Chapter 02 — Key Terms and Definitions#

Application Software — Programs designed to accomplish specific business tasks, from productivity tools to ERP and CRM systems.

Digital Infrastructure — The combined foundation of hardware, software, and networks that enable digital business operations.

Digitization — The process of converting analog information into digital formats that can be stored, processed, and analyzed.

Hardware — Physical components of technology systems, from CPUs and memory to IoT devices and mobile hardware.

Middleware — Software that connects different applications and systems, enabling integration and communication.

Operating System (OS) — System software that manages hardware resources and provides the platform for applications.

Processing Unit (CPU/GPU) — The “brain” of computing systems, executing instructions and powering performance.

Software — Programs and applications that provide instructions to hardware, including operating systems, enterprise software, and middleware.

Storage — Devices and technologies (e.g., HDDs, SSDs, cloud storage) that retain business data for long-term use.

Virtualization — Technology that allows multiple operating systems or applications to run on one physical machine, improving efficiency and scalability.