Browse Definitions By Topic
- AppDev
- Computer Science
- Consumer Tech
- Data Center
- IT Management
- Line of Business Software
- Networking
- Study Resources
- Security
- Storage and Data Management
AppDev
Definitions about software applications and development including operating system vocabulary, programming terminology, words about Internet applications and terms used in app/dev.
- Agile, Scrum, XP
- Apple
- Internet applications
- Java
- Linux
- Microsoft
- Open source
- Operating systems
- Programming
- Software applications
- Software development
- Web services, SOA
Recently Published Definitions
- BIM
Building information modeling (BIM) is traditional architectural computer aided design (CAD) with 3D modeling that also incorporates best practice ...
- interrupt
An interrupt is a signal from a device attached to a computer or from a program within the computer that causes the main program that operates the ...
Computer Science
Definitions about computer science including computing fundamentals vocabulary, protocol and standards terminology, words about microprocessors and terms used in electronics.
- Computing fundamentals
- Electronics
- IT standards and organizations
- Mathematics
- Microprocessors
- Nanotechnology
- Protocols
- Robotics
Recently Published Definitions
- valve
A valve is a mechanism that opens and closes to control the flow of fluids. In a scientific context, fluids include both liquids and gases – anything...
- falsifiability
Falsifiability is the capacity for some proposition, statement, theory or hypothesis to be proven wrong. That capacity is an essential component of ...
Consumer Tech
Definitions about consumer technology including Internet acronyms, tech lingo, multimedia definitions, words about personal computing and peripherals as well as terms used in wireless and mobile computing.
- Desktop PCs
- Internet acronyms and lingo
- Internet technologies
- Multimedia and graphics
- Peripherals
- Personal computing
- Printers
- Wireless and mobile
Recently Published Definitions
- mobile number privacy
Mobile number privacy is the protection of the phone user’s number from unwanted access.
- omnidirectional antenna
An omnidirectional antenna is a wireless transmitting or receiving antenna that radiates or intercepts radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields ...
Data Center
Definitions used in data center management, including hardware, virtualization and cloud computing.
- Cloud computing
- Converged infrastructure
- Data center management
- Disaster recovery
- Hardware
- IT Operations
- Storage hardware
- Virtualization
Recently Published Definitions
- VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity)
VUCA is an acronym that stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, a combination of qualities that, taken together, characterize ...
- motherboard
A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer. The motherboard is a computer’s central communications backbone connectivity ...
IT Management
Search or browse for definitions about information technology (IT) management. Many of our definitions are hosted on technology-specific websites to help you quickly learn about each definition's business and tech context.
- Business software
- Business terms
- Compliance
- Customer relationship management
- Government IT
- Healthcare IT
- IT Procurement
- Network administration
- Project management
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Security management
- Software management
- Storage management
Recently Published Definitions
- conversion rate
The conversion rate is the rate at which website visitors or potential customers take a specific desirable action.
- ad fraud botnet
An ad fraud botnet is a distributed network of computers controlled by a botmaster to defraud advertisers.
Line of Business Software
Search or browse for definitions related to the procurement, implementation and management of line of business software applications that are vital to running an enterprise.
Recently Published Definitions
- GWX (Get Windows 10)
GWX (get Windows 10) is a Windows upgrade app that was initially installed after Windows update KB3035583; the app has been the subject of consumer ...
- Apache Storm
Storm is a free and open source (FOSS) distributed real-time computation system developed by the Apache Foundation.
Networking
Definitions about networking including routing and switching vocabulary, telecom terminology and words about email, messaging and mobile.
- Circuit switched services equipment and providers
- Data transmission
- Email and messaging
- High-speed networks
- Internet of Things
- Local area networks (LANs)
- Network hardware
- Network software
- Networking and communications
- Routing and switching
- Smart grid
- Telecom
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
- Wireless LANs
- Wireless technologies
Recently Published Definitions
- line of sight (LOS)
The level of obstruction in a line of sight determines not only the visibility from one point to another but also the quality of signal reception for...
- predictive maintenance (PdM)
Predictive maintenance (PdM) is the servicing of equipment when it is estimated that service is required, within a certain tolerance. PdM is used in ...
Study Resources
Browse our learning and research resources to get up to speed about an IT topic quickly. Our quick study resources include buyer's guides, topical learning guides, cheat sheets, quizzes and quick look-up fast references.
- Cheat sheets
- Fast references
- Learning guides
- Podcasting Glossary
- Quick Start Glossaries
- Quizzes
- Video Production Glossary
Recently Published Definitions
- Trick or Treat Halloween Quiz
This WhatIs.com Learn IT quiz will test your knowledge about tech terms that you might find on your doorstep or in your trick-or-treat bag Halloween ...
- Quick Start Glossary: Hybrid cloud
A handy printable glossary of hybrid cloud vocabulary. Online, the terms are linked to our full definitions and more related resources.
Security
Definitions about security including malware vocabulary, security threats and countermeasures terminology, words about viruses and Trojans, access control, authorization and authentication.
- Application security
- Authentication
- Malware
- Network security
- Security threats and countermeasures
- Spyware
Recently Published Definitions
- tailgating (piggybacking)
Tailgating, sometimes referred to as piggybacking, is a physical security breach in which an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual to ...
- card skimming
Card skimming is the theft of credit and debit card data and PIN numbers when the user is at an automated teller machine (ATM) or point of sale (POS).
Storage and Data Management
Definitions about storage and data management including backup/recovery vocabulary, business intelligence terminology, storage area networks and database management.
- Backup and recovery
- Business intelligence - business analytics
- Content management
- Customer data management
- Data and data management
- Data deduplication
- Database
- Network-attached storage (NAS)
- Storage-area network (SAN)
Recently Published Definitions
- blockchain
Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger that stores a permanent and tamper-proof record of transaction data. Distributed ledgers can be thought of...
- cognitive computing
Cognitive computing is the simulation of human thought processes in a computerized model. The goal of cognitive computing is to create automated IT ...
Word of the Day
Newest and Updated Terms
Know-IT-All
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Business information modelling could transform construction
The Cabinet Office says that by 2016, “collaborative 3D building information modelling will be required on all government projects”
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Sustainable tech solutions: Green ERP, buildings
Solution providers interested in sustainability technology are finding good potential around green ERP products and business modeling consulting.
Buzzword Alert
virtual manufacturing
Virtual manufacturing (VM) is the use of computers to model, simulate and optimize the critical operations and entities in a factory plant.
Read MoreEssential Knowledge
What software features are key for process manufacturing ERP?
Chemical companies, food processing companies, makers of pharmaceuticals and other process manufacturers have specific ERP needs. Here's what you ...
What ERP software features support discrete manufacturing?
One expert differentiates between discrete and process manufacturing, and gives discrete manufacturers guidance on what considerations they should ...
Cloud first, mobile first are key themes for new Dynamics AX
Due out early in 2016, the major new release of Microsoft Dynamics AX adds mobile-friendly HTML5 user interface, embedded analytics and Excel ...
Why cloud ERP software is the best choice for manufacturing SMBs
Small and medium-sized manufacturers pursue cloud ERP software for lower costs, easier maintenance and greater flexibility. Learn how some SMBs have ...
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Storage
Hot data storage market technologies for 2017
The Storage Media Group has selected five new technologies that we think are poised to make a big impact to storage shops in 2017.
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Modern Infrastructure
Impact Award winners announced
Independent industry experts reveal the top data center and cloud products of the year, as chosen by your peers.
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Modern Mobility
Innovation Awards
Explore 4 award-winning projects that show how organizations that embrace mobility and take advantage of cutting-edge technology can transform their processes and achieve new levels of productivity
Download Now -
Tech Watch
12 Storage Companies to Watch
Hyper-convergence, solid-state, software-defined storage and the cloud have changed the way we deploy, manage and secure storage. Learn which enterprise storage vendors to keep an eye on in 2017.
Download Now
SearchCompliance
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PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board)
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is a Congressionally-established nonprofit that assesses audits of public ...
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cyborg anthropologist
A cyborg anthropologist is an individual who studies the interaction between humans and technology, observing how technology can ...
SearchSecurity
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email spam
Email spam, or junk email, is unsolicited bulk messages sent through email with commercial, fraudulent or malicious intent.
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distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack
A distributed denial-of-service attack occurs when an attack originates from multiple computers or devices, usually from multiple...
SearchHealthIT
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athenahealth Inc.
Based in Watertown, Mass., athenahealth Inc. is a leading vendor of cloud-based EHRs for small to medium-sized physician ...
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Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is legislation passed in 2010 that changed how uninsured Americans enroll in and receive healthcare...
SearchDisasterRecovery
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disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS)
One approach to a strong disaster recovery plan is DRaaS, where companies offload data replication and restoration ...
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data recovery
Data recovery restores data that has been lost, accidentally deleted, corrupted or made inaccessible. Learn how data recovery ...
SearchStorage
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brontobyte
A brontobyte is a measure of memory or data storage that is equal to 10 to the 27th power of bytes.
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object storage
Object storage, also called object-based storage, is an approach to addressing and manipulating units of storage called objects, ...
SearchSolidStateStorage
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NVDIMM (Non-Volatile Dual In-line Memory Module)
An NVDIMM (non-volatile dual in-line memory module) is hybrid computer memory that retains data during a service outage.
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NAND mirroring
NAND mirroring has been proposed to break the security in certain portable devices that use NAND flash memory for encryption.
SearchCloudStorage
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RESTful API
A RESTful application program interface breaks down a transaction to create a series of small modules, each of which addresses an...
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cloud storage infrastructure
Cloud storage infrastructure is the hardware and software framework that supports the computing requirements of a private or ...