PACE Module 3: Computer & Internet Technology — Study Resources

If you're working through Module 3 of the PACE certification, this post has everything you need in one place. Computer & Internet Technology covers a lot of ground — from hardware and operating systems to software delivery models, cybersecurity, networks, and digital business communication — and it's one of the longer, denser modules in the program. To help you study smarter (not just longer), I've put together three resources: a paginated PDF of the full module, a slide deck that breaks the content into an easy-to-follow visual format, and a 30-question practice quiz to test what you know before the real thing.

Whether you're prepping for a live review session, studying solo, or just want a quick reference you can flip back to, grab whichever format works best for you below.

All PACE modules

Module 3 is only 17.7% of the material but accounts for 25% of the exam questions.

Module 3 Lesson Breakdown

📄 Module 3 PDF

The full Module 3 content, paginated for easy reference and citation.

🖥️ Module 3 Slide Deck

A visual walkthrough of every lesson — hardware and operating systems, software types, security and networks, and digital communication — plus a full breakdown of all 9 lessons and page counts.

✅ Practice Quiz

30 multiple-choice questions covering all 9 lessons from Module 3.

Link to Quiz in MS Forms Practice Mode - one question, MC, pick an answer and see if it is right or wrong.

Link to Quiz in MS Forms Test Mode - you will not know whether you passed or failed until the end. 24 out of 30 is passing - 80%

QR Code to Quiz for Module 3

Module 3: Computer & Internet Technology — Key Terms Reference

Technology Fundamentals

• Digital literacy — The ability to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information effectively using digital devices.
• Hardware — The physical components of a computer or device (screen, keyboard, processor, etc.).
• Operating system — The software that manages a device's hardware and basic functions (e.g., Windows, macOS, ChromeOS).

Devices & Operating Systems

• Chromebooks — Laptops that run ChromeOS and rely heavily on web-based applications.
• Macs — Apple computers running macOS.
• PCs — Personal computers, typically running Microsoft Windows.
• Snipping Tool — A built-in Windows utility for capturing screenshots.
• Clipchamp — A built-in Windows video editing tool.

Software

• System software — Software that runs a computer's hardware and basic operations (e.g., the operating system).
• Application software — Programs designed for end users to complete specific tasks (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Preinstalled software — Software that comes loaded on a device by the manufacturer.
• Installed software — Software the user adds after purchase.
• Mobile applications — Apps designed for smartphones and tablets.
• Packaged software — Off-the-shelf software built for general use.
• Custom software — Software built specifically for one organization's needs.
• Web-based applications — Software accessed through a browser rather than installed locally.
• Software as a Service (SaaS) — Software licensed on a subscription basis and hosted in the cloud.
• Perpetual license — A one-time software purchase with indefinite use rights.
• Subscription model — Paying recurring fees (monthly/annually) to access software.
• Freemium model — A pricing model offering basic features free, with paid upgrades for premium features.
• Cloud storage — Storing data on remote servers accessible via the internet.

Browsers & Internet Research

• Browser extensions — Add-ons that enhance or customize a web browser's functionality.
• Wildcards — Symbols (like *) used in search queries to represent unknown words or characters.
• Boolean operators (AND / OR / NOT) — Words used to narrow or broaden search engine results.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) — Techniques used to improve a website's visibility in search results.
• CARS Checklist — A method for evaluating online sources based on Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support.

Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace

• Microsoft 365 — Microsoft's cloud-based suite of productivity apps (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.).
• Microsoft 365 Copilot — Microsoft's AI assistant integrated across its 365 apps.
• Google Workspace — Google's cloud-based suite of productivity apps (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.).
• SharePoint — Microsoft's platform for storing, organizing, and sharing content and files.
• Exchange Online — Microsoft's cloud-based email and calendaring service.

Security & Networks

• Malware — Malicious software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to a system.
• Viruses — Malicious code that attaches to files and spreads when executed.
• Trojan horses — Malware disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installing it.
• Adware — Software that automatically displays unwanted advertisements.
• Ransomware — Malware that locks or encrypts data until a ransom is paid.
• Phishing — Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy source.
• Firewall — A security system that monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic.
• Antivirus scanning — Software that detects and removes malicious programs.
• Intellectual property (IP) — Creations of the mind (inventions, writing, designs) legally protected from unauthorized use.
• HTTPS — A secure, encrypted version of the HTTP protocol used for safe web browsing.
• Local Area Network (LAN) — A network connecting devices within a limited area, like an office.
• Wi-Fi (wireless network) — A network that connects devices without physical cables.
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA) — A security process requiring two or more verification methods to log in.
• Biometric authentication — Identity verification using physical traits (fingerprint, face, etc.).
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) — A service that encrypts internet traffic and masks a user's location.
• Networked society — A society structured around interconnected digital communication.
• Internet of Things (IoT) — Everyday physical devices connected to the internet, collecting and exchanging data.

Digital Communication

• Internet etiquette (netiquette) — Accepted standards of polite, professional online behavior.
• Creative Commons license — A public copyright license allowing free distribution of otherwise copyrighted work.
• Email triage — The practice of quickly sorting and prioritizing incoming emails.
• Instant messaging (IM) — Real-time text-based communication between users.
• Asynchronous communication — Communication that doesn't require both parties to respond in real time.
• Chatbots — AI-driven programs that simulate conversation with users.
• Customer personas — Fictional profiles representing key segments of a target audience.

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) — AI models trained on massive text datasets to understand and generate human language (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini).
• Conversational AI — AI systems designed to simulate human-like dialogue.
• AI literacy — Understanding how AI works, its capabilities, and its limitations.

Emerging Technology

• Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) — The convergence of IoT and robotics, where connected devices can sense and act on their environment.
• Extended Reality (XR) — An umbrella term covering VR, AR, and MR technologies.
• Virtual reality (VR) — A fully immersive, computer-generated environment.
• Augmented reality (AR) — Technology that overlays digital content onto the real world.
• Mixed reality (MR) — Technology blending physical and digital elements that can interact in real time.
• Ecommerce — Buying and selling goods or services over the internet.
• Business-to-Consumer (B2C) — Commerce between a business and individual consumers.
• Business-to-Business (B2B) — Commerce conducted between businesses.
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) — Commerce conducted directly between consumers.
• Consumer-to-Business (C2B) — Commerce where individuals sell products/services to businesses.
• Aggregators — Travel tools that compile and compare pricing/options from multiple providers.
• Accumulators — Tools that help travelers combine and track multiple bookings or loyalty points.
• SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) — A card that stores data identifying a mobile subscriber on a network.

Download the Key Terms in PDF format

Chris Menard's Full Schedule for APC 2026

APC Conference - Sep 2026 - Chris Menard’s Full Schedule

Updated on September 5, 2026. Conference is September 13-16, 2026 in Nashville, TN

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ASAP PACE Page

Administrative Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) - PACE Certification Page

About PACE Certification

The Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) is the American Society of Administrative Professional’s (ASAP) globally recognized credential.

The program equips administrative professionals with essential communication, project management, technology — including AI — and leadership skills.

What does that mean for you? Earning your PACE certification will broaden your knowledge, polish your expertise, and solidify your commitment to turning the position you have into the role that you want.

There’s a reason professionals who earn their PACE are statistically more in demand by employers. In fact, certified administrative professionals earn more annually than their non-certified peers*.

*Data from ASAP’s State of the Profession Report