Information Technology Common Terms

C

Central purchase: All purchase or acquisition requests are processed through OIS and the Contracts & Procurement Office.

Chat: Real-time communication between two users via computers.

D

Desktop: Any product intended as or for a single-user computing device that may potentially be connected to the local area or wide area network. Examples include desktop computers, laptop computers, printers, scanners, personal digital assistants, other peripherals or devices, and software.

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E

Excess IT equipment: Extra IT equipment no longer used or needed by the assigned position due to equipment replacement or position abolishment.

G

Goods and trade services: Goods and trade services are information technology products and services obtained by direct purchase or through solicitations. They may include products or services covered by current state price agreements or acquired through a solicitation process or direct negotiation.

H

Hard drive: Data storage device within a desktop computer, most commonly referred to as the C: drive.

I

Information: Knowledge of any kind used in any way in department systems. Examples include messages, communications, e-mails, files, records, recordings, images, graphics, transmissions, signals, programs, macros, software, and date. (Statewide Policies Glossary)

Information technology (IT): Includes but is not limited to all present and future forms of hardware, software, and services for data processing, and office automation (including e-mail, networks, Internet, printers, and other devices). (Statewide Policies Glossary)

Instant messaging: Communication service enabling creation of a chat room for real-time conversations over the Internet.

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L

Loan IT Equipment: IT equipment identified as spare equipment and on loan to DHS partners or clients.

Look-and-feel: Including but not limited to design elements, optimized graphics and style, and organized, focused content using HTML coding and JavaScript in ways to enhance presentations that are easy to navigate and promote the mission and vision of DHS.

N

Network: A group of two or more computer systems linked together. Two types of networks are: 1) local area network (LAN) where the computers are geographically close together and 2) wide area network (WAN) where the computers are farther apart and are connected by data lines or radio waves.

P

Personal digital assistant (PDA): A handheld device that may combine computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. Standard attributes include mobility, data synchronization between the device and the desktop, and personal information management (PIM) features. These devices are also called palmtops, hand-held computers, and pocket computers.

Personal home directory (folder): Area on a network drive assigned to and accessed only by the named user, most commonly referred to as the H: drive on the DHS network.

Personal services: Personal services include professional information technology consulting services obtained on contract. Examples include software development and technical consulting.

Publishing: Using systems to disseminate or spread information to the public or beyond the user’s area of authority within the organization. Examples include newsletters, Web pages, fliers, chain letters, e-mail broadcasts, and postings to Internet groups or to e-mail lists (Statewide Policies Glossary).

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S

Shared directory (folder): Area on a network drive assigned to, accessed by, and shared with a specified group of users, most commonly referred to as the I: drive on the DHS network.

Spare IT equipment: IT equipment held in reserve by OIS for use as needed or available to loan.

Standard: Minimum criteria established by authority, custom, or consensus, against which individual actions and decisions at all levels of an organization are measured.

Surplus IT equipment: IT equipment no longer used or needed within DHS.

Systems: All department electronic information devices, interconnections, and technical information related to them. Systems include other systems accessed by or through those devices, such as the Internet and e-mail. Systems include designs, specifications, passwords, access codes, and encryption codes. Systems also include any identifiers for devices, users, or accounts. (Statewide Policies Glossary)

U

Unauthorized software: For the purposes of this policy, unauthorized software shall include software not licensed for use by the State of Oregon, unauthorized duplicates of licensed software, software where proof of ownership cannot be established, or software specifically disallowed by DHS.

W

Web application development tools: Suite of tools used to aid the development of software in a particular language for a particular application.

Web application server: Software that acts as connection between Web-based browsers and back-end databases and/or business applications.

Web architecture: All hardware, software, and development tools that together form a platform to deliver Web applications. This includes all components to operate and maintain Web applications as well as development tools to create Web applications.

Web server/hardware: Computer hardware and operating system on which Web server software runs.

Web server/software: Software that satisfies an HTTP (Hypertext transfer protocol) request from a browser. Web servers host Web sites. They provide support for HTTP and other protocols. They execute server-side programs performing defined functions (e.g., CGI scripts or servlets).

Web site: A collection of electronic documents that can be accessed or downloaded through the World Wide Web (WWW).

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If you have questions or comments about this site send email to DHS-Web (groupwise) or dhs-web@state.or.us