Michigan Technogolgy Services Glossary

A+ PC Technician

A PC technician certified by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) as highly competent in hardware and operating system configuration and troubleshooting.

ASP.NET

Software that is part of Microsoft’s Web development platform. It provides the services necessary for developers to build enterprise-class Web applications.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator – CWNA

A credential for a person who has been trained on 802.11 wireless technology topics.

Check Point

Computer security company that produces VPN and firewall software. Protects business networks connected to the Internet from unwanted intrusion.

Check Point Certified Security Administrator – CCSA

A credential for a person who has been trained on and mastered the implementation of Check Point’s firewall software.

Check Point Certified Security Expert – CCSE

A credential for a person who has been trained on and mastered the implementation of Check Point’s firewall software, as well as their VPN.

Cisco Certification

Cisco manufactures hardware (routers, switches, etc) and software that is used to create Internet solutions. Individuals who master Cisco products can earn credentials validating the knowledge.

Cisco Certified Network Associate – CCNA

The entry-level certification for individuals who manage local area networks or smaller wide area networks. A CCNA either passes one all inclusive Cisco exam, or takes two Cisco exams – the intro exam, and the ICND exam.

Cisco Certified Design Associate – CCDA

The entry-level certification for individuals who design local area networks or smaller wide area networks.

Cisco Certified Network Professional – CCNP

A certification indicating advanced knowledge of Cisco networks. Whereas one exam indicates CCNA certification, a CCNP must already be CCNA certified and then pass four additional routing and switching exams.

Cisco Pix Firewall

Cisco security device that protects business networks connected to the Internet from unwanted intrusion. Cisco offers a qualified specialist certification for individuals who master this product.

Cisco Qualified Specialist

Cisco offers certifications for people who master specialty areas. For example, Cisco offers a certification exams in areas as diverse as wireless LAN, security and VoIP products.

Citrix

Company that manufactures software that allows easy remote access to a corporate network.

Computer Security

The protection of information through the use of technology, processes, and training.

Computing Technology Industry Association – CompTIA

An association representing the international technology community. The association sponsors vendor neutral certification exams that validate an individuals IT competency. Examples of CompTIA credentials include the A+ PC Tech, Network+, Security+ and Linux+.

Crystal Reports

A reporting and analysis tool that can create reports in multiple formats.

C++

An object-oriented programming language based on the C language.

C#

An object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiatives.

Database Administrator

DBA – The person who is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a database system. Responsibilities include compiling, accessing, and retrieving data. Ensures database integrity, security, performance, and recovery.

Developer/Programmer

The individual, who designs, writes, tests and maintains computer programs. He or she may use C++, Visual Basic, Java or a myriad of other languages.

Exchange Server

According to Microsoft, Exchange Server, a messaging and collaboration server, is software that runs on a Windows server and enables you to send and receive electronic mail and other forms of interactive communication through computer networks.

Firewall

A method of protecting your network from another network. A firewall blocks unwanted access to your network while giving you access to networks outside of the firewall. Firewalls are usually both software and hardware based.

Freeware

Free software you can download from the Internet.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – HIPAA

A U.S. regulation that gives patients greater access to their own medical records and more control over how their personally identifiable health information is used. The regulation also addresses the obligations of healthcare providers and health plans to protect health information. In general, covered entities such as health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers which conduct certain financial and administrative transactions electronically had until April 14, 2003, to comply.

HyperText Mark-up Language – HTML

A language used to create documents on the World Wide Web

Java Certification

Sun Microsystems has certification options for people who master their Java products. One such notable certification is the Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 platform- SCJP . (Trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.)

Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition – J2EE

An environment for developing and deploying enterprise applications, defined by Sun Microsystems Inc. The J2EE platform consists of a set of services, application programming interfaces (APIs), and protocols that provide the functionality for developing multitiered, Web-based applications. (Trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.)

Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system derived off of the Unix operating system. It is used to run servers, but also is now showing up on the desktop. There are several certifications for individuals who become proficient in running the Linux OS. CompTIA offers the Linux+ , Red Hat offers the Red Hat Certified Engineer, the RHCE , and SuSE offers the SuSE Certied Linux Professional, SCLP . Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Microsoft Certified Application Developer – MCAD

According to Microsoft Corporation the MCAD credential was created in response to industry demand for a certification that allows developers to show they have the skills necessary to successfully implement functional specifications and build, deploy, and maintain Microsoft Windows® and Web applications. Achieving the MCAD credential can be a step toward earning the MCSD credential for advanced developers.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – MCDBA

According to Microsoft Corporation someone who achieves the MCDBA credential demonstrates that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases.

Microsoft Certified Professional – MCP

A credential for a person who has been trained on and mastered one specific Microsoft product. The MCP may be a subset of the MCSA or MCSE.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer – MCSD

According to Microsoft Corporation the MCSD credential is the top-level certification for advanced developers who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions, using Microsoft development tools and technologies as well as the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator – MCSA

A credential for a person who has been trained on and mastered the administration of a Microsoft Windows 2000 or 2003 Server network The MCSA is a subset of the MCSE.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer – MCSE

A credential for a person who has been trained on and mastered Microsoft networking software products, and understands how to design, install, configure and administer a Microsoft Windows 2000 or 2003 Server network. You must pass numerous Microsoft sponsored exams in order to earn MCSE certification.

Novell NetWare

Novell Corporation’s network operating system. The credential for a person who has mastered the OS is the CNE (Certified Novell Engineer)

Oracle Certified Associate – OCA

Oracle describes the OCA as the first step toward a successful career as an Oracle DBA. The credential demonstrates knowledge of basic database administration tasks as well as an understanding of the Oracle database architecture and how its components work and interact with one another. The OCA is a prerequisite to becoming an OCP.

Oracle DBA

The person who is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an Oracle database system.

Oracle SQL and PL/SQL

Oracle describes PL/SQL as its procedural extension to industry-standard SQL. PL/SQL extends SQL. SQL is a programming language for getting information from and updating a database.

Project Management

The process of leading, planning, organizing, staffing and controlling activities, people and other resources in order to achieve particular objectives. CompTIA offers a project management certification for IT professionals called Project+.

SharePoint Portal Server 2003

Enterprise portal server built upon Windows SharePoint Services. According to Microsoft you can use SharePoint to create team-oriented Web sites to share information and foster collaboration with other users on documents.

SQL Server 2000

Microsoft’s enterprise level database product.

T1/T3

T1 is a type of data connection that is able to transmit a digital signal at 1.544 megabits per second. T1 lines are often used to link large computer networks, such as those that make up the Internet. T3 is a specification for a transmission line, the equivalent of 28 T1 lines. T3 lines run at 44.736 Mbps, close to 40 times faster than a T1 line.

UNIX

A computer operating system developed by AT&T Bell Labs and used to develop the Internet.

Visual BASIC – VB

A graphical programming language created by Microsoft, often used to develop Windows applications. Visual BASIC usually makes it possible to develop practical programs. The current version of VB is VB.NET.

Visual BASIC for Applications – VBA

VBA is a scaled-down version of Visual BASIC included with many MS Office applications. VBA allows the user to develop simple to relatively complex programs that automate various tasks.

Virtual Private Network – VPN

The extension of a private network that provides encapsulated, encrypted, and authentic logical (not physical) links across shared or public networks. VPN connections typically provide remote access and router-to-router connections to private networks over the Internet.

Voice over IP – VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol is another way of saying IP Telephony. It lets you transmit telephone calls over a data network like the Internet. In plain English, VoIP can send voice, fax and other information over the Internet, rather than through the regular telephone network.

Web Site Design

The process of designing and developing a web site. Many companies offer consumer level software that allows you to create an eye appealing but basic site. Web site design projects can be quite complex and often go beyond the basics of HTML.

Windows 2000

A network operating system created by Microsoft.

Windows Server 2003

The current network operating system offering from Microsoft.

Windows XP

Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional are the latest Microsoft Windows desktop operating systems for home and business computing.

Wireless

Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves, rather than some form of wire, carry the signal over part or all of the communication path.

.Net Programming

Microsoft describes .NET as a set of software technologies for connecting information, people, systems, and devices. This new generation of technology is based on Web services-small building-block applications that can connect to each other as well as to other, larger applications over the Internet.