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Definition
| An early development version of software in which there are likely to be bugs, and not all of the anticipated software functionality is present. Alpha software is usually tested only by a select few users to identify major problems and the need for new or different features before the software is tested by a broader audience in the beta stage. |
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| A process of copying files from a computer system to another medium, such as a tape, another hard drive, a removable drive or a DVD/CD ROM. |
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Definition
| During software development , software that has successfully passed the alpha test stage. Beta testing may involve dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people, and may be conducted in multiple stages: beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, and so on. |
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| A computer from which all unnecessary software and hardware have been removed. A clean computer is useful during software upgrade testing because a minimum number of other software and hardware elements are in place, making it easier to track down problems with new software. |
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Definition
| An operating system installation on a computer that either has no operating system installed ( a new hard drive or one that has been formatted) or that has an operating system already installed, but that is overwritten by the installation. |
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| A Microsoft website for finding hardware and software compatibility information for a windows version, such as windows vista or windows 7. |
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Definition
| An application protocol that resolves domain and computer names to IP addresses, or IP addresses to domain and computer names. |
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Term
| Hardware Abstraction Layer(HAL) |
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Definition
| A file that works with an operating system's kernel and that offers code used by device driver's to talk tot he computers hardware. The file also is needed by some operating systems to establish if there are multiple processors and if they are working. |
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Definition
| Moving from one operating system to another, which may or may not involve implementing a new computer as well. |
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| Small portable or laptop computers that have limited computing capabilities and are designed to be lightweight and portable. Netbook computers are generally used for web access, email, and basic document data. |
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Term
| Open Base Connectivity (OBDC) |
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Definition
| A set of rules and guidelines for accessing databases and providing a standard doorway to database data. |
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Definition
| Any computer used to perform real work, which should be protected from problems that might cause an interruption in workflow or loss of data. |
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Definition
| The final stage of software testing by vendors before cutting an official release that is sold commercially. A release candidate is usually tested by a very large audience of customers. Some vendors may issue more than one release candidate if problems are discovered in the first RC. |
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Term
| Release to Manufacturing (RTM) |
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Definition
| A version of a microsoft operating system that is officilayy released to be sold and that has gone through the alpha, beta, and release candidate phases prior to official release. |
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Definition
| A tool available from microsoft to check whether an existing windows operating system and hardware can be upgraded to a higher level windows operating system. |
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Definition
| An operating system installation on a computer that already has an earlier version of the operating system and the upgrade replaces the earlier version with a new version, often with the option to retain some or all of the original settings, user, accounts, applications, data files, and other existing user files. |
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Definition
| A desktop computer with software that can be configured to run multiple virtual machines, with multiple operating systems (usually desktop OS's). |
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Definition
| Software that enables one computer to run tow or more operating systems that are live at the same time and in which one application running in an operating system does not interfere with an application running in a different operating system. |
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Definition
| A discrete operating system running inside virtual server or virtual desktop software, such as the Hyper-V, on one computer. Multiple virtual machines can run on one virtual server. |
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Definition
| A server that can be configured to run multiple virtual machines with multiple operating systems. |
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Definition
| A list that contains brand names and models for hardware and software supported by a windows operating system. |
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Term
| Windows Deployment Services |
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Definition
| A role service available in Windows Server 2008/R2 for installing windows operating systems on server clients on a large scale. |
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Term
| Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) |
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Definition
| A newer windows operating system display driver design that supports new graphics capabilities, virtual graphics memory (so there is enough memory for all kinds of graphics applications), and graphics capabilities to match the demands of sophisticated gaming and other display intense software. WDDM was introduced with Windows vista and server 2008. |
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Term
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Definition
| A web-based function that allows you to download and install product updates for your windows operating system. |
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