IT applications, infrastructure and operations
IT infrastructure and operations management excellence has become essential to maintain quality control over technology-related policies, processes and equipment. Read news and tips to assist modern IT operations and infrastructure management, including strategies to ensure the proper flow of data throughout enterprise applications and other information systems.
Top Stories
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 release spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Sep 2024
Learn to use PowerShell Invoke-RestMethod for API calls
Admins who work with the cloud, from Azure hybrid services to Microsoft 365, should understand how REST APIs work in conjunction with PowerShell for their automation needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2024
What are the types of requirements in software engineering?
Requirements fall into three categories: business, user and software. See examples of each one, as well as what constitutes functional and nonfunctional software requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2024
What is an IT service catalog?
An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
Blue Yonder, formerly JDA Software, is a software and consultancy company that specializes in selling supply chain management products and services to businesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2024
What is impedance?
Impedance, denoted with Z, is an expression of the opposition that an electronic component, circuit or system offers to alternating or direct electric current. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2024
AT&T sues Broadcom over VMware support licensing
AT&T claims its negotiated contract with VMware pre-Broadcom acquisition is not being honored, casting light on recent product and purchasing changes Broadcom has instituted. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is a software license?
A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com)?
Salesforce Platform (formerly known as Force.com) is a platform as a service (PaaS) product that simplifies the development and deployment of cloud-based applications and websites. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2024
What is digital health (digital healthcare)?
Digital health, also known as digital healthcare, is the use of digital technologies in healthcare. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
Four zero-days fixed for September Patch Tuesday
Most corrections this month focus on the Windows OS, but enterprises that rely on SQL Server or SharePoint should prioritize deploying the security updates for those platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is a sprint (software development)?
In Agile product development and software project management, a sprint is a set period of time during which specific work has to be completed and made ready for review. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2024
6 FinOps KPIs and metrics to optimize cloud expenditures
IT leaders who adopt FinOps metrics can identify underutilized resources, improve cost allocation and build a tighter connection between cloud investment and business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2024
What is data storytelling?
Data storytelling is the process of translating complex data analyses into understandable terms to inform a business decision or action. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
Microsoft Purview Audit helps IT flush out bad behavior
The auditing tool gives enterprises a way to find problems by examining logs from Microsoft 365 cloud services, such as Exchange Online, to see what actions were taken and where. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2024
IBM's latest Z mainframe offers lessons in building AI systems
Studying the engineering behind IBM's mainframe architecture could help enterprises build higher reliability into the GPU clusters used to run AI applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2024
What is demand shaping?
Demand shaping is an operational supply chain management (SCM) strategy where a company uses tactics such as price incentives, cost modifications and product substitutions to entice customers to purchase specific items. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2024
Stop phishing with help from updated DMARC policy handling
Exchange admins got a boost from Microsoft when it improved how it handles DMARC authentication failures to help organizations fight back from email-based attacks on their users. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
JPMorgan Chase technology goal: Innovation with cost control
Financial services firm JPMorgan Chase seeks to balance technology modernization and cost optimization as it pursues initiatives like cloud migration, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2024
What is value-sensitive design?
Value-sensitive design is a concept that advocates the consideration of human principles and standards when planning technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V updates promise speed boost
Will the new and improved features in the upcoming Hyper-V release come at the perfect time for Microsoft to capitalize on a series of unpopular changes from VMware? Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2024
What is AWS Serverless Application Model?
AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM) is an open source framework that helps developers create and deploy serverless applications for the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is an AWS landing zone?
An AWS landing zone is a scalable, secure Amazon Web Services environment that enables AWS users and organizations to launch and deploy workloads and applications in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is supervised learning?
Supervised learning is a subcategory of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) where a computer algorithm is trained on input data that has been labeled for a particular output. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2024
What is AWS Lambda?
AWS Lambda is an event-driven cloud computing service from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows developers to run code without having to provision, administer, or manage compute resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is AWS Migration Hub?
AWS Migration Hub is a service from Amazon Web Services that enables AWS users to simplify migration to the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding)?
EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding) is the practice of surrounding electronics and cables with conductive or magnetic materials to guard against incoming or outgoing emissions of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is LXD (Linux container hypervisor)?
LXD, pronounced 'lex-dee,' is a unified platform for managing system containers and virtual machines (VMs). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Aug 2024
Using PowerShell for monitoring SharePoint Online
The scale and complexity of some SharePoint Online environments can make maintenance difficult. Learn to use automation scripts to keep tabs on the collaboration platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2024
What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
Microsoft Azure Files -- sometimes known as Microsoft Azure File Service -- is a simple, secure, serverless, fully managed and cloud-based file sharing service for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2024
Learn about the negative impacts of technical debt
Key leadership decisions like poor architecture to rushed processes can lead to technical debt that will affect a company long-term. Learn more about these effects. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2024
Microsoft corrects six zero-days for August Patch Tuesday
Admins can address most of the zero-days with a cumulative update. But of more concern is the lack of patches for two vulnerabilities demonstrated at the Black Hat conference. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Aug 2024
What is transfer learning?
Transfer learning is a machine learning (ML) technique where an already developed ML model is reused in another task. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2024
What is a microcontroller (MCU)?
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. Continue Reading
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Video
07 Aug 2024
Causes of IT outages explained
IT outages can be caused by utility disruptions, hardware faults, configuration errors and software faults. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2024
9 AI-proof IT jobs, plus how to be irreplaceable
As automation and artificial intelligence tools do more work in more organizations, some technologists are worried AI will take their job. Learn which jobs are safest and why. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2024
What is a data flow diagram (DDF)?
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical or visual representation that uses a standardized set of symbols and notations to describe a business's operations through data movement. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
GenAI strategy dictates ROI challenges for IT leaders
Enterprises can scale generative AI deployments in different ways. Each alternative comes with its own set of cost considerations and optimization approaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
13 key ESG and sustainability trends, ideas for companies
From consumers to employees to investors, more people are choosing companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance concerns. Here are 13 ESG trends that matter. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is green computing?
Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is AWS PrivateLink?
AWS PrivateLink is a networking feature from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that eases and secures connectivity between AWS Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and other services while protecting data from exposure to the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware Aria Suite (formerly vRealize Suite)?
VMware Aria Suite, formerly called vRealize Suite, is a software platform designed to help IT administrators build and manage heterogeneous, hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware Certified Professional (VCP)?
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification level designed to demonstrate technical competency with VMware vSphere and related technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is digital labor?
Digital labor is work that's performed by robotic process automation (RPA) systems and interactive applications, including chatbots and digital assistants. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What are systems of engagement?
Systems of engagement are decentralized IT components that incorporate technologies such as social media and the cloud to encourage and enable peer interaction. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware vSphere?
VMware vSphere is a virtualization platform that includes a suite of products for deploying and managing virtual environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is VMware Cloud Director (VCD)?
VMware Cloud Director (VCD), formerly vCloud Director (vCD), is a cloud services delivery platform that helps cloud service providers offer secure cloud resources to their enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What are availability zones?
Availability zones (AZs) are isolated or separated data centers located within specific regions in which public cloud services originate and operate. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is VMware vCenter Server?
VMware vCenter Server is a centralized management platform for configuring, controlling and monitoring VMware vSphere virtual environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol trunking)?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is a service a communications service provider offers that uses the protocol to provision voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia connectivity between an on-premises phone system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a software-defined data center (SDDC)?
A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a server management concept in which all infrastructure elements -- networking, storage and compute -- are virtualized and delivered as a service. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a bitwise operator?
A bitwise operator is a character that represents an action taken on data at the bit level, as opposed to bytes or larger units of data. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is an API endpoint?
An API endpoint is a point at which an application programming interface -- the code that enables two software programs to communicate with each other -- connects with the software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is bit rot?
Bit rot is the slow deterioration in the performance and integrity of data stored on storage media. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is Ceph?
Ceph is an open source software solution that provides a unified system for enterprise-level object, block- and file-based storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is the law of diminishing returns?
The law of diminishing returns is an economic principle stating that as investment in a particular area increases, the rate of profit from that investment, after a certain point, can't continue to increase if other variables remain at a constant. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)?
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) allows United States government agencies and non-government entities to share information with each other as they investigate cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is a CEO (chief executive officer)?
A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking position in an organization and responsible for implementing plans and policies related to a company's financial strength, operational efficiency and strategic management. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is Dell EMC?
Dell EMC is an American multinational technology company that offers products and services across all areas of computing, networking and storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is labor arbitrage?
Labor arbitrage is the practice of searching for and then using the lowest-cost workforce to produce products or goods. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2024
Enterprises chasing AI confront a harsh reality
Recent reports from KPMG, McKinsey & Co. and Goldman Sachs indicate that generative AI is immature and carries a high price tag, with no clear path to ROI. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2024
CIOs weigh generative AI costs as ROI comes into focus
GenAI deployment expenses defy conventional wisdom. IT leaders must consider the potential for higher-than-expected change management and model run costs when calculating ROI. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is employee monitoring?
Employee monitoring is when businesses monitor employees to improve productivity and protect corporate resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is Infor?
Infor is a New York-based vendor of ERP and other enterprise business software. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is a headless server?
A headless server is a computer without a local interface to interact with. Headless means that it does not have a monitor or other peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
healthcare CIO (healthcare chief information officer)
A healthcare CIO (healthcare chief information officer) is an executive at a healthcare organization that oversees the operation of the information technology department and consults with other C-level personnel on technology-related needs and purchasing decisions. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2024
WebSocket
WebSocket is a communications protocol that enables two endpoints -- typically a client and a server -- to establish a persistent, bidirectional, full duplex TCP connection between them. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
automatic transfer switch (ATS)
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is one of the servicing options available for users of the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is an electronic interface that enables PCs and servers to communicate with peripheral hardware, such as storage devices, printers and scanners, faster and more flexibly than previous parallel data transfer interfaces. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Jul 2024
Follow these steps to optimize Hyper-V performance
Follow these best practices for Microsoft's virtualization platform to prevent unnecessary slowdowns with your VMs. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jul 2024
product development (new product development)
Product development -- also called new product management -- is a series of steps that includes the conceptualization, design, development and marketing of newly created or rebranded goods and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2024
technology addiction
Technology addiction is an impulse control disorder that involves the obsessive use of mobile devices, the internet or video games, despite the negative consequences to the technology user. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2024
6 steps toward more sustainable supply chain practices
In the quest toward greater supply chain sustainability, leaders must get strategic about operations and take the long view. Here's what to do. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2024
What is synthetic data? Examples, use cases and benefits
Synthetic data is information that's artificially manufactured rather than generated by real-world events. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
second-level address translation (SLAT)
Second-level address translation (SLAT) is a hardware virtualization technology that reduces hypervisor overhead. SLAT is now available in many kinds of processors, including those from Intel and AMD. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
Type 2 hypervisor (hosted hypervisor)
A Type 2 hypervisor is a virtual machine (VM) manager that is installed as a software application on an existing operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
Virtual Machine Management Service
The Virtual Machine Management service, also known as VMMS or vmms.exe, is the main module in the Microsoft Windows operating system for controlling the virtual machines (VMs) on a Hyper-V server. Continue Reading
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Video
24 Jun 2024
An explanation of ICT
ICT is an umbrella term for all digital interaction technologies that, when combined, help people and organizations interact in the digital world. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
subnet (subnetwork)
A subnet, or subnetwork, is a segmented piece of a larger network. More specifically, subnets are a logical partition of an IP network broken into multiple, smaller network segments. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
packet coalescing
Packet coalescing involves using a computer's network interface card (NIC) to reduce the number of generated receive interrupts the adapter issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2024
DNS attack
A DNS attack is an exploit in which an attacker takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the domain name system. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2024
8 machine learning benefits for businesses
For business leaders, machine learning's predictive capabilities can forecast product demand, reduce equipment downtime and retain customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2024
AI, economy affect 2024 tech workforce trends, survey shows
AI adoption is reshaping technology skill sets in enterprises, while lingering economic uncertainty dampens some forms of compensation, according to a TechTarget survey. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2024
data collection
Data collection is the process of gathering data for use in business decision-making, strategic planning, research and other purposes. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2024
green IT (green information technology)
Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
8 green computing best practices
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
Microsoft delivers 51 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
A critical remote-code execution flaw in Windows and a DoS vulnerability affecting DNS in Windows Server top the list of patching priorities for admins. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2024
clinical documentation
Clinical documentation (CD) is the creation of a digital or analog record detailing a medical treatment, medical trial or clinical test. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2024
smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction)
Smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction) is a disorder involving compulsive overuse of mobile devices, usually quantified as the number of times users access their devices and/or the total amount of time they are online over a specified period. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
scope creep
Scope creep in project management is the gradual expansion of functions or adding features, functions or other deliverables beyond a project's original parameters. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)
The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is an open and extendable part of the Internet Protocol Suite, commonly known as TCP/IP, used in the IEEE 802.1AB standard to advertise a device's identity and abilities to other connected devices within the same network. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
artificial neuron
An artificial neuron is a connection point in an artificial neural network. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
G-code
G-code (also known as geometric code or RS-274) is the most prevalent programming language for computer numerical control (CNC) machines used in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2024
log file
A log file, or simply a log, in a computing context is the automatically produced and timestamped documentation of events relevant to a particular system. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Jun 2024
Find and fix server problems with Best Practices Analyzer
Admins need all the help they can get, and this Microsoft utility shows IT how to correct security issues and optimize performance in key infrastructure workloads. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2024
SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)
SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a part of the Linux kernel that acts as a protective agent to the operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2024
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a Linux-based server operating system created and maintained by the German-based organization, SUSE. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2024
NBASE-T Ethernet
NBASE-T Ethernet is an IEEE standard and Ethernet-signaling technology that enables existing twisted-pair copper cabling to exceed the cable's specified limit of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for distances of up to 100 meters. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
consignment inventory
Consignment inventory is a supply chain model where the supplier retains ownership of the products until they are sold by the retailer, reducing the financial risk for retailers and allowing suppliers to access broader markets. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
CQRS (command query responsibility segregation)
CQRS (command query responsibility segregation) is a programming design and architectural pattern that treats retrieving data and changing data differently. Continue Reading