Glossary of technical terms and acronyms used at Boston College
Agora Portal
In ancient Greece, the agora was where the community gathered for discourse and trade. At Boston College, Agora Portal is where the University gathers to communicate electronically, conduct business, and retrieve personalized information. Agora Portal is BC's Intranet. The customizable Agora Portal provides single logon access to a number of web-based services and administrative functions. Agora Portal.
apps.bc.edu - the BC Application Server
apps.bc.edu is the BC Application Server, which allows the BC community to securely access certain licensed software applications that were once only available on computers in the BC labs. Read the BC Application Server FAQs.
ATAB
Academic Technology Advisory Board (ATAB) is a committee of the Office of the Provost. It represents the faculty in all matters related to instructional and academic technologies. Read more about ATAB.
ATR
Administrative & Technology Resources (ATR) is a department within the Law Library that provides computing and communication support to the Law School Community. Read more about Technology at BC Law.
BCInfo
BCInfo is Boston College's main campus-wide informational web page. BCInfo provides a wide range of information, including highlights of events on campus. Security alerts, weather advisories and technical outages are posted on the page. BCInfo is the logon page for the Agora Portal.
BCPost Mailing List Service (Listserv)
BCPost allows you to create email distribution lists and manage them through a web browser. A listserv allows you to restrict access to specific users or moderate message content. Non-BC email addresses can participate. BCPost has many new features not available in BC's prior listserv service. Read BCPost documentation.
BCshare
BCshare is a new web service at Boston College. BCshare allows faculty, staff, and students to publish web pages without having to have any web development experience. Using BCshare, you can easily create pages, photo albums, blogs, resumes, and CV's. BCshare users can also create group spaces and collaborate using tools such as wikis and forums.
Blog
The word blog derives from "web log." Blogs typically provide commentary or news on a particular subject and many function as online diaries. Text in blogs is usually organized in reverse chronological order. Most blogs are interactive, allowing the reader to leave comments. There are a number of free blog hosting services including WordPress and Blogger. Personal and group blogging can be done using BCshare or a tool by Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.
Campus Groups
Campus Groups is the name of a BC system used to create email and voicemail distribution groups (lists). If you repeatedly send messages to the same group of people, distribution lists are useful. Once created, a single address can be used to reach every member of the group. The Campus Groups tool is accessed via Agora Portal. Campus Groups documentation.
Groups for each of your current courses are automatically created and updated and if viewed on the web, they include pictures of each of your students. Learn how to use Campus Groups to send email messages to every student enrolled in your course using a single address.
CampusTime
CampusTime is the name of BC's web-based calendar and scheduling system. CampusTime can be used as a stand-alone personal calendar and to schedule meetings with other CampusTime users at Boston College. If you use Microsoft Outlook (email application for Windows), you can use a special connector to view their CampusTime calendar directly within Outlook. CampusTime calendars can be synchronized with most mobile devices (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.). Every faculty and staff member at BC has a CampusTime account. CampusTime documentation | CampusTime login
Clickers
Classroom Response Systems or Audience Response Systems are often referred to as "clickers." A classroom response system is a set of hardware and software that facilitates teaching activities. An instructor can pose multiple choice questions via a computer projection system (PowerPoint slide works well) and have students submit their response through the handheld device (clicker). Responses are gathered via infrared technology to a receiver attached to the instructor's computer. Accompanying software quickly tabulates and displays the results in pictorial format through the projection system. Use of clickers at Boston College is supported by Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.
Collage (or Serena Collage)
Collage is a content management system that most administrative departments use to create Boston Collage web pages. The Collage system is entirely web-based and requires no additional software. Content providers don't need to know how to write html code. The system automatically keeps design elements consistent across departments. Learn more about Collage | Collage login
CTRC
The Campus Technology Resource Center is more commonly called the CTRC. The CTRC, located in room 250 of the O'Neill Library, is BC's main student computing and printing facility.
Eagle One Card
Boston College identification cards issued to all faculty, staff, and students are called Eagle One cards. In addition to verifying identity, Eagle One cards and card swipe systems allow entry to many buildings and offices and can be used to purchase meals, printing services, and more. Faculty may add funds to their card through Agora Portal.
Eagle Number
Your Eagle ID number is the first 8 digits printed on your Eagle One Card and is used for identification purposes at Boston College.
eLag
eLag is the acronym for eLearning Action Group. eLag is an information forum for faculty and staff interested in using and promoting technology in teaching. The group discusses the pedagogical uses and implications of technology in the classroom. Contact: Sarah Castricum, Instructional Designer, Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.
ePO
ePO is the acronym for electronic Policy Orchestrator. People with Windows computers must install ePO before they are given access to the BC Network. ePO complements McAfee VirusScan and allows ITS to "push" software updates to computers. ePO download and installation is part of BC's activation procedure. Activation registers each computer on the BC network. ePO can also be downloaded directly from the ePO web site.
FMRC
FMRC is the acronym for the Faculty Microcomputer Resource Center. The FMRC is a computing resource center run by faculty for faculty. FMRC services include: statistical and research computing, eLearning approaches, and web-based material development. The facility, located in Gasson 010, has 24-hour, 7-day a week access to registered faculty members. The facility is equipped with computer workstations, printers, and scanners.
FTCs
FTCs or Faculty Technology Contacts are designated faculty members in academic units, who collaborate with ATAB and their departments to assess and communicate academic technology needs. View a list of current FTCs.
IML
IML is the acronym for the Interactive Media Lab. The IML is maintained by Instructional Design and eTeaching Services. The IML provides BC instructors with technology consultation and self-service assistance in the preparation of materials for electronic delivery.
ITS
ITS is the commonly used abbreviation for Information Technology Services. ITS is divided into three major divisions: Support Services, Network Services, and Applications & Systems Services. Support Services provides computing support, training, research, and multimedia expertise to faculty, staff, and students. Network Services provides Boston College with all telephone, data networking, and broadband television services. Applications & Systems Services develops applications for all major University business functions.
iTunes U (or iTunes University)
iTunes U is similar to the iTunes Store, where people go to purchase music, movies, and television shows electronically. iTunes U allows colleges and universities to build their own iTunes U sites. Faculty can post content they create for their classes. Students can download the materials and listen/view the content on their computers or portable mp3 players (iPods). Read about podcasting below. iTunes U at Boston College is supported by Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.
LDAC
LDAC is the acronym for Long Distance Access Code. An LDAC is required to make long distance phone calls for business purposes. Faculty are permited to use their LDAC to call home once per day. The University asks that you use a calling card or a personal cell phone to make additional personal long distance calls. Your LDAC will be sent to you via email, once your TC has been authorized by the Department Chair to process the request. If you forget your LDAC, contact the Help Center at 617-552-HELP (4357). View dialing instructions and additional information on the phone service website.
ListServ
Listservs (also referred to as mailing lists) are email-based discussion groups that allow members to post email messages to a large number of people at the same time. When you post (send) an email to a listserv, your email is sent to all of the other people on that listserv. The mailing list service at Boston College is called BCPost.
MyFiles
MyFiles is a web-based file storage and sharing system. Personal files can be stored and shared in a secure environment, which is backed up nightly. Read an overview of MyFiles@bc and learn how to use MyFiles@bc.
OMC
OMC is short for Office of Marketing Communications. This Boston College department creates a number of publications including the Boston College Magazine. OMC Staff are available for consultation on projects that promote Boston College both to the public and on campus. The OMC website includes a host of publication resources that can be downloaded, including the BC Seal and logotype, a collection of photographs, and publication templates.
PeopleSoft
PeopleSoft is the short name for a suite of very popular web-based enterprise software applications. PeopleSoft modules were first developed by a company named PeopleSoft. PeopleSoft was bought by the Oracle Corporation, one of the largest developers of database and business software applications. BC uses a financial module and a Human Resources module. PeopleSoft Financials at BC Home.
PDA
PDA or Personal Digital Assistant is a handheld computer device. Early PDA's served as "personal assistants" and included addressbooks, calculator, and other basic functionality. PDA technology has advanced rapidly. PDA's now allow you to send and receive email messages, listen to music, view videos, access the Internet and email and more. Learn about use of PDAs and other mobile devices at BC.
Phishing
Phishing is a criminal activity where the phisher attempts to acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by pretending to be a well-known company or organization. eBay and PayPal are two of the most targeted companies, and online banks are also common targets. Phishing is typically carried out by email message and often directs the user to provide information at a website. Just clicking on the link to the website can be detrimental. Learn more about phishing.
PIN
A personal identification number (PIN) is a secret numeric password shared between a user and a system that can be used to authenticate the user to the system. Use of PIN's at Boston College.
Podcast
A podcast is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the Internet for playback on portable media players and personal computers. The term "podcast," can mean either the content itself or the method by which it is distributed; the latter is also referred to as podcasting. The term "podcast" derives from "pod" and "broadcast". "Pod" refers to the Apple iPod (a leading portable media player). For additional information about using podcasting at BC, contact Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.
Quest
Quest is the name of BC's online library catalog. Learn more about Quest | Search Quest.
ResNet
ResNet is the name of the group of students that work for BC Information Technology Services. Their primary function is to provide technical support to other students within the residence halls, the CTRC, and the CTRC's Walk-In Help Desk.
St. C’s
St. C's is short for St. Clement's Hall, the building where the ITS Data Center and many ITS staff offices are located.
TC is short for Technology Consultant. TCs provide a wide range of desktop computing support and technology-related consulting. TCs have offices in the area they support to facilitate on-site assistance.
UIS
UIS at BC is an acronym for University Information System (a large database computer system). UIS functionality at BC has decreased over the years; many services have been replaced by PeopleSoft modules and web-based applications, including the University Library system. Some UIS transactions are accessed via Agora Portal. Learn about UView. Some faculty and staff access the UIS system directly to perform business transactions. Login is through BC username and password. Some faculty and staff also have a secondary UIS password that allows them to complete business transactions.
UView
UView is accessed via Agora Portal. After you log in, go the My Services tab and select a choice from under the Human Resources category. UView allows you to view (and in some instances update) University information about yourself. You may also update certain items. UView information may include your address, phone number, vehicle information, financial aid, current courses and grades, and paycheck information. Students may register for classes through UView (and a telnet client).
Vista
Vista is the name of Microsoft's latest operating system software and Vista is also the name of a course management system in use at Boston College.
Windows Vista at BC
Windows Vista was commercially released in January 2007. It incorporates a dramatic makeover with a new "glass-like"user interface (Aero), improved search capabilities, better user control, improved performance and reliability. Windows Vista is the most secure Windows operating system to-date. Many students at BC use Vista; it does not pose any compatibility issues with users of other operating systems.
Blackboard Vista
Blackboard Vista is the web-based course management system (CMS) or eLearning environment used at Boston College. Learn more about Blackboard Vista.
VPN
VPN is the acronym for Virtual Private Networking. A VPN is useful if you want to access confidential BC information from home that should be encrypted (scrambled) while traveling on the Internet. If you use an external ISP (Internet Service Provider), VPN allows you access everything on the BC network (departmental servers, library databases) as if you were using your office workstation. Learn how to configure your computer for a VPN connection and more.
WebMail
WebMail is the name of the web service that allows the BC community to access their BC email account from any web browser. Getting started with WebMail.
Wikis/Wikipedia
A wiki is a collaborative website that can be directly edited by anyone with access to it. Wikipedia is a useful reference and a wonderful example of a Wiki. Wikis provide an easy to use, collaborative approach to information sharing and can be an effective tool in education. For additional information about using Wikis, contact Instructional Design and eTeaching Services.