Assam ASSEB Higher Secondary Skill Subject IT/ITeS key terms
Assam ASSEB Higher Secondary Skill Subject IT/ITeS · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Digital literacy
- Related: Cyber safety, Operating system
The ability to find, evaluate, create and share information using digital devices safely and responsibly. It includes basic computer operation, online communication, and awareness of risks such as fraud and misinformation.
- Input device
- Related: Output device, Peripheral
Any hardware used to send data or commands into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or microphone. It converts human actions into signals the processor can interpret.
- Output device
- Related: Input device, Peripheral
Hardware that presents processed results to the user, for example a monitor, printer, speaker, or projector. It converts internal digital signals into text, images, sound, or printed copies.
- Peripheral
- Related: Input device, Output device, Device driver
A device attached to a computer to add or extend functionality, such as a printer, webcam, or external drive. Peripherals are not part of the core processing unit and can usually be connected or removed.
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Related: RAM, Operating system
The main chip that executes program instructions by fetching, decoding, and carrying out them. It performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations, and is often described as the brain of the computer.
- RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Related: CPU (Central Processing Unit), Storage device
Fast, temporary working memory that holds the programs and data currently in use. Its contents are lost when power is switched off, so it is called volatile memory.
- Storage device
- Related: RAM (Random Access Memory), Backup
Hardware that keeps data permanently, such as a hard disk, solid-state drive, or pen drive. Unlike RAM, it retains information after the computer is switched off.
- Device driver
- Related: Peripheral, Operating system
Software that lets the operating system communicate with a particular piece of hardware, such as a printer or graphics card. Without the correct driver, the device may not work properly.
- Operating system
- Related: File management, Device driver
System software that manages hardware, files, and running programs, and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux, and Android; it acts as a bridge between the user and the machine.
- File management
- Related: Operating system, Backup
The practice of organising, naming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders so information can be found and protected. Good habits include clear names, logical folders, and regular backups.
- Word processor
- Related: Spreadsheet, Mail merge
Application software for creating and editing text documents, with features such as formatting, spell check, tables, and printing. Common examples are Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.
- Spreadsheet
- Related: Formula, Cell reference
Application software that arranges data in rows and columns of cells and calculates results using formulas. It is used for budgets, lists, marksheets, and simple data analysis.
- Formula
- Related: Cell reference, Spreadsheet
An instruction entered in a spreadsheet cell that performs a calculation on values and returns a result. In most spreadsheets it begins with an equals sign, for example =B2+C2.
- Cell reference
- Related: Formula, Spreadsheet
The address of a spreadsheet cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as C5. References let formulas use values from other cells and update automatically when those values change.
- Presentation software
- Related: Word processor, Template
Application software used to build slide shows for explaining ideas to an audience, with text, images, charts, and transitions. Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint and LibreOffice Impress.
- Mail merge
- Related: Word processor, Data record
A word-processing feature that combines one main document with a list of records to produce many personalised copies, such as letters or certificates, each filled with a different name or address.
- Template
- Related: Presentation software, Word processor
A ready-made document, spreadsheet, or slide layout with predefined formatting that a user fills with their own content. Templates save time and help keep documents consistent.
- Internet
- Related: World Wide Web, URL
A worldwide network of interconnected computers that exchange data using common protocols such as TCP/IP. It carries services like the web, email, and video calling.
- World Wide Web
- Related: Internet, URL, Web browser
A collection of linked web pages and resources stored on servers and accessed through browsers over the internet. It is one service that runs on the internet, not the network itself.
- URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
- Related: World Wide Web, Web browser
The address of a resource on the web, showing the protocol, domain name, and path, such as https://example.com/page. Typing it into a browser opens that specific page or file.
- Web browser
- Related: URL (Uniform Resource Locator), World Wide Web
Software used to request, download, and display web pages, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. It interprets HTML and lets users navigate links, save pages, and manage bookmarks.
- Email etiquette
- Related: Netiquette, Workplace communication
Accepted rules for professional email, including a clear subject line, polite greeting, brief body, correct spelling, and avoiding all-caps or unnecessary attachments. It protects clarity and the sender's reputation.
- Netiquette
- Related: Email etiquette, Cyber safety
The informal code of polite and responsible behaviour in online communication, such as respecting others, avoiding spam, and not sharing private information without consent. It applies to email, chats, forums, and social media.
- Data entry
- Related: Data validation, Touch typing
The process of entering information into a computer system accurately and quickly, often from source documents into forms, spreadsheets, or databases. Speed matters, but accuracy and consistency matter more.
- Touch typing
- Related: Data entry, Accuracy check
Typing without looking at the keyboard, using the correct finger for each key and resting fingers on the home row. It increases speed and reduces errors during long data-entry tasks.
- Accuracy check
- Related: Data entry, Data validation
The process of comparing entered data against the original source to find and correct mistakes. Techniques include proofreading, double entry, and spot checks before the data is finalised.
- Database
- Related: Data record, Primary key, Query
An organised collection of related data stored so it can be easily searched, updated, and retrieved. A database management system such as MySQL or Access controls access and maintains consistency.
- Data record
- Related: Database, Field, Primary key
One complete set of related fields about a single item in a database table, such as all details of one student. A table is made up of many records, each following the same field structure.
- Field
- Related: Data record, Database
A single category of information in a database record, such as name, date of birth, or phone number. Each field has a defined data type and holds one value per record.
- Primary key
- Related: Data record, Query
A field or combination of fields that uniquely identifies each record in a table, such as a roll number. It prevents duplicate records and links tables together in relationships.
- Query
- Related: Database, Primary key
A request for specific information from a database, written in a query language or built with a tool. It can filter, sort, calculate, and combine data from one or more tables.
- Algorithm
- Related: Flowchart, Pseudocode
A finite, step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. In programming it is written in plain steps or pseudocode before being translated into code.
- Flowchart
- Related: Algorithm, Pseudocode
A diagram that shows the steps of a process or algorithm using standard symbols such as ovals for start and end, rectangles for steps, and diamonds for decisions. It helps plan logic visually.
- Pseudocode
- Related: Algorithm, Flowchart
A structured, human-readable description of an algorithm that resembles programming code but follows no strict syntax. It helps programmers plan logic before writing it in a real language.
- Variable
- Related: Algorithm, Conditional statement
A named storage location in a program whose value can change while the program runs, such as a counter or total. Each variable has a data type and a current value.
- Conditional statement
- Related: Variable, Loop
A programming instruction that runs different blocks of code depending on whether a condition is true or false, often written as if-else. It gives programs the ability to make decisions.
- Loop
- Related: Conditional statement, Algorithm
A programming structure that repeats a set of instructions until a condition is met or a fixed number of times is reached. Loops reduce repetition and shorten code.
- BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)
- Related: ITES, SLA (Service Level Agreement), Customer handling
The practice of hiring an outside company to handle business tasks such as customer support, payroll, or data processing. It aims to cut costs and let the client focus on core work.
- ITES
- Related: BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), Customer handling
Information Technology Enabled Services, meaning services delivered with the help of IT, such as call centres, medical transcription, and back-office processing. The sector is a major employer in India.
- SLA (Service Level Agreement)
- Related: BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), Escalation
A formal agreement between a service provider and a client that sets measurable targets, such as response time, resolution time, and uptime. Performance against the SLA is regularly tracked and reported.
- Customer handling
- Related: Escalation, Active listening, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)
The skills used to deal with customers politely and effectively, including active listening, clear speech, empathy, and resolving complaints. Good handling improves satisfaction and reduces escalation.
- Active listening
- Related: Customer handling, Workplace communication
Fully concentrating on a speaker, understanding the message, and confirming it by summarising or asking questions. In customer support it prevents misunderstandings and shows respect.
- Escalation
- Related: Customer handling, SLA (Service Level Agreement)
Passing an issue to a more senior person or team when it is beyond the current agent's authority, knowledge, or time limit. It should follow set rules and be explained to the customer.
- Cyber safety
- Related: Phishing, Malware, Data privacy
Practices that protect people and data online, such as strong passwords, safe browsing, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping software updated. It reduces the risk of fraud, malware, and identity theft.
- Phishing
- Related: Cyber safety, Malware
A fraud in which attackers pretend to be a trusted person or organisation to trick users into revealing passwords, OTPs, or bank details. Suspicious links, urgent messages, and odd sender addresses are warning signs.
- Malware
- Related: Phishing, Cyber safety
Any harmful software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer, including viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Antivirus software and caution with downloads help prevent it.
- Data privacy
- Related: Cyber safety, Confidentiality
The right of individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared. Organisations must follow laws and obtain consent, and staff must not leak customer data.
- Confidentiality
- Related: Data privacy, Workplace ethics
The duty to keep sensitive information secret and share it only with authorised people. In IT and BPO work it covers customer records, passwords, and business data.
- Workplace ethics
- Related: Confidentiality, Workplace communication
The principles guiding right behaviour at work, including honesty, punctuality, respect for colleagues, and following company policy. Ethical conduct builds trust and protects the organisation's reputation.
- Workplace communication
- Related: Active listening, Email etiquette
The exchange of information among colleagues, managers, and clients through speech, writing, and digital channels. Clear, respectful, and timely messages prevent errors and support teamwork.
- Entrepreneurship
- Related: Business plan, Startup
The activity of identifying an opportunity, taking financial risk, and organising resources to start and run a venture. It creates jobs and value through new products or services.
- Business plan
- Related: Entrepreneurship, Startup
A written document describing a venture's goals, target customers, products, marketing, operations, and financial needs. It guides the founder and is used to convince lenders or investors.
- Startup
- Related: Entrepreneurship, Business plan
A newly established business, often small and focused on a new idea or technology, aiming to grow quickly. Startups usually operate with limited funds and test their model in the market.
- Backup
- Related: Storage device, File management
A copy of data kept separately so it can be restored if the original is lost, damaged, or infected. Regular backups to another drive or cloud storage protect against accidental deletion and hardware failure.
- Data validation
- Related: Data entry, Accuracy check
Rules applied when data is entered to ensure it is complete, sensible, and in the correct format, such as limiting a field to a range or a list. It stops errors before they spread.