Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• What is total cost of ownership (TCO)?

  Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, managing, using and retiring IT assets, such as a product or piece of equipment. Continue Reading

• How to create an AWS Lambda function

  Many developers are turning to AWS Lambda as an alternative to EC2 instances. Here are two ways to create a Lambda function. Continue Reading

• My first attempt at vibe coding

  Can you teach an old programming dog a new trick? Continue Reading

• Distributed tracing vs. logging: Uses and how they differ

  Distributed tracing and logging help IT teams identify performance issues in systems in different ways. But they also complement each other to pinpoint problems. Continue Reading

• What is management information systems (MIS)?

  Management information systems (MIS) is a department within an enterprise responsible for controlling the hardware and software systems that the organization uses to make business-critical decisions. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is an API (application programming interface)?
  • What is a SAN? Ultimate storage area network guide
  • What is a data retention policy?
  • What is multi-access edge computing? Benefits and use cases

  • What is 5G?
  • What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
  • phase-locked loop (PLL)
  • What is millimeter wave (mmWave)?

  View All Definitions

• 16 REST API design best practices and guidelines

  Common guidelines for API design lead to better functionality and flexibility. Follow these REST API design best practices to help you tend to your burgeoning API garden.Continue Reading

• Application vs. network load balancing: What's the difference?

  Network load balancing and application load balancing both handle traffic requests. However, they process and direct requests with different levels of speed and efficiency.Continue Reading

• What is regression testing?

  Regression testing is a type of software test that assesses if changes to an application, or other related software components, introduce defects.Continue Reading

• What is Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)?

  BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the protocol that enables the internet's global routing system.Continue Reading

• How to set up a VLAN for enterprise networks

  Network administrators configure VLANs to enhance network security and performance. Learn how to set up a VLAN, from configuration steps and best practices to troubleshooting tips.Continue Reading

• What is synthetic monitoring?

  Synthetic monitoring is a proactive monitoring approach that uses scripted simulations of user interactions to assess the performance and availability of websites, applications and services.Continue Reading

• What is multiplexing and how does it work?

  Multiplexing, or 'muxing,' is a way of sending multiple signals or streams of information over a communications link at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal.Continue Reading

• What is a programmable network (network programmability)?

  A programmable network is one in which software that operates independently of network hardware handles the behavior of network devices and flow control.Continue Reading

• What is cloud NAS (cloud network-attached storage)?

  Cloud NAS (network-attached storage) is remote storage that is accessed over the internet as if it is local.Continue Reading

• What is port address translation (PAT)?

  Port address translation (PAT) is a type of network address translation (NAT) that maps a network's private internal IPv4 addresses to a single public Internet Protocol address by using network ports.Continue Reading

• What is the data link layer in the OSI model?

  The data link layer is the protocol layer in a program that handles how data moves in and out of a physical link in a network.Continue Reading

• How to write pseudocode: A guided tutorial

  Writing pseudocode might feel like an extra step, but its value becomes clear in complex projects. Focus on the logic without getting tangled in language-specific syntax.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud IDE?

  A cloud IDE is a web-based integrated development platform.Continue Reading

• What is IT operations (IT ops)?

  The term IT operations (IT ops) describes the many processes and services an IT department manages and maintains within an organization.Continue Reading

• What is application release automation (ARA)?

  Application release automation (ARA) is a process that automatically packages and deploys an application, or application updates, through the stages of development to production.Continue Reading

• What is the strangler fig pattern, and how does it work?

  Imagine owning a motorcycle that needs fixing up. Instead of disassembling it and spending months rebuilding, what-if you replaced one part at a time so you could keep using it?Continue Reading

• What is direct-attached storage (DAS) and how does it work?

  Direct-attached storage (DAS) is a type of data storage that is attached directly to a computer without going through a network.Continue Reading

• Prepare for your FinOps interview with these 12 questions

  FinOps promises to help organizations gain more value from their technology spending, especially in the cloud. Do you have the skills to become part of the FinOps team?Continue Reading

• What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

  Software-defined networking (SDN) is a networking approach in which software is used to easily configure and centrally manage IT networks.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7: What are the differences?

  Wi-Fi standards continue to evolve. The three most recent standards -- Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 -- build on each other's capabilities, but all have their own unique features.Continue Reading

• What is QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) and how does it work?

  QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude modulation (AM) signals into a single channel.Continue Reading

• What is Microsoft Outlook?

  Microsoft Outlook is an email, contacts and calendar program from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Introduction to JavaFX tutorial for beginners

  Did you think desktop development in Java was dead? Far from it. Here's how JavaFX has brought desktop programming in Java back to life.Continue Reading

• Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help

  It works, but does it pass the sniff test? Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding, which calls for refactoring. Explore how to identify and deodorize code smells.Continue Reading

• What is network topology?

  A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.Continue Reading

• 13 API security best practices to protect your business

  APIs are the backbone of most modern applications, and companies must build in API security from the start. Follow these guidelines to design, deploy and protect your APIs.Continue Reading

• What is continuous monitoring?

  Continuous monitoring constantly observes the performance and operation of IT assets to help reduce risk and improve uptime instead of taking a point-in-time snapshot of a device, network or application.Continue Reading

• APM vs. distributed tracing: How they differ

  Application performance monitoring and distributed tracing help IT teams identify performance problems in different but complementary ways, as explained here.Continue Reading

• What is security automation?

  Security automation uses technology to remove high-volume manual processes from security operations to detect cyberthreats, which saves time by integrating different workflows into repeatable processes.Continue Reading

• Kubernetes automation: Use cases and tools to know

  Kubernetes automation simplifies the configuration, deployment and management of prepackaged container components supporting business apps, but it's not recommended in all cases.Continue Reading

• What is User Datagram Protocol (UDP)?

  User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol primarily used to establish low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet.Continue Reading

• What is the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol? How does it work?

  The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is a client-server communication protocol used for sharing access to files, printers, serial ports and other resources on a network.Continue Reading

• What are managed network services?

  Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that a managed service provider (MSP) remotely operates, monitors and maintains for an enterprise.Continue Reading

• What is RAID (redundant array of independent disks)?

  RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a way of storing the same data in different places on multiple hard disks or solid-state drives (SSDs) to protect data in the case of a drive failure.Continue Reading

• What is single-tenancy? How's it different from multi-tenancy?

  Single-tenancy is an architecture in which a single instance of a software application and supporting infrastructure serves one customer.Continue Reading

• What is task automation?

  Task automation uses technology to perform repetitive or routine tasks automatically, improving efficiency, minimizing mistakes and reducing errors.Continue Reading

• An overview of Amazon EC2 vs. AWS Lambda

  EC2 and Lambda meet different needs in an AWS cloud environment -- but they can also work together. The only limits are in the minds of cloud architects.Continue Reading

• What is a network interface card (NIC)?

  A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network.Continue Reading

• What is an automation engineer and how do you become one?

  An automation engineer designs and develops autonomous systems to manage repetitive tasks and improve efficiency and productivity.Continue Reading

• What are optical disks and how do they work?

  An optical disk is an electronic data storage medium that can be written to and read from using a low-powered laser beam.Continue Reading

• 6 sustainable resources to power data centers

  Data centers are using clean energy to sustainably run parts of the facility. Six sustainable energy options to consider are solar, wind, nuclear, tidal, hydrogen and geothermal.Continue Reading

• What is a network node?

  A network node is a connection point in a communications network.Continue Reading

• What is Telnet?

  Telnet is a network protocol used to remotely access a computer for a text-based communication channel between two machines.Continue Reading

• 8 IaC configuration file editors for admins to consider

  Configuration files are essential for app and OS functionality but managing them at scale can be challenging. Here are eight editors for admins to consider for their IaC setup.Continue Reading

• What is a green data center?

  A green data center is a repository for the storage, processing, management and dissemination of data in which the physical space and the mechanical and electrical subsystems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the environmental ...Continue Reading

• What is tool sprawl? Explaining how IT teams can avoid it

  Tool sprawl is the accumulation of many IT tools by an organization, leading to inefficiency and data siloing.Continue Reading

• What are port numbers and how do they work?

  A port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server.Continue Reading

• 802.11 standards: How do 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be differ?

  Wi-Fi standards -- 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be -- differ based on frequency bands, spatial streams and maximum data rates, with 802.11be offering the most significant improvements.Continue Reading

• How to prepare a data storage budget, with free template

  Budgeting for data storage can be part of an organization's larger budget -- but make sure every line item is included. The downloadable template here can help.Continue Reading

• Difference between a statement vs. expression in programming

  The decision between statement-centric and expression-oriented languages can influence an individual's programming style and the code's length, complexity and security.Continue Reading

• What is root cause analysis?

  Root cause analysis (RCA) is a method for understanding the underlying cause of an observed or experienced incident.Continue Reading

• What is data center infrastructure management (DCIM)?

  Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is the convergence of IT infrastructure, operations and building facilities functions within an organization.Continue Reading

• What is subscription-based pricing model?

  A subscription-based pricing model is a payment structure that allows a customer or organization to purchase or subscribe to a vendor's IT services for a specific period for an agreed-upon set price.Continue Reading

• What is a router?

  A router is a physical or virtual appliance that passes information between two or more packet-switched computer networks.Continue Reading

• How to set up Docker containers on Windows Server

  Docker started on the Linux OS, but Windows containers based on this technology can bring numerous benefits to the enterprise. Here's how to get started.Continue Reading

• 10 steps to develop your IT automation strategy

  Setting business goals, establishing governance practices, identifying and deploying the right tools, and providing training are the foundations of a sound IT automation strategy.Continue Reading

• What is east-west traffic?

  East-west traffic refers to the transfer of data packets that move from server to server within a network's data center.Continue Reading

• What is FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security)?

  FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security) is a network management framework and model created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).Continue Reading

• How to start a FinOps career in cloud

  FinOps is an integral part of many organizations' cloud strategy. Do you have what it takes to land a FinOps job? Explore the benefits and requirements to help jump-start your career.Continue Reading

• 15 common network protocols and their functions explained

  Networking makes the internet work, but it needs several key protocols. These common network protocols make communication and connection across the internet possible.Continue Reading

• What is network analytics?

  Network analytics is the application of big data principles and tools to the data used to manage and secure data networks.Continue Reading

• What is the Agile test automation pyramid?

  The Agile test automation pyramid is a graphical strategy guide for implementing automated software testing.Continue Reading

• What is a domain controller?

  A domain controller is a server that processes requests for authentication from users and computers within a computer domain.Continue Reading

• What is RAID 0 (disk striping)?

  RAID 0 (disk striping) is the process of dividing a body of data into blocks and spreading the data blocks across multiple storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), in a redundant array of independent disks group.Continue Reading

• What is Active Directory Domain (AD Domain)?

  An Active Directory domain (AD domain) is a collection of objects within a Microsoft Active Directory network. An object can be a single user or a group, or it can be a hardware component, such as a computer or printer. Each domain holds a database ...Continue Reading

• The basics of working with pseudocode

  Writing pseudocode is a great way to practice problem-solving skills, a crucial aspect in programming. It helps developers conceptualize and communicate their ideas.Continue Reading

• Security, cost attention mark new era of storage modernization

  According to recent research, enterprises are prioritizing cybersecurity and cost management. Storage vendors such as NetApp are making these elements a focal point of products.Continue Reading

• What is modulation?

  Modulation is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.Continue Reading

• What is RAID 5?

  RAID 5 is a redundant array of independent disks configuration that uses disk striping with parity.Continue Reading

• What is storage virtualization?

  Storage virtualization is the pooling of physical storage from multiple storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device or pool of available storage capacity.Continue Reading

• What is Microsoft?

  Microsoft is the world's largest vendor of computer software and a leading provider of cloud computing services, video games, computer and gaming hardware, search and other online services.Continue Reading

• What is a hard disk drive (HDD)?

  A computer hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile data storage device.Continue Reading

• What is continuous deployment (CD)?

  Continuous deployment (CD) is a strategy for software development and releases in which every code change is automatically run through a pipeline of tests and inspections before being pushed into production.Continue Reading

• What is a batch file?

  A batch file is a script file that stores commands to be executed in a serial order.Continue Reading

• What is a network packet?

  A network packet is a basic unit of data that is transferred over a computer network, typically a packet-switched network, such as the internet.Continue Reading

• Top 13 cloud certifications for 2025

  Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications.Continue Reading

• What is network visibility?

  Network visibility is an awareness of the components and data within an enterprise computer network.Continue Reading

• What is a wireless mesh network (mesh WiFi)?

  A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a mesh network created through the connection of wireless access point (wireless AP) nodes installed at each network user's location.Continue Reading

• What is Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)?

  Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application-layer protocol for monitoring and managing network devices on a local area network or wide area network.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud-native network function (CNF)?

  A cloud-native network function (CNF) is a service that performs network duties in software, as opposed to purpose-built hardware.Continue Reading

• What is IBM Cloud?

  IBM Cloud is a suite of cloud computing services from IBM that offers software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) models.Continue Reading

• What is function as a service (FaaS)?

  Function as a service (FaaS) is a cloud computing model that enables cloud customers to develop applications and deploy functionalities and only be charged when the functionality executes.Continue Reading

• What is personal cloud storage (PCS)?

  Personal cloud storage (PCS) is a local network-attached storage (NAS) device that lets users store data, photos, music, videos and other files and is optimized for media streaming.Continue Reading

• Deploy a read-only domain controller for security, speed

  A read-only domain controller requires a fair amount of work for a proper deployment, but it can be a great option for quicker logins for users in branch offices.Continue Reading

• What are COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS?

  COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives. The four acronyms denote different classifications of software and hardware, each with its own unique ...Continue Reading

• What is a protocol data unit (PDU)?

  A protocol data unit (PDU) is the basic unit of exchange between entities that communicate with a specified networking protocol.Continue Reading

• What is the Nessus vulnerability scanning platform?

  Nessus is a platform developed by Tenable that scans for security vulnerabilities in devices, applications, operating systems, cloud services and other network resources.Continue Reading

• How to use data center wind turbines for sustainable energy

  Wind power is a promising way for data centers to cut carbon footprints. Despite challenges, evolving technology offers efficient turbines for substantial electricity generation.Continue Reading

• 17 common QA interview questions and answers

  Use these typical QA interview questions -- broken into basic, intermediate and advanced -- to progress from the screening interview to the final stages and land the job.Continue Reading

• What is application lifecycle management?

  Application lifecycle management (ALM) is the process of managing a software lifecycle from creation to its end of life.Continue Reading

• What is throughput?

  Throughput is a measure of how many units of information a system can process in a given amount of time.Continue Reading

• What is network configuration management (NCM)?

  Network configuration management (NCM) is the process of organizing and maintaining information about all the components in a computer network.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?

  Internet and Ethernet both enable connectivity and communication, but they differ in scope, purpose, reliability and medium. Use this guide to learn about the concepts.Continue Reading

• How to set up a NAS: A step-by-step configuration guide

  Get the most out of your rackmount NAS appliance by setting up admin accounts, permissions and network access; running a diagnostic check; and configuring advanced options.Continue Reading

• Learn to automate with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

  Using automation in tandem with scheduled tasks helps a busy admin stay on top of responsibilities big and small to free up time for more involved work.Continue Reading