Odisha CHSE +2 Vocational Information Technology key terms

An electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it under the control of stored instructions, produces output, and can store results for later use. It works automatically once a program is loaded.

The central processing unit is the part of a computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions. It contains the arithmetic logic unit, control unit and registers, and is often called the brain of the computer.

Random access memory is the main volatile working memory of a computer. Programs and data currently in use are held there, and its contents are lost when power is switched off.

Read only memory is non-volatile storage whose contents are normally written once during manufacture. It holds firmware such as the boot instructions needed to start the computer.

A small, very fast memory placed between the CPU and main memory. It keeps frequently used instructions and data close to the processor to reduce waiting time.

Any hardware used to enter data or commands into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone or touch screen. The device converts human actions into signals the machine can read.

Hardware that presents processed results to the user in a readable form, for example a monitor, printer, speaker or projector. Soft copy is displayed temporarily; hard copy is printed on paper.

Non-volatile equipment used to keep data and programs permanently, such as a hard disk, solid state drive, pen drive or optical disc. Contents remain after the computer is switched off.

Basic input output system is firmware stored in ROM that runs when a computer starts. It tests the hardware, locates a boot device and hands control to the operating system.

The start-up process in which a computer loads the operating system into memory so that it becomes ready for use. A cold boot starts from power off; a warm boot restarts a running machine.

System software that manages hardware resources, runs application programs and provides a user interface. It handles memory, processor time, files and input or output devices on behalf of other software.

The method an operating system uses to name, organise, store and retrieve files on a storage device. It defines folders, paths and rules such as permitted characters and maximum file size.

A named container that groups files and other directories, also called a folder. Directories form a hierarchy so that related data can be located by following a path.

The written route to a file or folder, listing the directories to follow from a starting point. An absolute path begins at the root; a relative path begins at the current working directory.

A graphical user interface lets users work with icons, windows, menus and a pointer instead of typed commands. It is easier for beginners than a command line interface but uses more system resources.

Application software for creating and editing text documents, with tools for formatting, spelling checks, tables and printing. Finished work is usually saved in a document file for later reuse.

A pre-designed document with fixed layout, styles and placeholder text that is used as a starting point. Editing a copy saves effort and keeps related documents consistent.

A feature that combines one main document with a list of records to produce many personalised copies, such as letters or labels. Placeholders are replaced by field values from each record.

A saved set of formatting choices, such as font, size and spacing, applied to text with one action. Styles keep a document consistent and allow automatic tables of contents.

A grid of rows and columns used for calculation and analysis. Each cell can hold a number, label or formula, and results update automatically when the values they depend on change.

The address of a cell, formed from its column letter and row number, for example B7. A dollar sign in a reference fixes the column or row so it does not shift when copied.

An instruction entered in a spreadsheet cell that begins with an equals sign and calculates a value from other cells, numbers or functions. The cell shows the result while the formula bar shows the expression.

A built-in spreadsheet routine that performs a calculation on supplied values, such as SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT or IF. Functions save time and reduce errors compared with writing long formulas by hand.

A visual representation of spreadsheet data using bars, lines, pies or other shapes. A suitable chart makes trends and comparisons easier to see than a table of numbers alone.

The top-level slide in a presentation that stores the design, fonts, colours and placeholder positions for all slides. Editing it updates every slide that uses that layout.

The visual effect shown when moving from one presentation slide to the next. It is different from animation, which controls how objects on a single slide appear or move.

An effect applied to text, pictures or other objects on a slide to control their entrance, emphasis, exit or motion path. It should support the message rather than distract the audience.

Content that combines two or more media types such as text, still images, sound, animation and video in one presentation. It is used to inform or entertain and usually needs more storage.

An organised collection of related data stored so that it can be searched, updated and shared efficiently. A database management system controls access and protects the data.

Database management system is software that creates, stores, queries and secures a database. It handles concurrency, backup and access rights so users do not deal with files directly.

The basic structure in a relational database that holds data in rows and columns. Each row is one record and each column is one field describing an attribute.

A field or combination of fields whose value uniquely identifies each record in a table. It cannot be duplicated or left empty, and it prevents ambiguous rows.

A field in one table that holds the primary key value of a record in another table, creating a link between them. It enforces referential integrity so related records stay consistent.

Structured query language is the standard language for defining and manipulating relational databases. Statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE retrieve or change stored data.

A finite, ordered set of clear steps that solves a problem or completes a task. A good algorithm is unambiguous, has a defined end and produces the correct result for valid input.

A diagram that shows the steps of an algorithm using standard symbols such as ovals for start and end, parallelograms for input or output, and diamonds for decisions.

A structured, English-like description of an algorithm that is not tied to any programming language. It lets a programmer plan logic before writing real code.

A programming construct that repeats a set of statements while a condition holds or for a fixed number of times. Loops avoid writing the same instructions repeatedly.

A construct that runs one block of statements or another depending on whether a test is true or false. It gives a program the ability to choose between alternatives.

A named storage location in a program whose value can change while the program runs. Its name identifies it, and its data type decides what values it may hold.

The classification of a value that determines which operations are allowed and how much storage is needed, for example integer, real, character, string or Boolean.

A worldwide network of interconnected computer networks that communicate using common protocols such as TCP/IP. It carries services including the web, email and file transfer.

Application software that requests web pages from servers, interprets HTML, CSS and scripts, and displays the result. Examples include Firefox, Chrome and Edge.

Uniform resource locator is the address of a resource on the web. It usually states the protocol, the server name and the path to the page, as in https://example.com/page.html.

Hypertext transfer protocol is the request and response rules used to move web pages between a browser and a server. HTTPS is the same protocol protected by encryption.

Hypertext markup language describes the structure of a web page using elements enclosed in tags, such as headings, paragraphs and links. Browsers read it to build the displayed page.

A keyword enclosed in angle brackets that marks up part of an HTML document, for example

for a paragraph. Most tags come in pairs with an opening and a closing form.

A numeric label assigned to a device on a network so that data can be routed to it. IPv4 uses four decimal groups; IPv6 uses a longer hexadecimal form.

A local area network connects computers within a limited area such as a room, building or campus. It usually offers high speed and is owned by one organisation.

A wide area network spans a large geographical area, often linking several local networks through leased lines or public infrastructure. The internet is the largest example.

A network device that forwards data packets between different networks and chooses the best path for them. At home it also commonly links the local network to an internet provider.

Hardware or software that filters network traffic against a set of rules, blocking unauthorised connections while allowing permitted ones. It is a basic defence against intrusion.

Software written to harm or gain unauthorised access to a system, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware. Updated antivirus software and caution with downloads reduce risk.

A trick in which a message or fake website pretends to be trustworthy in order to steal passwords, card numbers or other private data. Checking the sender and address helps users avoid it.

The process of converting readable data into a coded form that only someone holding the correct key can reverse. It protects information in transit and in storage.

A duplicate copy of data kept separately so that it can be restored after loss, damage or attack. Regular backups to another device or location are a basic safety measure.