Lesson # 4

IT & Computer Science

Do you want to earn lots of money?
Do you want to build a better future?
You may wonder how you can do that.
 The answer is simple:
 Study at ITU and start a new career in IT & Computer Science!
 Informatics is absolutely everywhere in our lives now.
 When you study IT & Computer Science, you will gain skills/competences that can help solve
problems in a variety of industries, such as:
- business,
- manufacturing,
- law enforcement,
- healthcare...
 As more data and information become accessible from individual computers and across
networks, the need for information technology experts will continue to grow.
You can learn how to:
- plan,
- analyze,
- design,
- build,
- maintain and
- manage projects.

At ITU you learn about:

- Software Development,
- Systems Integration,
- Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning,
- Data Management,
- Digital and Graphic Communication ...

 You need as well to improve your English because:

- it is an important language mainly since it bridges people of the world together and
- it is the language of the Internet and the computer.
NB: Professionals in:
o Computer Scientist work to develop computer systems, while
o Information Technologists master the use of these systems.

 Let’s start with some computer related words in order to improve your English language skills
in the field of CIT (Computer & Information Technology).

I. Basic Computer Terminology

Access time: Temps d'accès
Active program or Window: Fenêtre, programme actif
Add-Ons and Extensions: Ajouts et extensions
(While the 2 terms mean the same thing, different browsers (=navigateur) use different terms.
Both are small programs that allow you to add on to or extend the function of the browser).
Alert (Alert Box): Boîte d'alerte
Application: Programme, application
Application Menu: Menu du programme
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
A commonly used data format for exchanging information btw computers or programs.
Background: Part of the multitasking capability. A program can run and perform tasks in the
background (arrière-plan) while another program is being used in the foreground (premier plan).
Bit: The smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from "binary digit".
In computer language, either a one (1) or a zero (0).
Backup: Archivage, sauvegarde
Boot: Démarrer
Browser: Navigateur
Buffer: Mémoire tampon de copie
Bug: A programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way. (IBM 1130)
Bus: electronic pathway through which data is transmitted between components in a computer.
Byte: A piece of computer information made up of 8 bits. (Octet)
Cache: Cache (Information from websites is stored on your computer to make the sites load
faster in the future. You can clear the cache to save space on your device.)
Card: A printed circuit board that adds some feature to a computer. (Carte)
Cartridge Drive: Lecteur de cartouche
CD-ROM: An acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.
Chip: Puce
Chooser: A desk accessory used to select a printer, or external device, or to log onto a network.
Clipboard: Presse-papiers
Cookies: Small files that store details about your activity on a site, such as logging in and site
preferences. These are refreshed at specific intervals. You can delete them at any time.
Clock Rate (MHz or GHz): Fréquence d'horloge
Command: Commande
Command key: Touche de commande
Compiler: Compilateur
Compression: a technique that reduces the size of a saved file by elimination or encoding
redundancies (i.e., JPEG, MPEG, LZW, etc.) (Compression)
Control key: Touche de commande
Control panel: Panneau de commande
CPU: (Central Processing Unit). Unité centrale de traitement
Crash: A system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to be restarted.
Cursor: Curseur
Daisy chaining: The act of stringing devices together in a series such as SCSI. Chaînage
Database: An electronic list of information that can be sorted and/or searched. Base de données
Data: (The plural of datum) Information processed by a computer. Données
Defragment (also - Optimize): Défragmenter
Delete: Effacer
Desktop: The shaded or colored backdrop (=toile de fond) of the screen. Bureau
Desktop File: Fichier de bureau
Dialog box: Boîte de dialogue
Digitize: Numériser
Directory: Répertoire
Disk: Disque
Disk Drive: Lecteur de disque
Disk Window: The window that displays the contents or directory of a disk.
Document: A file you create, as opposed to the application which created it. Document
DOS: Acronym for Disk Operating System - used in IBM PCs.
DPI: Acronym for Dots Per Inch: A gauge (=jauge) of visual clarity on the printed page or on the
computer screen.
Download: (télécharger) To transfer data from one computer to another.
If you are on the receiving end, you are downloading.
If you are on the sending end, you are uploading.
Drag: (faire glisser) To move the mouse while its button is being depressed.
Drag and Drop: Glisser et déposer
Driver: A computer file which tells it how to communicate with an add-on piece of equipment.
Ethernet: A protocol for fast communication and file transfer across a network.
Expansion Slot: Fente d'extension
Extension: Extension
Fiber Channel: As applied to data storage (=stockage) and network topology.
File: The generic word for an application, document, control panel or other computer data.
Firewall: (pare-feu) (A firewall is a type of software or hardware that works to block viruses and
hackers. It works in tandem with your anti-virus to reduce threats to your computer.)
Floppy: (disquette) 3.5 inch - 5.25 or 8 inch disks that were flexible.
Folder: (dossier-chemise) An electronic subdirectory which contains files.
Font: (police d’écriture) A typeface that contains the characters of an alphabet or some other
letterforms.
Fragmentation: The breaking up of a file into many separate locations in memory or on a disk.
Freeze: (figer) A system error which causes the cursor to lock in place.
Gig: A gigabyte = 1024 megabytes.
GUI: Graphical User Interface; uses pictures and words to represent ideas, choices, functions …
Hard Drive: Disque dur
Head Crash: A hard disk crash caused by the heads coming in contact with the spinning disk(s).
Highlight: To select by clicking once on an icon or by highlighting text in a document. Surligner
Icon: Icone (A small picture used to represent a file or program in a GUI interface)
Initialize: Initialiser
Insertion Point: Point d'insertion
Installer: Software used to install a program on your hard drive. Installateur
Interrupt Button: Bouton d'interruption
IP Number: Internet Protocol (A computer's unique address or number on the Internet)
K: Short for kilobyte
Keyboard Shortcut: Raccourci clavier
Kilobyte: 1024 bytes.
Landscape: Paysage
Launch: Lancer
Memory: Mémoire
Menu: A list of program commands listed by topic. Menu
Menu bar: Barre de menu
Multi-tasking: Running more than one application in memory at the same time.
Nanosecond: One billionth of a second.
Network: Réseau (A collection of computers that are connected)
NIC: Network Interface Card (A board inserted in a computer that provides a physical connection
to a network.)
Operating System: The system software that controls the computer.
Optical Disk: Disque optique
Palette: (palette) A small floating window that contains tools used in a given application.
Partition: A subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as a separate drive.
Measurements (summary):
bit = one binary digit (1 or 0) *"bit" is derived from the contraction b'it (binary digit)
8 bits = one byte
1024 bytes = one kilobyte
KB = short for kilobyte
Kb = short for kilobit
MB = short for megabyte
1 megabyte = 1024 kilobytes.
Mb = megabit
MB/s = megabytes per second
Mb/s = megabits per second
bps = bits per second i.e., 155 Mb/s = 19.38 MB/s
Paste: Coller
PC: Acronym for Personal Computer
PCI: Acronym for Peripheral Component Interchange – faster bus architecture.
Peripheral: (périphérique) An add-on component to your computer.
Point: (1/72") 12 points = one pica in printing.
Pop-up Menu: Any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the menu bar.
May pop up or down.
Port: A connection socket (=prise), or jack (=prise) on the computer.
Print Spooler: Spouleur ou dévidoir d'impression
QuickTime: The system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit and play
animation, movies and sound.
RAM: Acronym for Random-Access Memory. Mémoire à accès aléatoire
Reset: Réinitialisation
Reset Switch: Bouton de réinitialisation
Resize Box: Case de redimensionnement
RISC: Acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computing.
ROM: Acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not written to.
Root Directory: Répertoire racine
Save: Sauvegarder, enregistrer
Save as: Enregistrer sous
Scroll: Défilement
Scroll bar: Bar de défilement
Scroll box: Zone de défilement
SCSI: Acronym for Small Computer System Interface.
SCSI address: Adresse SCSI
SCSI port: port SCSI
SCSI terminator: Terminateur SCSI
Search Engine : Moteur de recherche (Type of program that sends out digital spiders to gather as
many online documents as possible. An index is then created and accessed
when you enter a specific keyword or phrase. (Ex: Google, Yahoo, Bing, Baidu,
AOL, Ask.com, Yandex , Excite, DuckDuckGo, ...). ,
Serial port: Port série
Server: Serveur
Shareware : Software provided at a minimal cost to users who are on their honor to send in
payment to the programmer
Shut down: Arrêter
Software: Logiciel
Spreadsheet: Feuille de calcul, tableur Spreadsheet (A program arranged in rows and columns
that manipulates numbers)
Startup Disk: Disque de démarrage
Surge Suppressor: (parasurtenseur) not the same as a UPS.
System File: Fichier système
System Folder: Dossier système
System Restore: Restauration du système (If properly set up, you can restore your computer to
an early time, such as before a virus infection or corrupted update)
Title Bar: Barre de titre
Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS): Onduleur
Toolbars: Barres d'outils (Toolbars contain options for controlling your browser and sit at the top
of the browser. You can download additional toolbars to gain access to specialized
search engines and personalized settings.)
URL : Uniform Resource Locator (The address of a site on the World Wide Web; a standard way
of locating objects on the Internet.)
Vaporware: "Software" advertised, sometimes sold, that does not yet exist in a releasable for.
Virtual Memory: Using part of your hard drive as though it were "RAM".
Web : cf. spider web (=toile d'araignée). Réseau, toile
Web Site: (site web)
Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity is a method that utilizes radio waves to connect to a network.
Window A screen in a software program that permits the user to view several programs at one
time
Word Processor: Traitement de texte (A program that allows the user to create primarily text
documents)
WORM: Acronym for Write Once-Read Many; an optical disk that can only be written to once.
Zoom box: A small square in the upper right corner of a window which, when clicked, will
expand the window to fill the whole screen.
II. Top computer science job
 Discover the career paths and career timelines of computer science contractors and full-time
roles, including typical job assignments, salaries, and degrees [zdnet].
 Computer science explores the potential of computers and computing systems.
 Thanks to breakthroughs in:
- cloud computing,
- artificial intelligence, and
- big data,
the computer science field continue to thrive (=prospérer).
 Computer and IT jobs will grow much faster than the average.
 Besides high demand, many computer science career paths offer strong earning potential.
 Careers in computer science require:
- strong technical, problem-solving, and
- collaboration skills.
 With career paths in the tech sector, business, finance, national security, healthcare, and
more, computer science jobs offer a strong outlook.
Web development
 Web development builds websites, from the components visible to visitors to the back-end
databases and systems that run the site.
 Web developers use programming languages like:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language),
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and
- JavaScript
to create new websites and modify current sites.
 They work closely with clients and web designers to create a finished product.
You might like this field if:
You enjoy solving problems with creative solutions.
You bring strong analytical and communication skills;
You can move easily between the big picture and small details.
Career options:
Front-end web developer
Back-end web developer
Full-stack web developer
Hardware engineering
 Hardware engineering focuses on creating computer components such as:
- routers,
- memory and
- data storage, and
- processors.
 Hardware engineers research materials, components, and systems to create new hardware
technologies.
 They also design and test hardware, including computers, smartphones, and components.
You might like this field if:
You enjoy electrical engineering and build circuit boards in your spare time.
You bring strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
You can effectively communicate with other engineers.
Career options:
Computer hardware engineer
Firmware engineer
Network engineer
Software engineering
 Software engineering applies engineering principles to computing problems.
 Software engineers design:
- computer programs and
- applications,
determining how the many parts of a software program fit together.
 They often work closely with software developers, quality assurance testers, and
programmers.
You might like this field if:
You enjoy computer science and computer engineering.
You think logically and approach problems analytically.
You work effectively in a team, and enjoy a fast-paced environment.
Career options:
Software development engineer
Software design engineer
Quality assurance engineer
Computer programming
 Computer programming uses computing languages to run applications & software programs.
 Coders use programming languages like:
- C++,
- Python, and
- Java
to create computer programs.
 Programming represents the first step for many computing applications, and some
professionals specialize in programming.
You might like this field if:
You pick up new programming languages easily.
You enjoy learning new skills throughout your career.
You think logically and enjoy problem-solving.
Career options:
Database programmer
Python developer
Programming analyst
Data science
 Data science analyzes large bodies of data, sometimes called big data.
 Using algorithms or statistical analysis, data scientists draw information from data sets.
 In diverse fields like:
- business,
- healthcare, and
- finance,
data scientists solve problems through data analytics.
You might like this field if:
You have strong analytical and statistical skills.
You enjoy solving problems with data.
You're a logical thinker with good interpersonal abilities.
Career options:
Data scientist
Data analyst
Data engineer
Artificial Intelligence AI
 The field of artificial intelligence uses computing power to replicate the human mind.
 AI professionals specialize in areas like:
- machine learning and
- deep learning
where they train computer systems to:
- problem-solve and
- think analytically.
 Computer programs like Siri (Apple) and Alexa (Google) rely on artificial intelligence.
You might like this field if:
You enjoy managing large data sets and designing algorithms.
You bring a background in linguistics or learning.
You thrive in complex environments.
Career options:
Machine learning researcher
AI research scientist
Machine learning engineer
Web design
 Web design determines the look and feel of websites.
 Web designers select the:
- layout,
- color scheme, and
- visual style
for new websites while also updating current sites.
 The field requires strong technical skills and graphic design training.
You might like this field if:
You have a graphic design background.
You enjoy combining visual and technical elements.
You enjoy working closely with a team that includes web developers and clients.
Career options:
Web designer
Mobile app designer
Graphic designer
Cybersecurity/Information security
 The cybersecurity field focuses on protecting data from security breaches (=violations).
 Information security professionals:
- implement security measures and
- investigate potential data breaches.
 They also conduct testing to identify weaknesses in networks and computing systems.
 With ever-changing threats, the field continues to evolve at a fast pace.
You might like this field if:
You're interested in national security.
You love solving puzzles and unraveling complex problems.
You thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Career options:
Information security analyst
Information security consultant
Cybersecurity administrator
Computer information systems
 Organizations in every sector rely on:
- computers and
- data management systems
to function.
 Computer information systems focus on the most effective and efficient ways to manage
information and computing systems.
 Database management, information security, and systems management all play a major role.
You might like this field if:
You're equally comfortable accessing a database and explaining technical procedures
to business decision-makers.
You enjoy analytical challenges.
You can take a broad view of problems while also focusing on details.
Career options:
Computer systems analyst
Computer network architect
Information systems manager
Network architecture
 Network architecture focuses on connecting data through:
- local area networks,
- wide area networks, and
- cloud infrastructure.
 Network architects figure out how to design networks that achieve organizational goals.
 The field requires both:
- business and
- technical abilities.
You might like this field if:
You have a detail-oriented outlook; you bring a background in business.
You can balance analytical abilities with interpersonal skills.
Career options:
Computer network architect
Network engineer
Cloud architect
Game design
 Game designers work with a team of creative and technical professionals to create:
- new mobile games and
- video games.
 In the production stage, game designers create models to outline the game.
 After writing the code, they:
- conduct tests and
- make changes.
You might like this field if:
You love video games.
You want a job that blends creativity with technical skills.
You enjoy working closely with a team of people.
Career options:
Game programmer
Game designer
Level designer
III. Computer Science job guide & career timelines
 Many career paths in computer science:
- pay six-figure salaries and only
- require a bachelor's degree.

 This part III. Introduces:

- common computer science jobs,
- minimum degree requirements, and
- the years of experience required for different roles.

 The Career Timeline supplies a checklist of helpful actions for assuring greater success during
the 6 phases of your career:
- beginning in college and
- continuing through your retirement.
Make sure to:
- reflect on each phase,
- set your goals, and
- frequently re-evaluate yourself to keep your career plan current.
Computer & information research scientists
Median Salary: $126,830
Minimum Degree Required: Master's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Computer and information research scientists apply computing skills to solve problems in
diverse industries.
 They design new algorithms and computing languages.
 Computer and information research scientists also conduct experiments on software
systems.
 Depending on their specialization, they manage:
- big data,
- machine learning, and
- artificial intelligence projects.
Computer hardware engineers
Median Salary: $119,560
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Engineering;
- Computer Science;
- Electrical Engineering
Years of Experience Required: 0
 Computer hardware engineers design computer components, including:
- circuit boards,
- memory devices, and
- processors.
 They research and develop new hardware, working closely with other:
- engineers and
- developers.
 Computer hardware engineers then:
- test the hardware and
- oversee (=superviser) the manufacturing of new computer systems.
Computer network architects
Median Salary: $116,780
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science;
- Information Systems
Years of Experience Required: 5

 Computer network architects design communication networks that share data.

 Their networks range from local intranet systems to cloud computing infrastructure.
 Network architects assess an organization's business plan to create a network that serves its
needs.
 They also upgrade:
- hardware and
- software.
Software developers
Median Salary: $110,140
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science;
- Information Technology
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Software developers:
- design and
- create
software programs that run networks or perform tasks.
 They: - determine how parts of an application will work together,
- supervise programmers writing parts of the code, and
- conduct testing.
 Software developers also oversee maintenance and upgrades.
Information security analysts
Median Salary: $103,590
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science;
- Information Assurance;
- Information Technology
Years of Experience Required: < 5 years

 Information security analysts implement security measures to:

- stop cyber attacks and
- protect private data.
 They: - monitor (=surveiller) networks for security breaches,
- install firewalls and other security measures, and
- investigate data breaches.
 Information security analysts also recommend security improvements.
Computer systems analysts
Median Salary: $93,730
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer science;
- Information Technology;
- Management Information Systems
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Computer systems analysts blend:

- business and
- information technology training
to improve an organization's computer systems.
 They: - determine an organization's IT needs,
- design systems to meet those needs, and
- implement systems.
 Computer systems analysts also research new technologies and suggest improvements.
Computer programmers
Median Salary: $89,190
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science;
- Information Technology
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Computer programmers write the code that tells computers how to run applications or
software programs.
 Programmers specialize in a variety of computer languages, including:
- Java,
- C++,
- Python, and
- JavaScript.
 They work with software developers to:
- create and
- test code.
Network & computer systems administrators
Median Salary: $84,810
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Computer Science;
- Information Technology;
- Computer Engineering
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Network and computer systems administrators manage network operations for

organizations.
 They - determine the organization's needs,
- install computer systems, and
- perform maintenance.
 Network and computer systems administrators also recommend:
- upgrades and
- improvements
designed to increase security and efficiency.
Web developers & digital designers
Median Salary: $77200
Minimum Degree Required: Associate's
Most Relevant Major(s): Computer science; programming; web design
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Web developers and digital designers manage the:

- functions and
- look of websites.
 Web Developers:
- write the code to run websites and
- shape their functionalities,
while Digital Designers focus on:
- user experience and
- layout.
 Programming skills, particularly in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript help web developers and digital
designers.
Computer support specialists
Median Salary: $55,510
Minimum Degree Required: Associate's or bachelor's
Most Relevant Major(s): - Information Science;
- Information Technology
Years of Experience Required: 0

 Computer support specialists advise users on:

- troubleshooting (=dépannage)computer problems,
- using computer network systems, and
- installing new software or hardware.
 They blend technical knowledge with customer service skills to help:
- individuals and
- organizations
effectively use their computer systems.
IV. Computer science contractor jobs & assignments
 Many computer science careers offer roles to contract and freelance tech professionals.
 For example: - game designers,
- web developers, and
- software developers
may work on a contract basis for a specific project rather than as full-time employees.
 Computer science professionals may prefer the flexibility of contract work.
 Rather than working for a single company, freelancers:
- build a portfolio of clients and
- work on a variety of projects.
 That can mean:
- designing custom websites for clients,
- contributing to a software testing project, or
- creating custom code.
 However, consider the benefits and drawbacks of contract positions before going freelance.
 Computer science contractor jobs do not pay benefits, for example.
 While contractors often earn a higher rate, they pay additional taxes.
 And contractors may find themselves out of work between projects.
Conclusion
 Computer science jobs pay above-average wages with many opportunities for career
advancement.

 Before enrolling in a computer science program or bootcamp* consider learning more about
the field through computer science blogs and podcasts.

 People pursuing computer science career paths should also evaluate their:
- strengths and
- professional goals
to find the right role for their unique needs.

*Bootcamps are short term, intense training sessions (=cours intensif accéléré) designed to
prepare students for the practical reality of development.
 4
Agreeing With People:

When we're talking in conversation with others, it's useful to have phrases
that you can use to show agreement with what another person has said.
I'm with you on that one.
I couldn't agree more.
(Yes), Absolutely/Exactly
I'd go along with that.
You've got a point there.
Hear, hear! (to show approval for an argument that has just been made or to congratulate its author)
I think so too.
I couldn't have put it better myself.
Great minds think alike.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
I agree with you 100 percent.
I couldn't agree with you more.
That's so true/That's for sure.
Tell me about it! (slang)
You're absolutely right.
That's exactly how I feel.
I'm afraid I agree with James.
I have to side with Dad on this one.
No doubt about it.
Me neither. (agree with negative statement)
I suppose so./I guess so. (weak)
You have a point there.
I was just going to say that.
READING ASSIGNMENT
First, to develop your reading skills, read the text on “IT Terms” that you should know.
Then feel free to use these terms the next time you have a conversation about IT.

Enjoy learning!
Terms Entry-Level IT Professionals Should Know
1. Adaptive Technology is a set of tools or products created to help people with disabilities
in order for them to work efficiently and productively. It is related to assistive technology,
which consists of products and services that would allow people with disabilities to use
existing technology to accomplish tasks.
Technology should help everyone do his or her own work and be more independent.
Disabilities should not hinder people from being a contributing member of the workforce.
What's more, the law states that employers should not discriminate against people with
disabilities and that they should make reasonable adjustments to accommodate these
people.

2. Agile Development is a set of processes for creating software that includes being creative
and flexible in software development. This means that the code is kept simple, is tested
often, and, instead of waiting for everything to be finished, incremental but functional parts
of the software are released as soon as they are ready. These modules are functional and
will be able to help users do some work.
Businesses today have different needs, and because of the ever-changing demands coming
from new technologies and customers, you need to be very flexible in addressing these
 needs and demands. Agile development allows you to bring a quality and functional product
more quickly. And because agile development puts more focus on individuals and their ideas
rather than tools and processes, it creates a better understanding between IT and business
leaders.

3. Big Data describes the phenomenal growth, use, and accessibility of information. This
comes from a lot of sources such as social media updates, search data, multimedia content,
and even climate information, among others. As such, it could be structured or
unstructured. Big data could also mean the rise of new tools to analyze all the data available
to you.
Because of the size and complexity of big data, it is not possible to understand it using old
data processing applications and other traditional tools. But to ignore big data is a mistake
for organizations. For one, it allows you to have all the information you need in order to
know where you should take your business next, as well as which innovations you should
look out for. It can also assist businesses in mass personalization: the ability to tailor services
and information being presented to each customer or user.

4. Business Intelligence (BI) refers to an array of software and tools that businesses can use
to analyze raw data. It includes data mining, analysis, and reporting.
 Business intelligence allows you to cut costs, make better business decisions, and even come
up with new opportunities for your business. For IT professionals, these tools and software
free them up from having to do all the work in pulling up data and information for business
managers.

5. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) describes company policy or strategy that allows employees
to use their personally owned devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to access
work-related information, software, and applications, while still getting IT support for these
devices.
BYOD brings about a lot of benefits to businesses that implement it. For one, it allows their
employees to be more flexible and responsive. Plus, employees using a device that they are
already familiar with can also free up IT resources and cut IT costs. But there is still a need to
effectively manage personal devices used in business to mitigate security risks.

6. Cloud Computing is an umbrella term that includes products, services, and platforms that
allow businesses and other users to access computing resources that are delivered to them
over the Internet or other networks.
Businesses stand to gain a lot from cloud computing. It allows businesses to save on costs,
bring projects to the market in a lot less time, and enables them to effectively manage
 resources by allowing them to scale according to their needs. For IT personnel, cloud
computing could free you from having to manage and administer these systems yourself,
leaving you more time to focus on things that matter. You will also be working with experts
from the cloud service provider. As more and more businesses are looking to the cloud, IT
personnel should acquire the skills to properly implement these systems.

7. Content Management is a collection of tools, software, and processes that allow you to
collect, manage, and publish information on any medium. Content management also
ensures that whatever content you have is indexable or searchable, making it easy for users
to find that information. It also encompasses deletion of content.
Content management can make or break an organization's success. You get to control the
information that other people get to access. As such, being an IT professional, you would be
expected to know effective content management strategies as well as the tools and software
to implement these.

8. Cross-Platform (aka agnostic, agnostic application, and agnostic platform) refers to

something that is interoperable among different operating systems, systems, and platforms.
Cross-platform, however, is more focused on software that can run on any operating system
and on any processor architecture.
 As an IT professional, you want something that you could use on any computer anywhere.
As a software developer, you want to have as many potential users as possible.
But this is becoming very pronounced now as more and more devices become available.
Moreover, there are a variety of operating systems for each of these devices.
Coming up with a Cross-platform software ensures your dominance in your field.
Take for example Firefox. Mozilla has poured a lot of hours into making sure that Firefox
works on PCs, Macs, Linux machines, and iOS and Android devices.
What this means is that a lot more of their users are using Firefox and keeping their
devotion to the browser.
This leaves no leeway for the competition to get into the picture.

9. Crowdsourcing means the outsourcing of your tasks to, well, a crowd of people. That is,
you will have a loosely defined group, which will do the work for you.
Crowdsourcing takes away the task that you have to do in-house or by using an employee
and letting a bigger group of people do it. In IT, crowdsourcing usually involves the general
public. Crowdsourcing is a good way to gain a bigger work force or gain specific skill sets to
make your product or service even better. An example where crowdsourcing works perfectly
is in your website's content. In an age where unique content is vital, you could use
 crowdsourcing to come up with great content for your site. You can ask people to rate or
review your products, or they could write posts for you. Another example would be its utility
with a new software or service. When Google first came out with Chrome, they invited
users to check out a beta version of the product and asked them to report errors and
suggest more functionality.

10.Customer Relationship Management CRM refers to a set of processes, tools,

technologies, and software that help businesses manage their relationships with their
customers. For instance, a customer relationship management software would be able to
give businesses enough details about their customers from the level of communication that
has been done by each customer and when. This allows businesses to personalize and
customize their contacts with the customer to gain more sales.
Building relationships with the customer allows a business to sell more. But that is not the
only reason why CRM tools, processes, and software are very important, as it also enables
businesses to know just what a customer needs. As an IT professional, you would need to
know these platforms and software so that you could fine-tune it to the business' needs.
What's more, it has backend programming and interfaces that only IT could deliver.
11.Data Center is a repository for managing, storing, and disseminating information and data
that is organized around a specific business or body of knowledge. In short, it is a facility that
houses your computer systems, components, servers and storage systems. Examples of data
centers include the National Climatic Data Center, which houses weather information, and
your own company's data center.
A data center becomes increasingly important as your company grows. It is vital to business
operations and continuity. If your IT system is compromised, so will your operations. At the
heart of every data center is the IT team running it. As an IT professional, you will be
expected to know how to maintain, administer, run a data center and its associated services.

12.Disaster Recovery is your business' ability to continue working after a catastrophe has
occurred. The catastrophe could be in the form of a computer virus or a hacker attack, a
fire, or even natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. This is closely related to
business continuity, which allows your business to continue operating even during such
catastrophes. Just think about this: IT downtime is the reason why businesses lose on
average $300,000 for only one hour of downtime. So can you just imagine how much money
a business would lose in the event a natural calamity strikes or your system gets attacked by
cybercriminals? IT fuels much of today's business operations and, as such, a big part of any
disaster recovery plan that involves or is even more focused on IT and its resources.
13.Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) is implementing your disaster recovery policies
and procedures with the help of the cloud. DRaaS is not just merely backing up your data on
the cloud, but you can also tap computing power from your cloud provider so that you could
more or less have a virtual machine where you could continue to operate from. Merely
backing up your data would mean that you can just download the latest backup when
disaster strikes. If you have lost your computers and network during the disaster, you will
need to buy before you could continue to operate. DRaaS takes care of that, which reduces
the delay in getting back on your feet. As more and more go to the cloud, more and more
businesses are also realizing the benefits of doing so. With disaster recovery and business
continuity becoming a vital part of every business, IT professionals would need to learn how
to leverage DRaaS and still keep it cost-effective for the company. Tech professionals would
need to ensure that data put on the cloud is secured, and accessible whenever it is needed.
But they also have to balance these with the costs.

14.Disruptive Technology refers to a new technology that surprisingly displaces an already

established one. Examples of disruptive technology: Take a look at how far your own
computer's storage has gone. First, you have the 5.25 inch floppy disk drive, which replaced
those bulky 8-inch floppy disks. Then you had the CDs and then the flash drives that could
 store more than your hard drive could, in some cases. Then from having these flash drives,
you can now download content from the net and have these stored on the cloud.
Traditional, bulky, and multi-volume printed encyclopedias have also been dying because of
online encyclopedias and wikis. CRT TVs have long lost to LCD and Plasma TVs.
IT is a very dynamic field, and innovations come up every so often. IT professionals need to
keep their skills updated and be on the lookout for disruptive technologies that could
replace tech that is current in order to remain relevant in the industry.

15.Enterprise Architecture is basically a function that helps businesses find out how to
implement the best strategies for its development. Think of it as a business' blueprint for
success. IT is one of the resources that is managed in enterprise architecture. People,
operations, and information are the other three.

16.Green Technology is technically environment-friendly innovations and technology that

relate to safety, health, energy efficiency, renewable resources, and recycling, among other
things. Examples of green technology include solar cells, reusable bottled water, and other
similar products.
Green technology is not only great for the environment, but as more and more people
 become environmentally aware, they tend to go for products and innovations that help save
Mother Earth. Not only that, green tech also helps them save on energy bills.

17.Healthcare IT or Health Information Technology is a function of IT that deals with the

creation, design, use, development, and maintenance of IT systems to be used in the
healthcare industry.
Healthcare IT systems are very beneficial to hospitals, clinics, and other health businesses
because it can lower their costs, reduce errors, and increase efficiency, which all lead to
better patient care. This would call for skilled IT practitioners who could work to improve the
computer systems and compliance of healthcare related businesses, thus offering a new
area where skilled IT professionals would be more in demand.

18.IT Governance is just corporate governance that is focused on information technology

systems. It reviews the performance and security risks of IT systems.
IT governance is required by law, especially due to the Sarbanes Oxley Act and Basel II. But
more than this, IT governance will show the business just how important IT is to it, as well as
define key metrics with which to measure performance and whether or not IT is helping the
organization achieve its goals.
19.ITIL® Information Technology Infrastructure Library sets forth the best practices and
standards for providing IT services.
ITIL® is a highly credible framework that all IT professionals should consult and adhere to
when doing their jobs. It is adopted by most IT departments. Certification for ITIL® is also
highly sought after and could help you build a career in IT, as well as give you a higher salary.

20.Virtualization is the development of a virtual version of an IT resource, such as a server,

storage, device, or even operating system. It simulates software and hardware that allows a
software to run. Virtualization gives rise to virtual machines where you can run programs
very much like on a physical machine.
Because of its benefits to businesses, such as significant cost savings and the ease with
which a business can allocate vital resources, virtualization remains an important trend in IT.
IT professionals who know how to configure, maintain, and administer virtual servers,
desktops, applications, and storage will surely be in demand.

21.Artificial Intelligence aka Machine Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence is intelligence that is

demonstrated in a machine. The goal is to create machines or programs that can work, react,
and respond like a human. This can include speech recognition, learning, planning, and
problem-solving.
 Because AI allows for programs and machines that understand, reason, plan, and
communicate at a low cost while increasing efficiency and productivity, a growing number of
companies want to implement AI programs and machines. Being able to understand and
manage AI is a growing need and responsibility for IT professionals.

22.Biometrics is an important IT term that refers to the physical characteristics that are unique
to the user. This can include facial recognition, fingerprints, and voice recognition. These are
individual characteristics of the user that are used as account or user verification, typically in
line with traditional passwords.
Biometrics are being used in both the workplace as well as in consumer electronics as an
additional step in account protection and verification. IT professionals who are able to
integrate biometrics are in high demand.

23.Wearables is an IT term that refers to wearable technology. This includes devices like
smartwatches and fitness bands. These devices are usually paired with a smartphone or
other device that has access to the internet, but there are some devices that do not require
a parent device to function.
Wearables are a growing trend that make modern technology accessible and fashionable.
The development of these products poses a few hurdles for IT professionals. If you are
 based in security and protection of information, it is important to see the security risks that
wearables pose so you can best guard the information you are paid to protect.
If you are dealing with product creation and development, wearables are a growing trend.
Being able to include technology in accessible and stylish ways is in high demand.

24.GUI is a common IT terminology that stands for Graphical User Interface, or “gooey.” It is an
interface that is based in graphic design and audio indicators. This is different than a text-
based interface. For most web-based designs and applications, GUI is the king. Knowing
how to make and manage a functioning GUI is essential for many fields.

25.Open Source programs include access to their source code, which allows for customization
in a collaborative public manner.
Open-source programs and products are valuable tools to IT professionals because they give
you direct access to other professionals’ experience and expertise. These programs are more
motivated by accessibility and productivity rather than monetization. Often they are created
by communities that are banding together to get the product developed that they all need,
rather than a single individual producing and coding a product alone.
26.Machine Learning is the ability of a program to develop and progress in a specific task
without using explicit instructions, allowing the program to rely on patterns and inference
instead. Machine learning allows for a machine or program to develop and create a solution
on its own once limitations and standards are set, rather than simply following programing.
Machine learning takes some development and problem-solving away from the
programming team and instead puts it on the machine to produce the desired results. This
means that IT professionals need to understand algorithms and automation when dealing
with machine learning to best facilitate what the machine is trying to accomplish.
Machine learning is also an important key to AI. IT is one thing to have a programmable AI
that responds the same way in every circumstance, but with machine learning, the AI is able
to assess and develop new solutions to become something more than it was originally
developed for without human intervention. [plural sight]