Information Technology Management Essentials - Unit 2

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the foundations of IT management, hardware and software components, networking protocols, security threats, and professional IT roles mentioned in the lecture.

IT Infrastructure

The basic framework of computer systems needed by a business, consisting of hardware, software, networks, and data.

Information Systems

The full set of tools and practices a company uses to run business functions, created by adding people and processes to the IT infrastructure.

CPU

The brain of the computer that decides what to do and processes instructions.

RAM

Short-term memory used by the CPU while doing tasks; it is fast and easy to reach but clears when the computer is turned off.

Motherboard

The big central circuit board that all parts of the computer plug into.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component that lets the computer talk to other computers over a network and contains a unique $48$-bit MAC address.

System Software

The backbone software, such as Windows, Mac OS, Unix, or Linux, that schedules tasks and ensures applications launch and run smoothly.

Application Software

Software tools chosen for specific jobs, such as MS Word for writing papers or Microsoft Excel for crunching numbers.

Utilities Software

Behind-the-scenes helpers that handle specialized chores, including antivirus programs and printer drivers.

Moore's Law

The observation made by Intel founder Gordon Moore in $1965$ that computing power tends to double about every $18$ months.

Early Adopters

Organizations or leaders that buy new technology as soon as it comes out, hoping to gain a competitive edge.

Mainframe Computers

Extremely powerful, room-sized machines designed to handle enormous amounts of data and process them simultaneously with high reliability.

Midrange Computers

Systems smaller and less powerful than mainframes, designed for small to medium-sized organizations that do not need massive capacity.

Microcomputers

Small computers built for everyday tasks, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and handheld devices like smartphones.

Cache

A type of high-speed memory similar to putting a most-used tool right in your hand for immediate access.

Virtual Memory

Backup space used on the disk when RAM (the main workspace) becomes too full.

Relational Database

A database that organizes data into hundreds of related tables to provide a complete picture of business performance.

Productivity Suite

A bundled collection of related programs, like Microsoft Office $365$, that share a common data format and a consistent Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Object Linking

A method of sharing data where the linked object updates automatically in the destination file when the source file is changed.

TCP/IP

Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol; the set of agreed-upon rules and steps that all devices follow to communicate on a network.

Network Operating System (NOS)

Software that acts as the air traffic control for a company's digital highway, routing data, handling backups, and managing security.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A small-scale network restricted to a tiny area like an office floor, a single building, or a dorm room.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that expands over long distances, often using a telecommunications provider's backbone to connect multiple LANs, CANs, and MANs.

Star Topology

A network layout where every computer connects to a single central hub or switch.

Firewall

A mixture of hardware and software acting as a bouncer to keep unauthorized users or hackers out of a network.

Knowledge Management System (KMS)

An organized library or system where employees can create, organize, and share best practices and information.

Ransomware

A digital hijacker that locks up a computer system and demands payment to release the data.

Gantt Chart

A real-time visual scoreboard used in project management tools to show who is doing what and how moving parts fit together.

CIO

Chief Information Officer; the head coach for tech who focuses on internal strategy and aligning IT with business goals.

CTO

Chief Technology Officer; the lead engineer who focuses on external customers and using technology to improve products and boost revenue.

CISO

Chief Information Security Officer; the cyber bodyguard focused on protecting data and fighting off hackers.

Sysadmins

Computer system administrators who act like building managers, setting up and maintaining skyscrapers like mainframes and city halls like network servers.