Must-know ICT and government terminology

Government entities that are primarily engaged in the delivery of public goods and services, and which are under the control of the central government. This includes all government departments, agencies, and other entities that are involved in the formulation and implementation of government policies and programs, and which are funded through taxation or other revenue sources controlled by the central government.

Government entities that provide services to the public and which are (typically) funded directly through the jurisdiction's budget process. This includes most core government agencies (such as Departments), and excludes for-profit entities such as government corporations.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data. GIS technology is used to create, maintain, and analyse maps, as well as to interpret and visualise complex data sets that are linked to specific geographic locations. It is widely used in industries such as urban planning, transportation, natural resource management, environmental analysis, and many others that require location-based data analysis and decision-making. A GIS typically involves hardware, software, data, and people working together to collect, manage, and analyse geographic information.

Geographic information, such as maps, satellite imagery, and other location-based data. Geospatial offerings involve the collection, manipulation, and analysis of geographic data using geographic information systems (GIS) or other spatial analysis tools.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data. GIS technology is used to create, maintain, and analyse maps, as well as to interpret and visualise complex data sets that are linked to specific geographic locations. It is widely used in industries such as urban planning, transportation, natural resource management, environmental analysis, and many others that require location-based data analysis and decision-making. A GIS typically involves hardware, software, data, and people working together to collect, manage, and analyse geographic information.

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their precise location and velocity anywhere on or near the Earth's surface. The GPS system consists of a network of at least 24 satellites in orbit, ground control stations, and GPS receivers. The GPS receiver uses signals from these satellites to calculate its own location and provide accurate positioning and navigation information to the user.

A legal entity that is owned and controlled by the government at the federal, state, or territory level. A GOC is established to operate as a commercial entity, undertaking business activities with the goal of generating revenue and maximizing profits, while also advancing government policies and objectives. Unlike a government department or agency, a GOC operates as a separate legal entity, with its own board of directors and management team responsible for its day-to-day operations. However, as a government-owned entity, a GOC is subject to government oversight and direction, and may be required to adhere to specific government policies, regulations, and performance targets.

A government-owned enterprise (GOE) is a legal entity that is owned and controlled by the government at the federal, state or territory level. A GOE is established to carry out commercial activities on behalf of the government, such as the production, distribution or sale of goods and services.

Financial assistance provided by the government to individuals, organisations or other entities to support specific activities or achieve particular outcomes. Grants are non-repayable funds that are typically awarded on a competitive basis, and are often used to support research, community projects, or the provision of services. Subsidies, on the other hand, are typically provided to support particular industries or sectors, and may be in the form of tax breaks, reduced fees, or direct financial support.

Physical components of a computer or other electronic device, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor), and any other physical components that make up the device. Hardware is the tangible and visible part of the computer system that enables users to interact with software and data. Examples of hardware include desktop computers, laptops, servers, smartphones, tablets, printers, and other electronic devices.