Offsite
A location separate and distinct from the area in which something, such as a
computer, is located. Frequently referred to when considering backup storage.
Open System Interconnection (OSI)
A location separate and distinct from the area in which something, such as a
computer, is located. Frequently referred to when considering backup storage.
Operating System
Computer programs that are primarily or entirely concerned with controlling
the computer and its associated hardware, rather than with processing work for
users. Computers can operate without application software, but cannot run
without an operating system.
Major manufacturers - IBM etc., - tend to use proprietary operating systems,
but popular commercial operating systems include Unix, Windows® 95/98/NT/2000/XP, MacOS®, OS/2®, Linux®, and DOS® variants.
Operating System Hardening
Hardening of operating systems is the first step towards safeguarding systems
from intrusion. Workstations and servers typically arrive from the vendor,
installed with a multitude of development tools and utilities, which, although
beneficial to the new user, also provide potential back-door access to an
organization's systems.
Hardening of an operating system involves the removal of all non essential
tools, utilities and other systems administration options, any of which could be
used to ease a hacker's path to your systems. Following this, the hardening
process will ensure that all appropriate security features are activated and
configured correctly. Again, 'out of the box' systems will likely be set up for
ease of access with access to 'root' / Administrator account. Some vendors have
now recognized that a market exists for pre-hardened systems; see
Trusted Operating Systems.
Outsourcing
Having some or all of an organization's computer processing performed by a
separate specialist organization, such as a computer payroll bureau. This
approach can generate savings in resource, but rarely operates in real time and
carries a high risk of breach of confidentiality.
Ownership
The term that signifies decision-making authority and accountability for a given
span of control.
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Last Updated: December 18, 2003
