UPMSP High School IT & ITeS key terms

An electronic machine that accepts data as input, processes it according to stored instructions, and produces useful output. It can store results for later use, which separates it from simple calculating devices.

The central processing unit is the part of a computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions. It performs arithmetic, logic and control operations and is often called the brain of the computer.

Random access memory is the temporary working storage a computer uses while programs run. Its contents are lost when power goes off, so it is called volatile memory.

System software that manages hardware, files and running programs, and gives the user an interface to control the machine. Examples include Windows, Linux and Android. It loads automatically when the computer starts.

Any hardware used to send data or commands into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner or microphone. It converts human actions into signals the machine can process.

Hardware that presents processed results from a computer to the user, for example a monitor, printer, speaker or projector. It converts internal signals into text, images or sound people can understand.

Software for creating and editing text documents with formatting such as fonts, headings, tables and page layout. It also supports spelling checks, printing and saving files for later editing.

A grid of rows and columns in which cells hold numbers, text or formulas. It recalculates results automatically when values change, making it useful for budgets, marksheets and simple data analysis.

The address of a cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as B5 or D12. References let formulas use the value stored in that cell instead of a typed number.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that begins with an equals sign and calculates a result from values, cell references or functions. The displayed value updates whenever the referenced data changes.

A program used to build a sequence of slides containing text, images, charts and multimedia for an audience. Slides can be shown on screen, printed as handouts or exported to other formats.

A template slide that controls the common layout, fonts, colours and placeholders of all slides in a presentation. Editing it once applies the change consistently across the whole deck.

A word-processing feature that combines one main document with a list of records to produce many personalised copies, such as letters or certificates with different names and addresses.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx, .xlsx or .pdf, that tells the operating system which program should open the file. Changing it can make a file unreadable.

Uniform Resource Locator is the address that identifies a page or file on the internet, for example https://example.com/page. It states the protocol, the server name and the path to the resource.

Software such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge that requests web pages from servers, interprets their code and displays them. It also stores history, bookmarks and cookies for the user.

A service that indexes web pages and returns a ranked list of links matching the words a user types. Examples include Google and Bing; results are not verified for accuracy, so sources must be checked.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the set of rules browsers and web servers use to request and deliver web pages. The secure version, HTTPS, encrypts the exchange so others cannot read it easily.

Electronic mail is a service for sending written messages and attachments over a network to one or more addresses. Each message carries a subject, sender, recipients and a timestamp.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, image or spreadsheet. Attachments should be small and scanned before opening, because they can carry malware.

The accepted manners for online communication, including clear subject lines, polite tone, no shouting in capitals, respecting privacy and avoiding forwarding others' messages without consent.

Information Technology enabled Services are services delivered with heavy use of computers and telecommunications, such as data entry, call centres, medical transcription, payroll processing and technical support.

Business Process Outsourcing means handing over a routine business activity, such as customer support or billing, to an outside company that runs it on the client's behalf, usually to save cost or gain specialist skills.

Knowledge Process Outsourcing covers outsourced work needing specialised analysis or expertise, such as research, legal review, financial modelling or engineering design. It is higher-value work than routine BPO tasks.

The process of typing or scanning information from source documents into a computer system accurately and quickly. Errors here corrupt later reports, so verification and double-checking are essential.

Checks that confirm entered data is complete, correctly formatted and within allowed limits before it is accepted. Examples include numeric-only fields, drop-down lists and range checks on dates or amounts.

Systematically storing and maintaining information such as attendance, stock, accounts or customer details so it can be retrieved when needed. Good records are accurate, dated, secure and easy to search.

A duplicate copy of data kept separately so that information can be restored after accidental deletion, hardware failure or a cyber attack. Regular automatic backups reduce the loss to a few hours of work.

A local area network connects computers and devices within a limited area such as a room, school or office. It allows shared files, printers and internet access at high speed over short distances.

A wide area network links devices or local networks across large distances, often between cities or countries. The internet is the largest example, and it usually depends on telecom links.

A device that forwards data packets between different networks and chooses the best path for them. A home router also connects a local network to the internet and often assigns local IP addresses.

A unique numeric label given to each device on a network so data reaches the right destination, for example 192.168.1.10. It works like a postal address for packets travelling between machines.

A step-by-step method of finding and fixing a fault by gathering symptoms, checking the simplest causes first, testing one change at a time and confirming the problem is solved.

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a computer, including viruses, worms, trojans and ransomware. It usually spreads through infected files, links or downloads.

A fraud in which attackers pretend to be a trusted organisation and send fake messages or links to trick people into revealing passwords, OTPs or bank details. Suspicious links should never be clicked.

A password that is long and mixes upper and lower case letters, digits and symbols, avoids names and dictionary words, and is unique to each account. It should never be shared or reused.

A program that scans files and downloads for known malicious patterns, blocks or quarantines threats and should be kept updated. It cannot catch every new threat, so safe browsing habits still matter.

The principles of right behaviour online, including respecting others' privacy, not copying work without credit, avoiding hacking or hate speech, and using digital resources lawfully and honestly.

The activity of spotting a need, taking a calculated risk and organising resources to create a product or service, often as a small business. It involves planning, finance, marketing and continuous learning.

A written document setting out a venture's idea, target customers, market, operations, costs, expected income and funding needs. It guides the owner and is often required when applying for a loan.

Earning income by working for yourself rather than an employer, for example as a freelance data-entry operator, repair technician or small shop owner. It offers independence but no fixed salary.

Fully concentrating on a speaker, noting key points and confirming understanding by paraphrasing or asking questions instead of interrupting. It reduces mistakes in customer calls and team instructions.

Sharing information clearly and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors and customers through speech, writing, email or reports. Good communication is brief, accurate, timely and suited to the audience.

An oral examination in which a candidate answers questions about their practical project, explaining choices, tools used and problems solved. It tests genuine understanding rather than memorised steps.

The organised written record of a practical project, containing the aim, tools and steps, screenshots or outputs, difficulties faced and conclusion. It supports the viva and is assessed by the school.