Information Technology - Cheat Sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for Information Technology concepts in the LET Elementary exam
Computer Basics & Hardware
Common values
Value
8 bits
Symbol
B
Quantity
Byte
Value
1,024 bytes
Symbol
KB
Quantity
Kilobyte
Important facts
- Input devices: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, camera, touchscreen
- Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker
- 1 byte = 8 bits
- 1 KB = 1,024 bytes
- 1 MB = ~1 million bytes
- 1 GB = ~1 billion bytes
- 1 TB = ~1 trillion bytes
Key definitions
CPU
Example
Intel Core i5 processor
Central Processing Unit - the brain of the computer that executes instructions
RAM
Example
8GB DDR4 RAM
Random Access Memory - temporary, volatile storage for active programs
Storage
Example
500GB HDD, 256GB SSD
Permanent data storage devices like hard drives and SSDs
Diagrams to know
- Basic computer system diagram showing CPU, RAM, storage, input/output devices
- Data units hierarchy (bit → byte → KB → MB → GB → TB)
Software & Applications
Important facts
- Common file extensions: .docx (Word), .xlsx (Excel), .pdf (documents), .jpg (images), .mp3 (audio), .mp4 (video)
- Word processors: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages
- Spreadsheets: Excel, Google Sheets
- Presentations: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote
- Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Key definitions
System Software
Example
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Operating system that manages computer hardware and software resources
Application Software
Example
Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, Photoshop
Programs designed for end-users to accomplish specific tasks
File Extension
Example
.docx for Word documents
Suffix indicating file type and associated program
Diagrams to know
- Software classification diagram (System vs Application software)
- File and folder hierarchy structure
Internet & Web Technology
Important facts
- Domain extensions: .com (commercial), .org (organization), .edu (education), .gov (government), .ph (Philippines)
- Search engines: Google, Bing, Yahoo
- Cloud computing: storing and accessing data over the internet
- Wi-Fi: wireless local area network technology
- ISP: Internet Service Provider
Key definitions
Internet
Example
Worldwide connectivity system
Global network of interconnected computer networks
World Wide Web (WWW)
Example
Web pages connected by hyperlinks
System of linked documents accessible via the Internet
URL
Example
https://www.deped.gov.ph
Uniform Resource Locator - web address identifying a resource
HTTP/HTTPS
Example
HTTPS ensures encrypted data transmission
HyperText Transfer Protocol (Secure) for web communication
Diagrams to know
- Internet network structure diagram
- Web page components (URL, domain, path)
- Email communication flow
Digital Citizenship & Safety
Important facts
- Nine elements of digital citizenship: access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, rights & responsibilities, health, security
- Online safety rules: don't share personal information, use strong passwords, report inappropriate behavior
- Netiquette: respectful online communication standards
- Screen time management important for physical and mental health
Key definitions
Digital Citizenship
Example
Respecting copyright, protecting privacy online
Responsible and ethical use of technology and digital resources
Cyberbullying
Example
Sending mean messages on social media
Using digital technology to harass, threaten, or intimidate others
Digital Footprint
Example
Social media posts, browsing history, online purchases
Trail of data created by online activities
Diagrams to know
- Digital citizenship elements diagram
- Online safety guidelines flowchart
Cybersecurity & Threats
Important facts
- Common threats: malware, phishing, identity theft, hacking
- Protection measures: antivirus software, firewall, regular updates, strong passwords
- Password best practices: long, unique, mix of characters, not shared
- Regular backups prevent data loss
- Be skeptical of unknown links and attachments
Key definitions
Malware
Example
Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware
Malicious software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access
Phishing
Example
Fake emails asking for passwords
Deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information through fake communications
Two-Factor Authentication
Example
Password + SMS code
Security process requiring two different authentication factors
Diagrams to know
- Cybersecurity threat categories
- Multi-layered security defense diagram
Philippine IT Laws & Regulations
Important facts
- R.A. 11934: SIM Registration Act (2022)
- Cybercrime penalties include imprisonment and fines
- Data privacy rights: access, rectification, deletion of personal data
- Fair use provisions allow limited use of copyrighted material for education
- Digital piracy is a criminal offense
Key definitions
R.A. 10175
Example
Covers cyberlibel, online fraud, hacking
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 - addresses online criminal offenses
R.A. 10173
Example
Requires consent for data collection and processing
Data Privacy Act of 2012 - protects personal information in information systems
R.A. 8293
Example
Prohibits unauthorized copying of software and media
Intellectual Property Code - protects copyrights, patents, trademarks
Diagrams to know
- Philippine IT laws timeline
- Data privacy compliance flowchart
IT in Elementary Education
Important facts
- Benefits: interactive learning, access to information, global communication, creativity tools
- Challenges: digital divide, distractions, screen time effects, safety concerns
- Age-appropriate tools: Scratch programming, educational apps, digital storytelling
- Teacher responsibilities: model digital citizenship, ensure online safety, balance tech use
- CARS criteria for evaluating online information: Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support
Key definitions
Digital Divide
Example
Urban vs rural internet access differences
Gap between those with and without access to digital technology
Blended Learning
Example
Using tablets for interactive lessons in classroom
Educational approach combining online and face-to-face instruction
Digital Literacy
Example
Researching reliable sources online
Ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using technology
Diagrams to know
- Technology integration in classroom diagram
- Digital literacy skills framework
Must remember
- 1 byte = 8 bits, 1 KB = 1,024 bytes (binary system, not decimal)
- Input devices bring data IN (keyboard, mouse), output devices send data OUT (monitor, printer)
- System software manages hardware, application software serves users
- HTTPS is secure HTTP - look for the lock icon in browsers
- R.A. 10175 = Cybercrime Prevention Act, R.A. 10173 = Data Privacy Act
- Digital citizenship has 9 elements: access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, rights, health, security
- CARS criteria for web evaluation: Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support
- Common file extensions: .docx (Word), .xlsx (Excel), .pdf (documents), .jpg (images)
- Strong passwords: long, unique, mixed characters, not shared
- Children's online safety: no personal info sharing, tell adults about problems, respect others
Last minute tips
- Focus on Philippine IT laws - memorize R.A. numbers and their purposes
- Remember the 9 elements of digital citizenship - they're frequently tested
- Know the difference between input/output devices and hardware/software categories
- CARS method for web evaluation is a common essay topic
- File extensions are easy points - memorize the common ones (.docx, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4)
Comparison tables
Hardware vs Software
| Hardware | Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Physical components | Programs and instructions |
| Examples | CPU, RAM, keyboard | Windows, Microsoft Word |
| Tangibility | Can be touched | Cannot be touched |
| Failure type | Physical damage | Corruption or bugs |
System vs Application Software
| System Software | Application Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Manages computer resources | Performs specific user tasks |
| Examples | Windows, macOS, Linux | Word, Excel, Chrome |
| User interaction | Indirect interaction | Direct user interaction |
| Installation | Pre-installed | User installs as needed |
HTTP vs HTTPS
| HTTP | HTTPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Not secure | Secure/encrypted |
| Port number | Port 80 | Port 443 |
| URL prefix | http:// | https:// |
| Data protection | Plain text | Encrypted transmission |
Diagrams
Information Technology Core Concepts
Complete overview of Information Technology topics covered in the LET Elementary exam
Computer System Flow
Shows how data flows through a computer system from input to output
Digital Citizenship Framework
The nine essential elements of digital citizenship that students must understand
Online Information Evaluation Process
Step-by-step process for evaluating online information using CARS criteria