Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF IT/ITeS key terms

The use of computers, storage, networking and software to create, process, store, protect and exchange data. In NSQF vocational courses it covers hardware basics, software use, networking and workplace safety.

Service work delivered with heavy computer and telecom support, such as data entry, call centres, medical transcription, payroll processing and back-office operations. The work is outsourced to specialist firms rather than done in-house.

A contract arrangement in which one company hands a complete business process, such as billing or customer support, to an outside provider that runs and manages it on the client's behalf.

Outsourcing of work that needs specialist judgement and analysis, such as research, legal review, financial modelling or patent analysis. It demands higher qualifications than routine BPO work and usually pays more.

The physical parts of a computer system that you can touch, including the processor, memory modules, hard disk, keyboard, monitor and printer. Hardware needs software instructions to do any useful work.

The set of programs, instructions and data that tells hardware what to do. Software is intangible and is grouped into system software, such as operating systems, and application software, such as word processors.

The master program that starts the computer, manages memory, files and connected devices, and lets application software run. Examples include Windows, Linux, Android and macOS.

A program written to help a user complete a specific task, such as typing a letter, preparing a spreadsheet, editing a photo or browsing the web. It runs on top of the operating system.

Any hardware used to enter data or commands into a computer, for example a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam or touchscreen. The device converts human actions into signals the computer can process.

Hardware that presents processed results to the user, such as a monitor, printer, speaker or projector. Soft copy appears on screen; hard copy is printed on paper.

A device attached to and controlled by the main computer but not part of its core processing unit, such as a printer, scanner, external drive or modem. Peripherals add extra functions to the basic system.

A small software program that lets the operating system communicate with a particular hardware device. Without the correct driver, a printer or graphics card may not work properly.

The chip that carries out instructions and controls the rest of the computer. Its speed is measured in gigahertz, and it performs the fetch, decode, execute and store cycle for every instruction.

Fast temporary working memory that holds programs and data currently in use. Its contents are lost when power is switched off, so saving work to permanent storage is essential.

Non-volatile memory whose contents are written at manufacture and normally cannot be changed by the user. It stores the firmware that starts the computer before the operating system loads.

Firmware stored on the motherboard that tests hardware at start-up and loads the operating system. Its settings control boot order, system clock and basic device configuration.

Software permanently programmed into a hardware chip, such as the BIOS or the control code inside a printer. It sits between pure hardware and ordinary software and is rarely changed by users.

The main circuit board of a computer that holds the processor, memory slots, expansion slots and connectors for drives and peripherals. All major components communicate through it.

Hardware that keeps data permanently even when power is off, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, pen drive or memory card. Capacity is measured in gigabytes and terabytes.

A named collection of related data stored on a storage device, such as a document, image or program. A file is identified by its name and usually by an extension showing its type.

A container inside a storage device used to group related files and subfolders so they can be found easily. Folders create the directory structure shown in file explorers.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name that shows the file type, such as .docx, .xlsx, .jpg or .pdf. The operating system uses it to choose the program that opens the file.

The full address that locates a file or folder, listing drives and folders in order, for example C:\Users\Student\Documents\notes.docx. It may be absolute from the root or relative to the current folder.

Application software for creating and formatting text documents. Common features include fonts, alignment, spell check, tables, headers, page setup and mail merge.

Application software that arranges data in rows and columns of cells and calculates results using formulas and functions. It is used for accounts, marks lists, budgets and charts.

The address of a spreadsheet cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as B5. A dollar sign makes a reference absolute so it does not shift when the formula is copied.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that starts with an equals sign and calculates a result from values or cell references, for example =A1+B1. Formulas update automatically when source values change.

A ready-made formula built into spreadsheet software that performs a calculation on supplied values, such as SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN or IF. Functions save time and reduce typing errors.

Application software used to build slide shows with text, images, charts, sound and animation for an audience. Slides can be shown on screen or printed as handouts.

Two or more computers linked by cables or wireless links so they can share files, printers, software and an internet connection. Networks are described by size, such as LAN and WAN.

A network covering a small area such as one room, building or campus, usually owned and managed by a single organisation. It offers high speed and low cost per connected device.

A network that spans cities, countries or continents by joining smaller networks through leased lines, satellites or public links. The internet is the largest example of a WAN.

A unique numeric label given to every device on a network so data can be sent to the right place. IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.10; IPv6 addresses are longer.

The internet service that translates a readable domain name such as example.com into the numeric IP address computers use. Without DNS, users would have to memorise numbers.

The complete web address typed into a browser, made up of protocol, domain name and path, such as https://www.example.com/page. It tells the browser exactly which resource to fetch.

Application software that requests web pages from servers and displays them, for example Chrome, Firefox or Edge. It stores history, bookmarks, cookies and cached files.

The encrypted version of the protocol used to transfer web pages. It protects data in transit with TLS, and browsers show a padlock icon when a site uses it.

A web service that indexes pages and returns ranked results for keywords typed by a user, such as Google or Bing. Operators and quotation marks help narrow a search.

A method of sending written messages and attachments over a network to one or more recipients using an email address. Standard fields include To, Cc, Bcc, Subject and Body.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, image or spreadsheet. Large attachments may be blocked, and unknown attachments can carry malware.

The accepted rules of polite and responsible behaviour online, such as avoiding capital letters for shouting, quoting only relevant text and respecting others' privacy. It applies to email, chat and social media.

Any software written to harm, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a system, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware. Antivirus software and safe browsing habits reduce the risk.

A program that scans files, downloads and running processes for known malicious code, quarantines threats and removes them. Its virus definitions must be updated regularly to stay effective.

A hardware or software barrier that inspects network traffic and blocks connections that break set rules. It shields a computer or network from unauthorised outside access.

A fraud in which a criminal pretends to be a trusted organisation by email, message or fake website to trick a user into revealing passwords, card numbers or other private data.

A secret string of characters used to prove identity and control access to an account or device. Strong passwords are long, mixed in type, unique per account and never shared.

A duplicate copy of data kept on a separate storage device or cloud service so it can be restored after accidental deletion, hardware failure or attack. Regular backups limit data loss.

The principles of right conduct when using computers and the internet, covering honesty, respect for privacy, no software piracy, no unauthorised access and no harmful content. It guides lawful digital behaviour.

Unwanted bulk messages sent to many recipients, usually for advertising or fraud. Filters move spam to a separate folder, and users should never reply to or open its attachments.

A networking device that forwards data packets between networks and chooses the best path for them. Home routers also share one internet connection among many devices.

The worldwide network of interconnected networks that uses common protocols to carry web pages, email, video and other services between billions of devices.

The work of typing information from source documents into a computer system accurately and quickly. It demands correct spelling, attention to detail and knowledge of the client's format rules.

A key combination that performs a command without using menus, such as Ctrl+C to copy or Ctrl+S to save. Shortcuts speed up work in almost every application.

A written contract between a service provider and a client that fixes the expected quality of service, such as response time, uptime and penalties for failure. It protects both parties.

An electronic document issued by a trusted authority that binds a public key to an organisation's identity. Browsers check it to confirm a secure website is genuine.

The set of rules and practices that keep workers safe and healthy at work. In IT workplaces it covers correct posture, safe cabling, eye care and electrical safety.

Designing a workplace and its equipment to fit the human body, for example chair height, monitor distance and keyboard position. Good ergonomics reduces strain and injury.

Practices that prevent shock, fire and damage when using electrical equipment, such as checking cables, earthing systems, avoiding overloaded sockets and never touching live parts with wet hands.