IT management
Learn about the core elements of IT management, including operations, tech support and personal computing, as well as terms related to IT careers, certifications and project management.
Certifications
This glossary contains definitions related to IT Certifications.
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What are CPE (continuing professional education) credits?
Continuing professional education, or CPE, credit is a term referring to the points professionals receive for participating in specialized training in IT and other fields.
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What is a cloud architect and how do you become one?
A cloud architect is an IT professional who is responsible for overseeing a company's cloud computing strategy.
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What is VMware Certified Professional (VCP)?
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification level designed to demonstrate technical competency with VMware vSphere and related technologies.
IT career paths
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What is infrastructure (IT infrastructure)?
Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization.
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What is a data center administrator (DCA)?
A data center administrator (DCA) is an experienced IT professional who is responsible for overseeing data center operations.
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What is a cloud architect and how do you become one?
A cloud architect is an IT professional who is responsible for overseeing a company's cloud computing strategy.
IT Operations
Terms related to the processes and services implemented and managed by an organization’s information technology (IT) department. Topics covered include systems management, configuration management, API management and DevOps, as well as real-time performance monitoring and management.
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What is the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)?
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification for a software program that connects a computer's firmware to its operating system (OS).
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What is firmware?
Firmware is a type of software program embedded into hardware devices to help them function smoothly and effectively.
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What is Jira?
Jira is an application lifecycle management (ALM) and Agile project management tool from Atlassian.
Personal computing
Terms related to personal computers, including definitions about computers sold as consumer products and words and phrases about laptops, tablets and smartphones.
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What is a server?
A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client.
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cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital form of currency that uses cryptography to secure the processes involved in generating units, conducting transactions and verifying the exchange of currency ownership.
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What is a spam trap?
A spam trap is an email address that's used to identify and monitor spam email. It's also a type of honeypot because it uses a fake email address to bait spammers.
Project management
Terms related to project management, including definitions about project management methodologies and tools.
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What is a product owner?
A product owner is a role on a Scrum team that is responsible for the project's outcome.
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What is SAP Project System (SAP PS)?
SAP Project System is a module in the SAP ERP system that enables tightly controlled project management from planning to completion.
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What is a functional specification document?
A functional specification is a formal document used to describe a product's intended capabilities, appearance and interactions with users in detail for software developers.
Technical support
Terms related to computer fundamentals, including computer hardware definitions and words and phrases about software, operating systems, peripherals and troubleshooting.
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What is a framework?
In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.
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What is an information system (IS)?
An information system (IS) is an interconnected set of components used to collect, store, process and transmit data and digital information.
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What is a server?
A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client.