Basics of Computers and Computer Applications for RRB NTPC form an important part of the General Awareness section and can be scoring if prepared strategically. Questions are generally based on computer fundamentals, hardware and software, memory, operating systems, internet, networking, MS Office, shortcut keys, file extensions and basic number systems. This blog covers the RRB NTPC Computer syllabus, important topics, preparation strategy, commonly asked areas and sample questions to help candidates prepare this section in a focused manner.
Computer Applications for RRB NTPC
The Basics of Computers and Computer Applications syllabus for RRB NTPC can be broadly divided into the following areas:
- Basics of Computers
- Operating Systems and Computer Languages
- Internet and Networking
- Computer Applications
- Number System and Logic Gates
Practice Computer Application Questions for RRB NTPC Exam Live
A set of 15 computer application questions has been shared below. Attempt the quiz live to know your performance level and identify your weak areas.
Q1. In MS Word 365, which feature allows you to simultaneously track all changes made by multiple reviewers and display them in different colours?
Q2. Which of the following keyboard shortcuts is used to open the ‘Find and Replace’ dialog box in MS Word 2019?
Q3. In MS Word, what is the purpose of the ‘Keep with next’ paragraph formatting option?
Q4. Which file format in MS Word 2019 supports macros and is different from the standard .docx format?
Q5. In MS Word 365, what does the ‘Draft’ view primarily allow a user to do?
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a valid text wrapping option for images in MS Word 2019?
Q7. In MS Word, the ‘Building Blocks Organizer’ is used for which purpose?
Q8. What is the maximum number of columns that can be created in a single MS Word document section using the Columns dialog box?
Q9. Which ribbon tab in MS Word 2019 contains the ‘Thesaurus’ option?
Q10. In MS Word, what does ‘widow’ and ‘orphan’ control refer to?
Q11. Which of the following statements about the ‘Outline View’ in MS Word is CORRECT?
Q12. In MS Word 365, the ‘Tell Me’ or ‘Search’ bar is used to:
Q13. Which paragraph alignment option in MS Word aligns text to both the left and right margins, adding extra space between words?
Q14. In MS Word, what is the function of a ‘Section Break (Next Page)’?
Q15. Which of the following mail merge data sources CANNOT be directly used in MS Word 2019?
Quiz Summary
Basics of Computers for RRB NTPC
The Basics of Computers for RRB NTPC cover fundamental concepts related to computer history, generations, types of computers, hardware and software, input-output devices, CPU and computer memory. These areas are important because questions are usually direct and test candidates on basic definitions, functions, classifications and commonly used computer terminology.
| Topic | Important Areas to Prepare |
| History and Generations of Computers | First to Fifth Generations, major characteristics, technologies used in each generation, evolution of computers |
| Types of Computers | Personal Computers, Microcomputers, Mainframe Computers, Supercomputers, Workstations |
| Computer Fundamentals | Hardware, Software, Data, Users, Motherboard, Peripheral Devices |
| Input Devices | Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, MICR, OCR, OMR, Barcode Reader, Joystick |
| Output Devices | Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Plotter, Projector, impact and non-impact printers |
| Central Processing Unit | Functions of CPU, Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit, Registers, CPU-memory relationship, processor basics |
| Computer Memory | Primary and Secondary Memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Cache Memory, Flash Memory, SRAM, DRAM |
| Memory Concepts | Volatile and Non-volatile Memory, basic differences between memory types |
Memory Units
Important memory units include:
| Unit | Value |
| Bit | Smallest unit of data |
| Nibble | 4 bits |
| Byte | 8 bits |
| Kilobyte | 1024 bytes |
| Megabyte | 1024 KB |
| Gigabyte | 1024 MB |
| Terabyte | 1024 GB |
Software
Software-related questions generally test classification and examples. Types of Software are:
- System Software
- Application Software
- Utility Software
- Operating System Software
Operating System for RRB NTPC
An Operating System acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. Important topics include:
- Functions of Operating System
- File management
- Memory management
- Device management
- Process management
- User interface
Utility Programs
Examples include:
- Antivirus software
- Disk cleanup
- Backup tools
- File compression
- Software update utilities
Device Drivers
Device drivers help the operating system communicate with hardware devices such as printers, keyboards and graphics devices.
Computer Languages, Internet and Networking for RRB NTPC
This section covers important concepts related to computer languages, translators, number systems, logic gates, Internet, IP addresses, protocols, web browsers, computer networks, network devices, topologies and cybersecurity. Questions from these areas are generally factual and require candidates to understand basic definitions, functions, differences and common examples.
| Topic | Important Areas to Prepare |
| Computer Languages | Machine Language, Assembly Language, High-Level Language |
| Language Translators | Compiler – translates complete source code into machine code; Interpreter – translates program line by line; Assembler – converts assembly language into machine language |
| Number System | Binary, Decimal, Octal, Hexadecimal |
| Logic Gates | AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR |
| Internet Basics | Internet, World Wide Web, Web Page, Website, Home Page, Web Server, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS, URL, Uploading, Downloading, Multimedia |
| IP Address | IPv4 – 32 bits, IPv6 – 128 bits, basic function and difference between IPv4 and IPv6 |
| Internet Protocols | TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP, IMAP |
| Web Browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera; difference between browser and search engine |
| Computer Networks | LAN – Local Area Network, MAN – Metropolitan Area Network, WAN – Wide Area Network |
| Network Devices | Router, Modem, Repeater, Bridge, Gateway, Switch, Hub |
| Network Topology | Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, Point-to-Point |
| Cybersecurity Basics | Computer Virus, Worm, Malware, Trojan Horse, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, Phishing, Keylogging, Botnet, Antivirus, Firewall |
Computer Applications for RRB NTPC
Computer Applications for RRB NTPC mainly cover MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, file extensions and commonly used software features. Candidates should understand the basic functions, terminology and shortcut keys associated with these applications, as questions are generally direct and fact-based.
| Topic | Important Areas to Prepare |
| MS Word | Document creation, formatting, font tools, paragraph settings, Header and Footer, Find and Replace, Thesaurus, tables, page setup, shortcut keys |
| MS Excel | Workbook, Worksheet, rows, columns, cells, cell references, Formula Bar, basic formulas, toolbars, navigation, shortcut keys |
| MS PowerPoint | Slides, slide layout, presentation views, Slide Show, transitions, animations, shortcut keys |
| MS Word File Extensions | .doc, .docx |
| MS Excel File Extensions | .xls, .xlsx |
| MS PowerPoint File Extensions | .ppt, .pptx |
| PDF File | |
| Text File | .txt |
| Image Files | .jpg, .png |
| Audio File | .mp3 |
| Video File | .mp4 |
Important Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys help candidates perform common computer operations quickly and are frequently tested in computer awareness questions. For RRB NTPC preparation, candidates should remember the basic shortcuts used for editing, saving, printing, searching and text formatting.
| Shortcut | Function |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + A | Select All |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Ctrl + F | Find |
| Ctrl + B | Bold |
| Ctrl + I | Italic |
| Ctrl + U | Underline |
FAQs
Yes. Basics of Computers and Computer Applications form part of the General Awareness syllabus and can contribute to the overall score.
Computer fundamentals, memory, operating systems, Internet, networking, MS Office, shortcut keys, file extensions and number systems are important areas.
No. Candidates generally need basic computer awareness rather than advanced programming knowledge.
Yes. Shortcut keys related to MS Word, Excel, Windows and common computer operations are useful for preparation.
Use short notes, tables, full-form lists and regular MCQ practice for quick and effective revision.
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