RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS study materials
RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS study resources

RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS key terms

RBSE SS Voc IT and ITeS · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Hardware

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.

Related: Software, CPU
Software

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.

Related: Hardware, Operating System
CPU

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.

Related: RAM, Hardware
RAM

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.

Related: CPU, Storage Device
Storage Device

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.

Related: RAM, Backup
Operating System

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.

Related: Software, File Extension
Input Device

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.

Related: Output Device, Peripheral
Output Device

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.

Related: Input Device, Peripheral
Peripheral

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.

Related: Input Device, Output Device
File Extension

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.

Related: Operating System, File Path
File Path

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.

Related: File Extension, Backup
Backup

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.

Related: Storage Device, Malware
Word Processor

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.

Related: Mail Merge, Template
Mail Merge

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.

Related: Word Processor, Template
Template

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.

Related: Word Processor, Slide
Spreadsheet

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.

Related: Cell Reference, Formula
Cell Reference

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.

Related: Spreadsheet, Formula
Formula

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.

Related: Cell Reference, Function
Function

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.

Related: Formula, Spreadsheet
Slide

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.

Related: Template, Transition
Transition

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.

Related: Slide
Internet

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.

Related: URL, Browser
Browser

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.

Related: URL, Search Engine
URL

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.

Related: Browser, Internet
Search Engine

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: Browser, URL
Email

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.

Related: Netiquette, Attachment
Netiquette

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.

Related: Email, Confidentiality
Database

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.

Related: Table, Primary Key
Table

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.

Related: Database, Field
Field

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.

Related: Table, Data Type
Primary Key

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.

Related: Database, Field
Data Type

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.

Related: Field, Variable
Query

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.

Related: Database, Primary Key
Algorithm

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.

Related: Flowchart, Pseudocode
Flowchart

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.

Related: Algorithm, Pseudocode
Pseudocode

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.

Related: Algorithm, Flowchart
Variable

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.

Related: Data Type, Loop
Loop

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.

Related: Variable, Algorithm
BPO

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.

Related: SLA, Customer Support
SLA

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.

Related: BPO, Escalation
Escalation

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.

Related: Customer Support, SLA
Customer Support

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.

Related: Escalation, BPO
Transcription

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.

Related: Data Entry, Accuracy
Data Entry

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.

Related: Transcription, Accuracy
Accuracy

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.

Related: Data Entry, Transcription
Ergonomics

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.

Related: Occupational Hazard, Repetitive Strain Injury
Occupational Hazard

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.

Related: Ergonomics, Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive Strain Injury

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.

Related: Ergonomics, Occupational Hazard
Confidentiality

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.

Related: Netiquette, Malware
Malware

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.

Related: Backup, Confidentiality