Updated: 03/21
AWARE™ – The Accessible Web-Based Activity and Reporting Environment is the case management system used by DORS for data collection, documentation and reporting.
Critical Down Time – An immediate disconnection and shutdown of the network, usually resulting from a catastrophic equipment or software failure. While sometimes connected users can be provided a few minutes warning, most often no advance notice can be given.
Data Security – Means of ensuring that data is kept safe from corruption and that access to it is controlled.
Department of Information Technology (DoIT) – Provides technology solutions Statewide that allow the Executive Branch, State Agencies and Coordinating Offices to provide Marylanders with services that enable them to live and work more safely, efficiently, and productively.
Disaster Recovery – A plan for duplicating computer operations after a catastrophe such as fire or earthquake. This includes routing off-site backup.
Domain – A logical grouping of networked computers in which one or more computers have shared resources, and in which all computers share a common database of user and security information. For example, DORS Network is the domain for Central Office, regions and local offices.
GUI – Graphical User Interface (pronounced "gooey") of which Windows is one example. A GUI provides visual aids to make using a computer more user-friendly, e.g., by using a "point and click" method rather than requiring the user to remember commands.
Internet – A massive collection of millions of computer worldwide forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer as long as they are both connected to the Internet.
Intranet – A LAN that uses Internet protocols and conventions but is not open to the general public.
LAN – Local Area Network. A network which resides in a single building or office. In our case, LAN refers to the portion of the network in the Workforce and Technology Center/Central Office facility.
LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. LDAP provides a means to allow staff to log on to different systems on our network using the same credentials (username and password).
MIS – Management Information Services. The branch in the Office of Business Support Services (BSS) which is responsible for computers and information technology for the Division. MIS is located at DORS Central Office, Third floor, 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218.
MIS Network Staff – DORS employees assigned responsibility to design, implement and maintain the DORS WAN (and WTC/Central Office LAN).
Network Administrators – Individuals responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining a network; sometimes also referred to as "domain administrators."
Network Topology – A description of the network architecture, or configuration, used to structure the computer interconnectivity. The DORS WAN uses Ethernet (the type of NIC and wiring standard) and TCP/IP.
NIC – Network Interface Card. A network hardware that must be installed on the PC to allow the computer to communicate with the network. The NIC must be matched with appropriate wiring in a facility.
Non-Scheduled Down Time – A non-planned period of time when the network, or portion thereof, must be taken down as soon as possible due to the potential failure of a device. As much advance notice as is practical is given to users, but this warning is usually only hours or days and may be as short as a few minutes.
Protocol – The name given to the rules that govern how data flows on a network in order to facilitate communication among computers on a network.
Router – A high capacity data handling device for connecting a group of PCs in one location to another group of PCs in another location.
Scheduled Down Time – A planned period of time, determined by the MIS Network staff, when the network, or server, is taken down to perform upgrades, repairs or maintenance. Users are notified well in advance prior to taking down the system so as to provide a minimum impact on usage. When practical, down time is scheduled for outside of the normal work schedule.
Server – A machine on a network that provides services to user computers on a network. A network may utilize multiple servers. Server computers are generally much more powerful than individual PCs. Common types include "File Servers" (which house shared documents) and "Domain Name Servers" which direct network traffic to the appropriate location.
Service Desk – A single point of contact for users who need help. The service desk is staffed by DoIT team members. Whoever takes an initial support request call from a user tries to provide a first level support solution. Otherwise, this person logs the call into a database and notifies the appropriate MIS Network Staff members to investigate the problem.
SPAM – Unsolicited "junk" email sent to large numbers of people to promote products or services.
TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A standard set of rules that govern the basic workings of the Internet that was implemented in 1982. This data format is used by many divergent networks to exchange information.
User – An individual who uses a computer, either standalone or to access a network.
User Name – The name assigned to a network user by the Network Administrator which is used to login to the network and to identify the user to the network.
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) – Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is remote control software which allows MIS to remotely troubleshoot and resolve problems while viewing and fully interacting with another computer on the network.
VPN – Virtual Private Network. Provides privacy, anonymity and security to users by creating a private network connection across the Internet.
WAN – Wide Area Network. A network which comprises a large geographical area. In our case, WAN refers to the network which provides DORS regional and local offices connectivity to Central Office. Usually WANs are comprised of several smaller LANs.
Web Browsers – Software applications used to connect to the Internet.
