Karnataka KSEAB SSLC NSQF Information Technology key terms

The physical parts of a computer that you can touch, such as the keyboard, monitor, motherboard, and printer. Software cannot run without it.

The set of instructions and programs that tell hardware what to do. It includes the operating system and application programs, and is stored as files.

The chip that carries out instructions by fetching, decoding, and executing them. Often called the brain of the computer, it performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations.

Fast temporary working memory that holds programs and data currently in use. Its contents are lost when power is switched off, so it is called volatile memory.

Hardware such as a hard disk, SSD, or pen drive that keeps data permanently even after shutdown. It is non-volatile and usually slower than RAM.

Any device connected to the computer to send data in or get results out, such as a mouse, scanner, or projector. It is not part of the core processing unit.

Equipment used to enter data and commands into a computer, for example a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or barcode scanner. It converts human actions into signals the machine can read.

Equipment that presents processed results to the user, such as a monitor, printer, or speaker. It converts the computer's internal signals into a form people can see or hear.

A number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1. Computers store and process all data as binary patterns because electronic circuits have two stable states, on and off.

A bit is a single binary digit, 0 or 1. A byte is a group of eight bits and is the standard unit for measuring file size and memory capacity.

System software that manages hardware, memory, files, and running programs, and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux, and Android.

A way of interacting with a computer using windows, icons, menus, and a pointer instead of typed commands. It makes software easier for beginners to use.

A named collection of stored data, such as a document, image, or program. Each file has a name and an extension that tells the system which program can open it.

A container used to group and organise files on a storage device. Folders can hold other folders, creating a hierarchy that keeps related files together.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx or .jpg, which indicates the file type and the software needed to open it.

The address that describes where a file or folder sits in the storage hierarchy, for example C:\Users\Student\notes.txt. It lets the system locate the item exactly.

Application software for creating and editing text documents, with tools for formatting, spell check, tables, and printing. Examples are Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.

Changing how text or objects look, including font, size, colour, bold, alignment, spacing, and margins. It improves readability without altering the actual words.

A saved set of formatting settings applied to text such as headings or body paragraphs. Using styles keeps a document consistent and allows automatic tables of contents.

A word-processing feature that combines one main document with a data source, such as a list of names and addresses, to produce many personalised copies automatically.

A grid of rows and columns used for storing numbers, calculating results, and drawing charts. Each intersection is a cell that can hold data or a formula.

The address of a cell given by its column letter and row number, such as B5. Adding a dollar sign, as in $B$5, makes the reference absolute so it does not shift when copied.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that begins with an equals sign and calculates a value, for example =A1+B1. It recalculates automatically when input data changes.

A built-in spreadsheet operation such as SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, or IF that performs a calculation on supplied values or ranges. It saves writing long manual formulas.

A visual graph, such as a bar, pie, or line chart, that presents spreadsheet numbers so patterns and comparisons are easier to see than in a table.

The top-level slide in presentation software that stores the design, fonts, colours, and placeholder positions applied to every slide. Editing it updates the whole presentation consistently.

The visual effect that plays when moving from one slide to the next during a slideshow. It differs from animation, which moves objects within a single slide.

Programs used to build slide shows for explaining ideas to an audience, combining text, images, audio, and video. Examples are Microsoft PowerPoint and LibreOffice Impress.

The complete web address of a page or file, including protocol, domain name, and path, such as https://example.com/page. Typing it in a browser loads that resource.

Software such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge that requests web pages, interprets HTML and CSS, and displays them. It also stores history, bookmarks, and downloads.

A website or service that indexes web pages and returns ranked links matching the words a user types. Examples include Google and Bing.

Electronic mail sent over the internet using an address like [email protected]. It carries text and attachments and is handled by mail servers using protocols such as SMTP and IMAP.

Two email copy fields. CC (carbon copy) shows all recipients that others also received the message; BCC (blind carbon copy) hides those addresses from everyone else.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, image, or spreadsheet. Mail services limit attachment size, so large files are often shared by link instead.

An organised collection of related data stored so it can be searched, updated, and retrieved efficiently. Computer databases usually consist of tables made of records and fields.

One complete row in a database table, holding all the field values that describe a single entity such as one student or one book.

A single column in a database table that stores one type of information, such as name or date of birth, for every record. It has a defined data type.

A field, or combination of fields, whose value is unique for every record and never empty. It identifies each row and prevents duplicate entries in a table.

A finite, ordered set of clear steps for solving a problem or completing a task. It can be shown as pseudocode or a flowchart before being written in a programming language.

A diagram that shows an algorithm using standard symbols: ovals for start and end, parallelograms for input and output, rectangles for processes, and diamonds for decisions.

A readable, language-independent way of writing program logic using words like READ, SET, IF, and ENDIF. It is easier to check than real code and can be translated later.

A named storage location in a program whose value can change while the program runs, such as score or total. Its name should describe what it holds.

The kind of value a variable or field can hold, such as integer, real number, string, or Boolean. The type decides which operations are valid and how much space is used.

A programming structure that repeats a block of statements while a condition holds or for a set number of times, avoiding the need to write the same lines repeatedly.

An expression that evaluates to true or false, used with IF statements and loops to decide which instructions run. It typically compares values using operators like >, <, or =.

Practices that protect people and data online, including strong passwords, updated software, safe browsing, and avoiding suspicious links or downloads.

A trick in which a criminal pretends to be a trusted person or company, usually by email or message, to make the victim reveal passwords, OTPs, or bank details.

A password that is long and mixes upper- and lower-case letters, digits, and symbols, avoids names and dictionary words, and is not reused across accounts.

Presenting someone else's words, ideas, or work as your own without credit. In school and at work it is a serious ethical and sometimes legal offence.

The legal right of a creator to control copying, distribution, and reuse of their work. Material found online is not automatically free to use without permission or a suitable licence.

The trail of information a person leaves online through posts, searches, comments, and sign-ups. It can persist for years and be seen by schools and employers.

A personal or workplace ability that helps a person get and keep a job, such as communication, teamwork, time management, problem solving, and basic digital literacy.

A short written summary of a person's education, skills, and experience, sent to employers when applying for a job. It should be clear, honest, and free of errors.

Working cooperatively with others towards a shared goal by sharing tasks, listening, and resolving differences politely. Employers value it highly in almost every trade.

Following rules and using protective equipment to prevent injury and illness at work, such as keeping walkways clear and reporting hazards immediately.