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 is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification?
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is a series of technical certifications for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures.
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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.
IT career paths
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What is a change agent (agent of change)?
A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who promotes change and enables it to happen within any group or organization.
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What is the gig economy?
A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations hire independent workers for short-term commitments.
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What is a chief technology officer (CTO)?
A chief technology officer (CTO) is a high-level executive who is responsible for overseeing an organization's strategic use of IT.
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 OEM (original equipment manufacturer)?
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces hardware or software that is later marketed and sold under another company's brand.
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What is a template?
A template is a form, mold or pattern used as a guide to create something consistently and efficiently.
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What is infrastructure as code (IaC)?
Infrastructure as code (IaC) is an IT practice that codifies and manages underlying IT infrastructure as software.
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 Google Docs?
Google Docs is a free web-based word processor that can be used to create, edit and store digital documents.
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What are the top 10 spyware threats?
The top 10 spyware list describes the most common spyware threats behind famous spyware attacks and is frequently identified by leading antispyware tools from vendors like Webroot, Norton and Malwarebytes.
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What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any device on a network so it can communicate.
Project management
Terms related to project management, including definitions about project management methodologies and tools.
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What is a change agent (agent of change)?
A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who promotes change and enables it to happen within any group or organization.
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What is segregation of duties (SoD)?
Segregation of duties (SoD) is an internal control mechanism designed to prevent errors and fraud by ensuring at least two individuals are responsible for the separate parts of any task.
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What is the gig economy?
A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations hire independent workers for short-term commitments.
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 OEM (original equipment manufacturer)?
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces hardware or software that is later marketed and sold under another company's brand.
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What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act? Definition and summary
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is a federal law that established sweeping auditing and financial regulations for public companies.
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What is a template?
A template is a form, mold or pattern used as a guide to create something consistently and efficiently.