The GRE general test is administered as a computer adaptive test (CAT), and can be taken at various testing facilities. For more information on where and how to register, click on the 'How To Register' section. The test keeps track of your performance and gives you questions that it thinks you have about a 50% chance of getting right.
Because the GRE is a computer adaptive test, it is substantially different from equivalent, paper-based tests. Most importantly, you cannot skip around to various questions, but instead you must answer the question that is currently on the screen and you must confirm that you are sure of your answer choice before going on to the next question. Once you confirm an answer, you cannot go back to change your answer, and a new question is shown. When you confirm your answer for a question, the next question will be slightly harder or slightly easier than the previous question, depending on whether you got the previous question right or wrong. Initially, on question 1, the computer assumes that your score is average, somewhere between 450 and 600, depending on whether you are on the verbal or math section. As you progressively answer more and more questions, the computer will choose the questions that best suit your ability level.
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Because of the way that the GRE computer adaptive test is scored, questions in the first one-third of each section have a large impact on your score, and subsequent questions only 'fine tune' your score. Therefore, it is advised that you spend a little bit more time on the first one-third or so of each section so as to improve your score on the GRE.
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Don’t worry about trying to figure out if the question that you are on is easy or hard – just be sure to do your best. Even if you do know if the question is hard or easy, does it really matter? You have to answer the question that is presented to you in order to proceed to the next question, so it doesn't really matter if the question is difficult or easy -- you have to answer it!
Although the computer-based GRE is administered on a computer, no special computer knowledge is required. For your convenience, the first part of the GRE involves a tutorial on how to use the computer to answer questions and write the essays. Take as much time as you need with the computer tutorial to get acquainted with the computer interface and the use of the mouse.