RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS key terms
RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Hardware
- Related: Software, CPU
The physical parts of a computer that you can touch, such as the processor, memory chips, keyboard, monitor, and printer. Software instructions run on this equipment.
- Software
- Related: Hardware, Operating System
Programs and instructions that tell hardware what to do. It includes operating systems, applications, and utilities, and is stored as files rather than physical machinery.
- CPU
- Related: RAM, Hardware
Central Processing Unit, the chip that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions. It performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations and is often called the brain of the computer.
- RAM
- Related: CPU, Storage Device
Random Access Memory, temporary working storage that holds programs and data currently in use. Its contents are erased when power is switched off, so work must be saved to disk.
- Storage Device
- Related: RAM, Backup
Hardware that keeps data permanently, such as a hard disk, solid-state drive, or USB pen drive. Unlike RAM, it retains files after the computer is shut down.
- Operating System
- Related: Software, File Extension
System software that manages hardware, files, and running programs and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux, and Android. It lets applications use the computer's resources safely.
- Input Device
- Related: Output Device, Peripheral
Equipment used to enter data and commands into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, or touchscreen. It converts human actions into signals the machine can process.
- Output Device
- Related: Input Device, Peripheral
Equipment that presents processed results to the user, such as a monitor, printer, speaker, or projector. It converts the computer's internal signals into text, images, or sound.
- Peripheral
- Related: Input Device, Output Device
Any device connected to the main computer unit to add function, such as a printer, webcam, or external drive. Peripherals may be internal or external and often connect through USB ports.
- File Extension
- Related: Operating System, File Path
The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx or .xlsx, that tells the operating system which program should open the file and what format it uses.
- File Path
- Related: File Extension, Backup
The address showing where a file or folder is stored, for example C:\Users\Ravi\Documents\report.docx. It lists the drive and each folder in order down to the file name.
- Backup
- Related: Storage Device, Malware
A duplicate copy of data kept in a separate location so that files can be restored after accidental deletion, hardware failure, or malware attack. Regular backups protect against permanent loss.
- Word Processor
- Related: Mail Merge, Template
Application software for creating and editing text documents, with formatting, tables, spell check, and printing. Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer are common examples used in offices.
- Mail Merge
- Related: Word Processor, Template
A word-processing feature that combines one main document with a list of records, such as names and addresses, to produce many personalised letters, labels, or envelopes automatically.
- Template
- Related: Word Processor, Slide
A pre-designed document or file with fixed layout, styles, and placeholder text that users fill in. Templates save time and keep reports, letters, and presentations consistent.
- Spreadsheet
- Related: Cell Reference, Formula
A grid of rows and columns used to store numbers, text, and formulas for calculation and analysis. Each intersection is a cell, and changes recalculate dependent results automatically.
- Cell Reference
- Related: Spreadsheet, Formula
The address of a spreadsheet cell, made of its column letter and row number, such as B7. References let formulas use values from other cells and update when those values change.
- Formula
- Related: Cell Reference, Function
An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that begins with an equals sign and calculates a result, for example =A1+B1 or =SUM(C2:C10). Formulas recalculate when source values change.
- Function
- Related: Formula, Spreadsheet
A built-in spreadsheet calculation with a name and arguments, such as SUM, AVERAGE, IF, or VLOOKUP. Functions perform common tasks without the user writing the full arithmetic manually.
- Slide
- Related: Template, Transition
A single screen page in a presentation containing text, images, charts, or media. Slides are arranged in sequence and shown one after another during a talk.
- Transition
- Related: Slide
The visual effect applied when moving from one presentation slide to the next, such as a fade or push. Transitions differ from animations, which affect objects within a single slide.
- Internet
- Related: URL, Browser
A worldwide network of interconnected computer networks that exchange data using common protocols such as TCP/IP. It carries services including the web, email, and video calling.
- Browser
- Related: URL, Search Engine
Application software used to request, download, and display web pages, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. It interprets HTML, CSS, and scripts to render pages for the user.
- URL
- Related: Browser, Internet
Uniform Resource Locator, the address that identifies a resource on the web, for example https://example.com/page. It states the protocol, domain name, and path to the page.
- Search Engine
- Related: Browser, URL
A web service that indexes pages and returns links matching a user's keywords, such as Google or Bing. Results are ranked by relevance, and operators can refine queries.
- Related: Netiquette, Attachment
Electronic mail, a service for sending written messages and attachments over a network to one or more recipients using an address such as [email protected]. It is a core business communication tool.
- Netiquette
- Related: Email, Confidentiality
Accepted rules of polite and responsible behaviour online, such as using clear subject lines, avoiding all capital letters, respecting privacy, and not forwarding spam or chain messages.
- Database
- Related: Table, Primary Key
An organised collection of related data stored so it can be easily searched, updated, and retrieved. A database management system controls access and maintains consistency across records.
- Table
- Related: Database, Field
A database structure that stores data in rows called records and columns called fields, with each column holding one type of information such as name or date of birth.
- Field
- Related: Table, Data Type
A single column in a database table that defines one attribute of the record, such as CustomerName or PinCode. Each field has a data type and optional size and validation rules.
- Primary Key
- Related: Database, Field
A field or combination of fields whose value uniquely identifies each record in a table, such as a roll number. It must be unique and cannot be left empty.
- Data Type
- Related: Field, Variable
The category of values a field or variable may hold, such as text, number, date, or currency. Choosing the correct type enables valid calculations, sorting, and input checking.
- Query
- Related: Database, Primary Key
A request that asks a database to retrieve, filter, or change data, often written in SQL or built with a graphical tool. A query returns only the records meeting stated conditions.
- Algorithm
- Related: Flowchart, Pseudocode
A finite, ordered set of clear steps for solving a problem or completing a task. It must be unambiguous and must terminate, and it can be expressed as pseudocode or a flowchart.
- Flowchart
- Related: Algorithm, Pseudocode
A diagram that shows the sequence of steps in a process using standard symbols such as ovals for start and end, rectangles for processes, and diamonds for decisions.
- Pseudocode
- Related: Algorithm, Flowchart
A structured, English-like description of program logic that is not tied to any programming language. It helps plan an algorithm before writing real code and is easier for non-programmers to review.
- Variable
- Related: Data Type, Loop
A named storage location in a program whose value can change while the program runs, such as score or total. Its name refers to a memory location holding a value of a declared type.
- Loop
- Related: Variable, Algorithm
A programming construct that repeats a block of statements while a condition holds or for a set number of times, avoiding duplicated code. Common forms are for and while loops.
- BPO
- Related: SLA, Customer Support
Business Process Outsourcing, where a company contracts an external provider to handle a process such as payroll, billing, or technical support. It aims to cut cost and access specialised skills.
- SLA
- Related: BPO, Escalation
Service Level Agreement, a contract clause defining measurable service expectations such as response time, resolution time, uptime, and penalties for missing targets. It protects both client and provider.
- Escalation
- Related: Customer Support, SLA
The process of passing a customer issue to a higher support level or specialist when it cannot be resolved within the agent's authority or time limit, following a defined hierarchy.
- Customer Support
- Related: Escalation, BPO
Assistance given to users before, during, and after a purchase or service use, through channels such as phone, email, and chat. It aims to resolve problems and retain customers.
- Transcription
- Related: Data Entry, Accuracy
Converting spoken audio into written text while preserving meaning and, in verbatim work, exact wording. Accuracy, spelling, punctuation, and consistent formatting are essential quality measures.
- Data Entry
- Related: Transcription, Accuracy
Keying information from source documents or forms into a computer system with speed and accuracy. Errors here corrupt reports downstream, so verification and double checks are standard.
- Accuracy
- Related: Data Entry, Transcription
The degree to which entered, transcribed, or reported data matches the original source and is free of errors. It is measured through audits and is a key performance indicator in ITeS work.
- Ergonomics
- Related: Occupational Hazard, Repetitive Strain Injury
Designing equipment and work habits to fit the human body, such as correct chair height, monitor at eye level, wrist support, and regular breaks. It reduces strain and repetitive injury.
- Occupational Hazard
- Related: Ergonomics, Repetitive Strain Injury
Any workplace condition that can harm health or safety, including electrical wiring, trailing cables, poor lighting, fire risk, and psychological stress from long shifts or difficult calls.
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Related: Ergonomics, Occupational Hazard
Pain or damage in muscles, tendons, or nerves caused by repeated motions such as typing or mouse use, often affecting wrists, arms, and shoulders. Breaks and correct posture help prevent it.
- Confidentiality
- Related: Netiquette, Malware
The duty to protect private data, such as customer records or medical details, from unauthorised access or disclosure. In ITeS it is a contractual and ethical obligation backed by access controls.
- Malware
- Related: Backup, Confidentiality
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a system, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware. Antivirus tools and safe browsing habits reduce risk.