |
| 4th | 1971–present | Microprocessors / VLSI |
| 5th | Present–future | Artificial Intelligence, parallel processing |
Memory hierarchy
| Memory | Type / Notes |
|---|---|
| Register | Inside CPU; fastest |
| Cache (L1/L2/L3) | SRAM; very fast |
| Main memory (RAM) | Volatile; DRAM |
| ROM / Firmware | Non-volatile; stores BIOS |
| Secondary (HDD/SSD) | Non-volatile; persistent storage |
| Tertiary (tape, optical) | Backup; slowest |
Common abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
|---|---|
| CPU | Central Processing Unit |
| RAM | Random Access Memory |
| ROM | Read-Only Memory |
| HDD | Hard Disk Drive |
| SSD | Solid State Drive |
| GPU | Graphics Processing Unit |
| OS | Operating System |
| GUI | Graphical User Interface |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator |
| HTTP | Hyper Text Transfer Protocol |
| HTTPS | HTTP Secure |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol |
| TCP/IP | Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol |
| DNS | Domain Name System |
| VPN | Virtual Private Network |
| LAN/WAN/MAN | Local / Wide / Metropolitan Area Network |
| ISP | Internet Service Provider |
| SQL | Structured Query Language |
| API | Application Programming Interface |
| AI / ML | Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning |
| IoT | Internet of Things |
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface |
MS Office shortcut keys
- Ctrl + N — New document
- Ctrl + S — Save
- Ctrl + P — Print
- Ctrl + C / X / V — Copy / Cut / Paste
- Ctrl + Z / Y — Undo / Redo
- Ctrl + B / I / U — Bold / Italic / Underline
- Ctrl + F — Find
- Ctrl + H — Replace (Word/Excel)
- F1 — Help; F7 — Spell check; F12 — Save As
- Alt + F4 — Close active window
Quick Revision Facts
- First-generation computers used vacuum tubes; ENIAC (1945) was a key example.
- RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile.
- 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB.
- The 'father of computers' is Charles Babbage (Analytical Engine).
- Ada Lovelace is regarded as the first computer programmer.
- Linux is an open-source operating system; the kernel was created by Linus Torvalds (1991).
- HTTP uses port 80; HTTPS uses port 443.
- UPI was launched by NPCI in 2016 and is regulated by RBI.
Quick Quiz — Computer Awareness
5 random questions from our bank. Refresh or retake for a new set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is known as the father of computers?
Charles Babbage — for designing the Analytical Engine.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile (loses data when power is off) and is used for active programs. ROM is non-volatile and stores firmware like the BIOS.
Which generation of computers used Integrated Circuits (ICs)?
The third generation (1964–1971).
What does UPI stand for?
Unified Payments Interface — an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI.
Want more practice?
Attempt our daily quiz and full-length mock exams to convert revision into ranks.