Punjab PSEB Senior Secondary NSQF IT/ITeS key terms

An electronic machine that accepts data as input, processes it according to stored instructions, and produces information as output. It combines hardware and software to perform tasks automatically and accurately.

The physical, touchable parts of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, motherboard, hard disk and printer. Hardware alone cannot work without instructions from software.

A set of programs and instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. It includes system software like operating systems and application software like word processors and spreadsheets.

Any hardware used to enter data and commands into a computer, for example a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone or touchscreen. The data it sends is processed by the CPU.

Hardware that presents processed results to the user, such as a monitor showing text, a printer producing a hard copy, or speakers playing sound. Output may be soft copy or hard copy.

Central Processing Unit, the main chip that carries out instructions by fetching, decoding and executing them. It performs arithmetic, logic and control operations and is often called the brain of the computer.

Storage inside a computer where data and instructions are held for processing. Primary memory such as RAM is fast and temporary, while secondary storage such as a hard disk keeps data permanently.

Random Access Memory, the volatile working memory that holds programs and data currently in use. Its contents are lost when power is switched off, and more RAM generally allows smoother multitasking.

Read Only Memory, non-volatile memory whose contents are written at manufacture and normally cannot be changed by the user. It stores the start-up instructions a computer needs to boot.

Hardware used to keep data permanently, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, pen drive, CD or DVD. Storage capacity is measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes.

System software that manages hardware, files and programs and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux and Android. It controls memory, schedules tasks and lets applications run.

Programs designed to help the user perform specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web browsers and image editors. They run on top of the operating system.

Application software for creating and editing text documents, with features like formatting, spell check, tables and printing. Common examples are Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.

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

An organised collection of related data stored so that it can be easily accessed, managed and updated. Database software such as MySQL or Access lets users query and report on records.

A named unit in which data is stored on a storage device, such as a document, image or program file. A file usually has a name and an extension showing its type.

A container used to organise files on a storage device, also called a directory. Folders can hold files and other folders, creating a hierarchy that keeps data easy to find.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name that indicates the file type, such as .docx for a document, .xlsx for a spreadsheet, .jpg for an image or .exe for a program.

The location of a file or folder in the storage hierarchy, written as a sequence of folders. For example, C:\Users\Student\Documents\report.docx shows the drive, folders and file name.

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

A copy of data kept in a separate location so it can be restored if the original is lost, damaged or corrupted. Regular backups protect against hardware failure, theft and accidental deletion.

Any device connected to a computer to add functionality, such as a printer, scanner, webcam, speaker or external drive. Peripherals may be internal or external and connect through ports or wireless links.

The main circuit board inside a computer that connects the CPU, memory, storage and other components. It provides slots and ports through which parts communicate and receive power.

Two or more computers connected so they can share data, resources and services. Networks may be small, like a home LAN, or worldwide, like the Internet, and use wired or wireless links.

Local Area Network, a network covering a small area such as a room, office or school building. Devices on a LAN share files, printers and an internet connection at high speed.

A worldwide network of interconnected computers that communicate using common protocols. It supports services such as the web, email, file transfer and video streaming.

World Wide Web, the collection of linked web pages and resources accessed over the Internet using browsers. It is only one service of the Internet, alongside email and file transfer.

Application software used to view web pages and access online services, such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge. It sends requests to web servers and displays the returned pages.

Uniform Resource Locator, the address that identifies a resource on the web, such as https://www.example.com/page. It shows the protocol, domain name and path of the resource.

A human-readable name that identifies a website or network host, such as example.com or pseb.ac.in. It is translated into an IP address by the Domain Name System.

A unique numeric address assigned to a device on a network so data can be sent to it. Common versions are IPv4, like 192.168.1.1, and IPv6.

A web service that finds pages matching the words a user types, such as Google or Bing. It uses indexes and ranking algorithms to list relevant results.

Electronic mail, a method of sending and receiving messages over a network using an email address. Messages can carry attachments and are delivered to a mailbox on a mail server.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, image or spreadsheet. Attachments should be scanned for malware before opening and are limited in size by mail servers.

Malicious software designed to harm or gain unauthorised access to a computer, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware. Antivirus software and safe browsing habits help prevent infection.

Software that detects, blocks and removes malware by scanning files and monitoring activity. Its virus definitions must be updated regularly to recognise new threats.

A security system, hardware or software, that monitors and filters network traffic to block unauthorised access. It enforces rules that allow or deny connections between networks.

A fraud in which attackers send fake messages or links that imitate trusted sources to steal passwords or bank details. Users should verify senders and never share credentials through such messages.

A secret string of characters used to prove identity and protect an account or device. Strong passwords are long, mixed in type and kept private, and should be changed if suspected of compromise.

Measures that protect data from unauthorised access, change, loss or disclosure. It includes passwords, encryption, access control, backups and security awareness among users.