Introduction to Information Technology Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of Information Technology, hardware, software, networking, organizational structures, and security principles.

Information Technology (IT)

The use of technology to create, process, store, secure, and exchange information; it combines hardware, software, networks, databases, and people.

Technology Infrastructure

Made up of hardware, software, networks, databases, people, and processes that support computing, communication, data storage, and business operations.

Data

Raw facts and figures; the foundation or input that is unprocessed and missing context.

Information

Organized and processed data that has meaning and context; used as an output to support business decisions.

Hardware

Physical devices used in computing, such as computers, keyboards, and servers.

Software

Programs and applications that tell hardware what to do, such as Microsoft Word or Windows.

Operating System (OS)

Software that manages hardware resources and allows users to interact with the computer, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Network

Wired and wireless connections that allow devices and systems to communicate and share information.

Database

An organized collection of data used for storage, retrieval, management, and updating of information efficiently.

Application

Software designed to perform specific user tasks, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Server

A high-performing computer that provides resources, services, or applications to other computers on a network.

Client

A device or program that requests services from a server.

Cloud Computing

Computing resources, storage, and services delivered over the internet.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems, networks, applications, and data from unauthorized access, threats, and attacks.

IT Governance

The process of aligning information technology with business goals while ensuring resources are used effectively, securely, and responsibly.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

A system used to manage interactions with current and potential customers, helping track data and improve sales efforts.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Manages the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

A system that integrates core business processes like finance, HR, and manufacturing into one software platform.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Used in healthcare to manage patient data, medical imaging, and telemedicine to improve patient care.

Learning Management System (LMS)

An online platform and collaboration tool used in education to support teaching and learning.

Agile Model

A flexible project management approach that delivers work in small, continuous improvements while adapting quickly to change.

Chain of Command

Defines how authority and communication flow through an organization and establishes who reports to whom.

Span of Control

Refers to the number of employees a manager supervises.

Hierarchical Structure

The traditional organizational model represented as a pyramid with layers of authority and centralized decision-making.

Flat Structure

An organizational structure with few layers of management where employees have more freedom to make decisions.

Matrix Structure

An organizational model that combines functional and project-based roles, where employees report to both a functional and project manager.

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Develops and oversees IT strategy, aligns technology with business goals, and manages budgets.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Drives technology innovation and researches emerging technologies to enhance competitive advantage.

Outsourcing

Hiring external vendors to handle certain IT functions instead of performing them internally.

Insourcing

Handling IT functions internally by building own infrastructure and maintaining control over operations.

On-premises Infrastructure

Physical hardware like PCs and servers located within an organization's own facility.

Mainframes

High-capacity computers that process very large volumes of transactions for many users simultaneously.

Supercomputers

Extremely powerful computers designed to perform complex calculations at very high speeds.

Quantum Computers

Advanced computers that use quantum principles to solve complex problems much faster than traditional computers.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The 'brain' of the computer that executes instructions and performs calculations.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary memory that stores data and programs currently in use.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A flash-memory storage device with no moving parts, known for faster performance and durability.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Overlays digital information onto the real-world environment using devices like smartphones or AR glasses.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Creates a completely immersive digital environment that replaces the user's physical surroundings.

Compiled Languages

Programming languages where source code is translated into machine code before execution, such as C++.

Interpreted Languages

Programming languages where source code is translated and executed one statement at a time, such as Python.

Open Source Software

Software with publicly available source code that users can inspect, modify, and distribute.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Connects devices within a limited geographic area such as a home, school, or office.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Connects multiple LANs across large geographic areas using public or private links.

Router

Hardware that routes data between networks and typically connects a local network to the internet.

Modem

A device that converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for an internet connection and vice versa.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

The standard suite of communication protocols used for transmitting data across networks and the internet.

OSI Model

A seven-layer framework that standardizes how data is transmitted between networked devices.

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol; transfers web pages between web servers and web browsers.

CIA Triad

A security model consisting of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

Firewall

A security tool that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.

Hot Site

A fully operational backup facility with systems and data ready for immediate use, offering the fastest recovery time.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

A framework used to align security with business objectives, manage risks, and ensure adherence to laws.

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation; a privacy regulation that protects the personal data of individuals in the European Union.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; a healthcare privacy law that protects patient health information.