RBSE Prav Voc IT and ITeS key terms

The main chip that fetches, decodes and executes program instructions, performing arithmetic and logical operations and coordinating the other hardware units of a computer system.

Volatile working memory that temporarily holds programs and data currently in use; its contents are lost when power is switched off, which is why files must be saved to storage.

Non-volatile media such as hard disks, solid-state drives, optical discs or USB flash drives that keep data permanently even without power, holding the operating system, applications and user files.

Any hardware unit connected to and controlled by the computer to provide input, output or extra storage, such as a keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner or external drive.

Hardware used to enter data and commands into a computer, for example a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner, microphone or barcode reader used in shops and offices.

Hardware that presents processed results to the user in a human-readable or usable form, such as a monitor, printer, projector, speaker or plotter.

System software that manages hardware resources, runs applications, controls memory and storage, and provides a user interface; examples include Windows, Linux, macOS and Android.

A small software component that lets the operating system communicate with a particular piece of hardware by translating general commands into signals that device understands.

A visual way of interacting with a computer using windows, icons, menus and a pointer instead of typed commands, making software easier for non-specialists to use.

A text-based method of controlling a computer in which the user types instructions at a prompt; it is powerful and scriptable but requires knowledge of exact command syntax.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx, .xlsx, .jpg or .pdf, which tells the operating system and applications what type of content the file holds.

The address describing where a file or folder sits within the storage hierarchy, for example C:\Users\Anita\Documents\report.docx, used by the system to locate it.

The tree-like arrangement of directories and sub-directories used to organise files logically, so that related documents, images and data are grouped and easy to find.

A duplicate copy of data kept on separate media or in cloud storage so that files can be restored if originals are lost through failure, theft, malware or accidental deletion.

Application software for creating and editing text documents, offering formatting, spell check, tables, headers and page layout tools for letters, reports and notices.

A word-processing feature that combines one master document with a data source such as a spreadsheet to produce many personalised copies, each carrying a different name or address.

A pre-designed document or file with fixed layout, styles and placeholders that is reused as a starting point, saving time and keeping output consistent across a team.

A file format that preserves fonts, images and page layout exactly as designed, so a document looks the same on any device and is hard to alter accidentally.

Grid-based application software of rows and columns whose cells hold numbers, text or formulas, used for calculations, record keeping, charts and simple data analysis.

The address of a cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as B7, used in formulas to point at the data a calculation should use.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that begins with = and calculates a result from values, cell references or operators, for example =A2*B2.

A built-in spreadsheet routine, such as SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF or VLOOKUP, that performs a named calculation on supplied arguments and returns a result.

A cell address locked with dollar signs, such as $B$2, so that copying a formula to other cells keeps pointing at the same cell instead of shifting.

Application software used to build slide shows of text, images, charts and multimedia for talks, training sessions and business pitches, often with speaker notes and transitions.

The central layout control in presentation software that sets fonts, colours, logos and placeholder positions for all slides, so a deck stays visually consistent.

A unique numeric label assigned to each device on a network so data packets can be routed to it; IPv4 uses four numbers, while IPv6 uses a longer hexadecimal form.

The internet service that translates easy-to-remember domain names such as example.org into numeric IP addresses so browsers can reach the correct server.

The full web address of a resource, giving the protocol, domain name and path, such as https://site.org/page, and used by browsers to fetch that page.

The encrypted version of the web transfer protocol, shown by a padlock in the browser, which protects data exchanged between browser and website from interception.

A fraud in which attackers imitate a trusted organisation through fake email, messages or websites to trick people into revealing passwords, card numbers or other sensitive data.

Any harmful software, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware, designed to damage systems, steal data or extort money from users.

A hardware or software filter that inspects network traffic against security rules and blocks unauthorised connections, helping protect a device or network from intrusion.

A login method requiring two different proofs of identity, usually a password plus a one-time code sent to a phone, so a stolen password alone is not enough.

An organised collection of related data stored so that it can be searched, updated and shared efficiently, usually managed by database software rather than kept in loose files.

A database that stores data in tables of rows and columns and links them through shared key fields, reducing duplication and keeping records consistent.

A field or combination of fields that uniquely identifies each record in a table, such as a student roll number, and therefore cannot be duplicated or left empty.

The standard language for creating, reading, updating and deleting data in relational databases, using statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE.

An arrangement in which an organisation hands a defined process, such as payroll, customer support or data entry, to an external provider that runs it under agreed service levels.

A written contract setting measurable targets for a service, such as response time, uptime or resolution limits, and the consequences of missing them.

Software and practices used to record customer details, interactions and complaints so that sales and support staff can respond consistently and build loyalty.

The principle that personal information should be collected fairly, used only for stated purposes, kept secure and shared with others only with proper consent or legal authority.

Any information that identifies or can reasonably identify a living person, including name, address, phone number, identification numbers, photographs and biometric records.

An encrypted electronic mark that verifies the identity of the sender and confirms a document has not been altered since signing, giving legal-weight assurance online.

The delivery of computing services such as storage, software and processing over the internet on demand, billed by use and accessed from any connected device.

Computer systems that perform tasks normally needing human intelligence, such as recognising images, translating text, recommending content or answering questions in natural language.

A branch of artificial intelligence in which programs improve at a task by learning patterns from data rather than following only rules written by a programmer.

A network of everyday physical objects fitted with sensors and connectivity, from smart meters to fitness bands, that collect and exchange data without direct human action.

A newly founded business that seeks a repeatable, scalable model, often built around a digital product, and typically funded by savings, grants or investors rather than steady sales.

The simplest version of a product that delivers real value to early users, released quickly so the team can test assumptions and improve before spending heavily.