Browse Definitions by Alphabet

cohort learning - Cohort learning is a learning strategy prioritizing coursework or lessons that groups of students complete together in an interactive fashion.
cold backup (offline backup) - A cold backup is a backup of an offline database.
cold calling - Cold calling is the business practice of contacting a potential customer or client who has not expressed previous interest in speaking with a customer service representative or making a purchase.
cold storage - Cold storage is a computer system or mode of operation designed for the retention of inactive data.
cold/warm/hot server - In the backup and recovery of a computer server, a cold server is a backup server whose purpose is solely to be there in case the main server is lost.
collaboration diagram - A collaboration diagram, also known as a communication diagram, is an illustration of the relationships and interactions among software objects in the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
collaborative BI (collaborative business intelligence) - Collaborative BI (collaborative business intelligence) is the merging of business intelligence software with collaboration tools, including social and Web 2.
collaborative robot (cobot) - A collaborative robot, also known as a cobot, is an industrial robot that can safely operate alongside humans in a shared workspace.
collision in networking - In a half-duplex Ethernet network, a collision is the result of two devices on the same Ethernet network attempting to transmit data at the same time.
colocation (colo) - A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware.
columnar database - A columnar database (column-oriented) is a database management system (DBMS) that stores data on disk in columns instead of rows.
com - On the Internet, "com" is one of the top-level domain names that can be used when choosing a domain name.
combination and permutation - In mathematics, combination and permutation are two different ways of grouping elements of a set into subsets.
COMINT (communications intelligence) - Communications intelligence (COMINT) is information gathered from the communications of individuals, including telephone conversations, text messages and various types of online interactions.
command prompt - A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an operating system (OS) or program.
command-and-control server (C&C server) - A command-and-control server (C&C server) is a computer that issues directives to digital devices that have been infected with rootkits or other types of malware, such as ransomware.
command-line interface (CLI) - A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface (UI) used to run programs, manage computer files and interact with the computer.
committed information rate (CIR) - Committed information rate (CIR) is the guaranteed rate at which a Frame Relay network will transfer information under normal line conditions.
commodity hardware - Commodity hardware in computing is computers or components that are readily available, inexpensive and easily interchangeable with other commodity hardware.
Common Access Card (CAC) - A Common Access Card (CAC) is a smart card issued by the Unites States Department of Defense for accessing DOD systems and facilities.
Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) - In security, the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) is a comprehensive framework of all the relevant subjects a security professional should be familiar with, including skills, techniques and best practices.
Common Criteria (CC) for Information Technology Security Evaluation - Common Criteria (CC) is an international set of guidelines and specifications developed for evaluating information security products, specifically to ensure they meet an agreed-upon security standard for government deployments.
Common Information Model (CIM) - The Common Information Model (CIM) is a computer industry standard that defines device and application characteristics so system administrators and management programs can control devices and applications from different manufacturers.
Common Language Runtime (CLR) - The Common Language Runtime (CLR) is programming that manages the execution of programs written in any of several supported languages, allowing them to share common object-oriented classes written in any of the languages.
Common Service Center (CSC) - Common Service Center (CSC) is an initiative by the government of India to establish locations with computers that are freely available for citizens to use.
common short code (CSC) - Common short codes (CSC) are short telephone numbers, usually consisting of five digits, that are used to address SMS and MMS messages from cellular telephones.
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) - Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) is a publicly listed catalog of known security threats.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) - The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a public framework for rating the severity of security vulnerabilities in software.
Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) - Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) is a universal online dictionary of weaknesses that have been found in computer software.
communication plan - A communication plan is a policy-driven approach to providing company stakeholders with certain information.
communication service provider (CSP) - Communication service provider (CSP) is the broad title for a variety of service providers in broadcast and two-way communications services.
Communications as a Service (CaaS) - Communications as a Service (CaaS) is an outsourced enterprise communications solution that can be leased from a single vendor.
communications platform as a service (CPaaS) - Communications platform as a service (CPaaS) is a cloud-based delivery model that allows organizations to add real-time communication capabilities, such as voice, video and messaging, to business applications by deploying application program interfaces (APIs).
communications security (COMSEC) - Communications security (COMSEC) is the prevention of unauthorized access to telecommunications traffic or to any written information that is transmitted or transferred.
compact disc (CD) - A compact disc is a portable storage medium that can record, store and play back audio, video and other data in digital form.
compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) - A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is a fluorescent light bulb that has been compressed into the size of a standard-issue incandescent light bulb.
CompactFlash card (CF card) - A CompactFlash card (CF card) is a memory card format developed by SanDisk in 1994 that uses flash memory technology to store data on a very small portable device.
compatibility - In the world of IT, compatibility refers to the ability of software and hardware from different sources to work together without having to be altered to do so.
compatibility test - A compatibility test is an assessment used to ensure a software application is properly working across different browsers, databases, operating systems (OS), mobile devices, networks and hardware.
compensating control (alternative control) - A compensating control, also called an alternative control, is a mechanism that is put in place to satisfy the requirement for a security measure that is deemed too difficult or impractical to implement at the present time.
compensation management - Compensation management is the discipline and process for determining employees' appropriate pay and benefits.
competency framework - A competency framework is a structure that defines a set of competencies, or skills, for each role in an organization.
competition law - Competition law is the body of legislation intended to prevent market distortion caused by anti-competitive practices on the part of businesses.
competitive advantage - Competitive advantage is the favorable position an organization seeks to be more profitable than its rivals.
competitive differentiation - Competitive differentiation is a strategic positioning tactic an organization can undertake to set its products, services and brands apart from those of its competitors.
compiler - A compiler is a special program that translates a programming language's source code into machine code, bytecode or another programming language.
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) - A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is the semiconductor technology used in most of today's integrated circuits, also known as chips or microchips.
complex event processing (CEP) - Complex event processing (CEP) is the use of technology to predict high-level events.
compliance - Compliance is the state of being in accordance with established guidelines or specifications, or the process of becoming so.
compliance as a service (CaaS) - Compliance as a service (CaaS) is a cloud service that specifies how a managed service provider (MSP) helps an organization meet its regulatory compliance mandates.
compliance audit - A compliance audit is a comprehensive review of an organization's adherence to regulatory guidelines.
compliance automation - Compliance automation, also known as automated compliance, is the practice of using technology -- such as applications with artificial intelligence features -- to perform and simplify compliance procedures.
compliance framework - A compliance framework is a structured set of guidelines that details an organization's processes for maintaining accordance with established regulations, specifications or legislation.
compliance officer - Compliance officers are employees tasked with ensuring a company follows its internal rules and best-practice policies while always complying with applicable external laws and government regulations.
compliance risk - Compliance risk is an organization's potential exposure to legal penalties, financial forfeiture and material loss, resulting from its failure to act in accordance with industry laws and regulations, internal policies or prescribed best practices.
component - In programming and engineering disciplines, a component is an identifiable part of a larger program or construction.
componentization (component-based development) - Componentization is an approach to software development that involves breaking software down into identifiable and reusable pieces that application developers can independently build and deploy.
composable infrastructure - Composable infrastructure is a framework that decouples device resources in order to treat them as services.
compound - In chemistry, a compound is a substance made up of two or more different chemical elements that are combined in a fixed ratio.
CompTIA A+ practice test questions and answers - CompTIA's A+ is the most popular of all IT certification programs.
CompTIA ITF+ practice test questions and answers - CompTIA's IT Fundamentals+ certification demonstrates general knowledge of computer components, operating systems and networks.
CompTIA Network+ - The CompTIA Network+ is an IT certification exam that confirms an individual possesses the skills in networking required to develop a career in IT infrastructure.
CompTIA Project+ - CompTIA Project+ is the Computing Technology Industry Association's certification program designed to demonstrate a person has a validated understanding of and skills in project management.
CompTIA Security+ - CompTIA Security+ is a certification that demonstrates a person's competency with core security practices and functions that are carried out in IT security roles.
computational creativity (artificial creativity) - Computational creativity (artificial creativity), is the application of computer technologies to emulate, study, stimulate and enhance human creativity.
computational linguistics (CL) - Computational linguistics (CL) is the application of computer science to the analysis and comprehension of written and spoken language.
computational storage - Computational storage is an IT architecture in which data is processed at the storage device level to reduce the amount of data that must move between the storage plane and the compute plane.
computer - A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program, software, or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.
computer assisted coding system (CACS) - A computer assisted coding system (CACS) is medical software that reviews healthcare forms, including electronic health records, and assigns appropriate medical codes to its findings.
computer cracker - A computer cracker is an outdated term used to describe someone who broke into computer systems, bypassed passwords or licenses in computer programs, or in other ways intentionally breached computer security.
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) - A Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of information security experts responsible for the protection against, detection of and response to an organization’s cybersecurity incidents.
computer exploit - A computer exploit, or exploit, is an attack on a computer system, especially one that takes advantage of a particular vulnerability the system offers to intruders.
computer forensics (cyber forensics) - Computer forensics is the application of investigation and analysis techniques to gather and preserve evidence from a particular computing device in a way that is suitable for presentation in a court of law.
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) - The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) of 1986 is United States legislation that imposes criminal penalties on individuals who intentionally access a protected computer without proper authorization or whose access exceeds their authorization.
computer hardware - Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer.
computer instruction - A computer instruction is an order given to a computer processor by a computer program.
computer network - A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that exchange data and resources with each other.
computer numerical control (CNC) - Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools.
computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit - A computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit is a device that monitors and maintains the temperature, air distribution and humidity in a data center, network or server room.
computer room air handler (CRAH) - A computer room air handler (CRAH) is a device used frequently in data centers to deal with the heat produced by equipment.
computer security incident response team (CSIRT) - A computer security incident response team, or CSIRT, is a group of IT professionals that provides an organization with services and support surrounding the assessment, management and prevention of cybersecurity-related emergencies, as well as coordination of incident response efforts.
computer worm - A computer worm is a type of malware whose primary function is to self-replicate and infect other computers while remaining active on infected systems.
computer-aided software engineering (CASE) - Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) describes a broad set of labor-saving tools used in software development.
computer-based training (CBT) - Computer-based training (CBT) is any course of instruction whose primary means of delivery is a computer.
computer-generated imagery (CGI) - Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the creation of still or animated visual content using imaging software.
computerized physician order entry (CPOE) - Computerized physician order entry (CPOE), also known as computerized provider order entry or computerized practitioner order entry, refers to the process of a medical professional entering and sending medication orders and treatment instructions electronically via a computer application instead of on paper charts.
Concurrent Versions System (CVS) - CVS also is an abbreviation for Computer Vision Syndrome.
conduct risk - Conduct risk refers to the potential for a company's actions or behavior to harm its customers, stakeholders or broader market integrity.
conductance - Conductance is an expression of the ease with which electric current flows through materials like metals and nonmetals.
conductor - A conductor, or electrical conductor, is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through it.
Conficker - Conficker is a fast-spreading worm that targets a vulnerability (MS08-067) in Windows operating systems.
confidential computing - Confidential computing is a concept in which encrypted data can be processed in memory to limit access to protect data in use.
CONFIG.SYS - CONFIG.SYS is a text file containing disk operating system (DOS) commands that tell the operating system (OS) how the computer is initially set up.
configuration - Generally, a configuration is the arrangement - or the process of making the arrangement - of the parts that make up a whole.
configuration file - A configuration file, often shortened to 'config file,' defines the parameters, options, settings and preferences applied to operating systems (OSes), infrastructure devices and applications in an IT context.
configuration management database (CMDB) - A configuration management database (CMDB) is a file -- usually in the form of a standardized database -- that contains all relevant information about the hardware and software components used in an organization's IT services and the relationships among those components.
configuration service provider (CSP) - A configuration service provider (CSP) is a component of Windows client operating systems that shows IT professionals device configuration choices and allows them to apply the settings across multiple Windows OSes.
confirmation bias - Confirmation bias is a cognitive error in which information that supports a pre-existing belief is assigned more value than other information.
conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT) - A conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT) is a data structure that lets multiple people or applications make changes to the same piece of data.
conformed dimension - In data warehousing, a conformed dimension is a dimension that has the same meaning to every fact with which it relates.