Basic IT & Computer Science Study Guide for R-CAT Quiz-A-Thon
1. Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS)
Key Concepts:
Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services (storage, servers, databases, networking, etc.) over the internet. It allows users to
access computing resources without managing physical infrastructure.
Types of Cloud Models:
Public Cloud: Services available to anyone (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). Cost-effective but less control over security.
Private Cloud: Used by a single organization (On-premise data centers). Offers greater control and security but is expensive.
Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private cloud. Provides flexibility by allowing critical data to be stored privately and non-
sensitive operations on the public cloud.
Service Models:
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing resources, networking, and storage. Users have complete control over
the infrastructure. Examples: AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides a development environment with managed infrastructure. Developers can build, test, and deploy
applications without worrying about underlying infrastructure. Examples: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services.
SaaS (Software as a Service): Software delivered over the internet. Users don’t have to install anything, and updates happen
automatically. Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, Gmail, Microsoft Office 365.
Detailed Explanations:
Benefits of Cloud Computing: Scalability, cost savings, reliability, security.
Challenges: Data privacy, downtime risks, vendor lock-in.
How Virtualization Works in Cloud Computing: Cloud platforms use hypervisors to create virtual machines, allowing multiple operating
systems to run on a single hardware resource.
Quick Facts for MCQs:
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is the leading cloud provider.
Microsoft Azure is the cloud service by Microsoft.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provides cloud storage and computing solutions.
SaaS provides software, while PaaS provides platforms for developers.
IaaS provides the fundamental infrastructure like virtual machines and storage.
2. Computer Memory (RAM, ROM, Hard Disk, Cache)
Types of Memory:
Primary Memory (Volatile):
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory where active programs and data are stored. RAM is much faster than secondary
storage but loses data when the power is off.
Cache Memory: Small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU. It stores frequently used data to speed up processing.
Secondary Memory (Non-Volatile):
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores operating system, software, and user files. Slower than SSD but cheaper and has a larger storage capacity.
Solid State Drive (SSD): Faster than HDD, uses flash memory. No moving parts, making it more durable.
Read-Only Memory (ROM):
Stores firmware and essential system data.
Non-volatile and cannot be easily modified by users.
Examples: BIOS, EPROM, Flash Memory.
Virtual Memory:
A portion of the hard disk used as temporary RAM when RAM is full.
Slower than RAM but prevents system crashes due to insufficient memory.
Detailed Explanations:
Types of RAM: SRAM (Static RAM) vs. DRAM (Dynamic RAM).
Difference between SSD and HDD: SSDs use NAND flash memory, making them faster and more reliable.
Levels of Cache Memory: L1 (Fastest, in CPU), L2 (Slower but bigger), L3 (Shared across CPU cores).
Quick Facts for MCQs:
RAM is faster than ROM but loses data when power is off.
Cache memory is faster than RAM.
SSDs are more durable and faster than HDDs.
ROM is used to store firmware (BIOS, bootloader).
Virtual memory helps in multitasking when RAM is full.
3. Operating System (Windows, Linux, macOS)
Key Functions of an OS:
Process Management: Handles execution of multiple processes.
Memory Management: Allocates RAM to running applications.
File System Management: Organizes and manages files on disk.
Device Management: Controls peripheral devices like printers and USBs.
Types of Operating Systems:
Windows: GUI-based OS, widely used in personal and business environments.
Linux: Open-source OS, used for servers and development.
macOS: Apple’s operating system, known for security and seamless integration with Apple hardware.
Real-Time OS (RTOS): Used in embedded systems like ATMs and robots.
Quick Facts for MCQs:
The first graphical OS was macOS.
Linux commands are executed in the terminal.
Windows OS is developed by Microsoft.
4. Programming Basics (C, Python, Java, HTML, SQL)
Detailed Explanations:
C: Procedural language, close to hardware, used for system software like operating systems.
Python: Simple syntax, used for AI, data science, and web development.
Java: Object-oriented, platform-independent, used in Android development and enterprise applications.
HTML: Defines the structure of web pages using tags.
SQL: Used to query and manage relational databases.
5. Cyber Security & Ethical Hacking
Detailed Explanations:
Malware Types: Virus, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware.
Security Measures: Firewalls, Antivirus, IDS/IPS.
Ethical Hacking: Penetration testing, Bug Bounty programs.
6. Networking Concepts (IP Address, DNS, HTTP, FTP, VPN)
Detailed Explanations:
IP Addressing: IPv4 (32-bit) vs. IPv6 (128-bit).
Networking Devices: Routers, Switches, Modems.
Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTPS, FTP.
VPN Working: Encrypts internet traffic for privacy.
Focus on practicing MCQs and revising important facts for the best score. Let me know if you need additional details!
