IT Vocabulary & Definitions

Resources available for public use.

Components that allow the hardware and software to communicate with each other, enabling data to move between computer system components.

A collection of instructions that enable a user to interact with a computer to perform tasks. (Internet browsers, text editing tools, and spreadsheets…)

Electronic and mechanical parts of a computer system. Components that are tangible such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU…

A built-in mechanism available with most operating systems that permit data to be moved from RAM to the hard drive when the amount of memory in use exceeds the memory available on the computer system.

Systems of hardware and software components that connect two or more devices for the purpose of sharing data and information.

Servers on one side of the network running authentication to facilitate millions of users logging in and permitting access to specific resources based on parameters such as username, password, and system identifiers. Common across organizations.

Access to resources is provided without the assistance of a server. File transfer protocol is an example of peer-to-peer implementation. Common in small businesses and homes.

Indicates the actual layout of how systems are placed in the network.

Indicates how the data actually flow and is extremely important when considering things like load balancing normal traffic, network backups, and replication of data.

Languages supporting data exchange between computers.

A system is a collection of elements that interact to achieve a common goal.

IT provides support to users by first analyzing the needs and issues, then identifying and implementing solutions so users can stay productive with minimal technical interruption.

Communication supported between the elements of an IT system. They are put in place to enable the exchange of data between organizational servers and to give employees access to resources.

Resources only available for users or systems of a specific organization are on the intranet like proprietary information and sensitive employee information.

Makes resources available within an organization, but it also makes that information available to other specific organizations or users, such as contracted, third-party consultants.

Resources available for the public are on the internet, including commercial sites (e-commerce), blogs, social media, news, etc.

Systems and personnel supporting data analytics use the organization’s data to examine its past performance, identify the reasons behind past and current issues, and forecast future performance.

The maintenance of an organization’s IT infrastructure to assure continuous functionality and implement improvements or technology changes within the general organizational IT strategy.

When smaller organizations employ third-party, specialized IT consulting services.

Any activity that uses a computer to manage, process, or share information.

Raw facts or observations not useful until it has been processed and is presented in a usable form.

A collection of processed data from a variety of sources. (data in context)

A dynamic combination of experience, values, and contextual information.(information with meaning)