What are the Basics of IT?
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Are you interested in information technology? If so, here are some of the basics of IT that you will learn about during the IT degree program at Interactive College of Technology. Did you know you can complete this program quicker than a 4-year traditional college program? At Interactive College of Technology (ICT), we focus only on what you need to start working as an IT professional. Start your journey toward a career as an IT professional, and ICT can help. So, what are the basics of IT?
What is Information Technology?
Information technology is the application of computers, devices, storage, databases, and networks to solve business problems by exchanging electronic data. The basic concepts of IT include:
Information Security – the implementation of computer components to protect the security of a company’s data. Some of the different security applications you will learn about include firewalls, anti-virus software, encryption, and authentication protocols.
Computer Technical Support – responding to user inquiries to fix software and hardware issues, including device repairs, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure maintenance.
Business Software Development – creating software applications to allow a company to fulfill business goals efficiently.
Database and Network Management – creating, implementing, and maintaining hardware and software to help connect devices to the company’s network. This includes managing information from databases for both the IT department and authorized users.
IT Hardware Terminology
There are some terms you will learn in an IT course about hardware. They include:
Bandwidth – a measurement of the amount of data transmitted over a network.
Cloud Computing – describes internet services and computer networks connected over the Internet on services like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
CPU – central processing unit
DSL – digital subscriber line, an always on broadband connection.
Ethernet – network technology that enables data to travel through cabling at ten megabits per second.
IoT – Internet of Things, a network of physical devices that transfer data from one another.
ISP – internet service provider, a company that provides Internet connectivity.
LAN – local area network, a network that encompasses a small area and connects a group of computers.
Monitor – a place on the computer where information is displayed from the CPU.
Mouse – a handheld device with a graphical user interface system.
Network – interconnected computers that can exchange information.
RAM – random access memory, memory available for use by a program on a computer.
ROM – read-only memory, memory used to store programs that start a computer.
VPN – virtual private network, can mask a computer’s point of origin.
WAN – wide area network, connects computers over a large radius.
IT Software Terminology
There are some terms you should know about IT software. They include:
Anti-Spam – the prevention of email spam using anti-spam software.
Anti-Virus – software that scans files and networks for malicious threats.
Application – a program executed for a specific purpose, like spreadsheet and Windows operating system software.
Authentication – identifying a user and verifying that they are who they say they are. This is typically done through the use of a username and password.
Browser – a problem that accesses the World Wide Web like Safari or Google Chrome.
CSS – cascading style sheets, a set of rules that define how web pages are displayed.
DNS – domain name server, a service that allows computers to access a network using an IP address.
Encryption – preventing interpretation of data by manipulation with a cipher.
Firewall – the connection of computers and networks to share information without allowing malicious attackers through the firewall.
FTP – file transfer protocol, the exchange of files between computers on the Internet.
GUI – graphical user interface, mouse-based system like Windows.
HTML – hypertext transfer protocol, instructions that define how a web server and browser should interact.
IP Address – internet protocol address, that identifies every computer connected on the Internet.
JavaScript – scripting language used to add dynamic content to a web page.
LINUX – an open-source operating system that runs on a hardware platform.
Malware – software program designed to do unwanted actions to a computer. Some examples include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware.
Nameserver – a program that converts domain names into their corresponding IP Address.
Password – a confidential combination of characters that adds security to a computer, program, or file.
Protocol – rules that regulate how computers exchange information.
TCP/IP – transmission control protocol/internet protocol, a set of rules that tells computers how to exchange information online.
URL – uniform resource locator, identifying resources on the Internet.
World Wide Web – a hypertext system of servers on the Internet.
XML – extensible markup language, for coding web documents to structure a page.
Final Thoughts
Did learning the basics of IT interest you? If so, it may be time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology (ICT). We’ll help you decide which path is right for you. Both informationtechnology training programs include industry-recognized certifications employers are looking for from CompTIA and Microsoft. Start your journey to a new IT career, and Interactive College of Technology will be with you every step of the way.
Want to Learn More?
At Interactive College of Technology, our information technology training program offers two different paths — an in-depth Associate of Science degree in Information Technology and a streamlined diploma program—will help you get to work faster.
We’ll help you decide which path is right for you, but both information technology training programs include industry-recognized certifications employers are looking for from CompTIA and Microsoft.
Plus, after you graduate college, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will help you find work whenever you need it.
So, let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.