API (Application Programming Interface)

A bridge that allows other software programs to automatically search, read, write, or sync articles and data without using the human website interface.


Document Lifecycle

A set of defined processes that help your KB Group obtain, organize, store and deliver information crucial to its operation in the most effective manner possible. The stages of a document’s lifecycle include: creation, publication (site access), categorizing (topics and/or audiences), keywords, metadata tagging, delivery or sharing, repurposing, review and reporting, archiving and / or deletion.


Draft

An early, unfinished version of a written work whose purpose is to let an author put down raw ideas before editing and revising.


Findability

Focuses on known-item seeking. When a user has a specific problem and searches or clicks through menus, high findability means the user reaches the correct solution quickly.


Font

A font is a set of printable or displayable text characters in a specific style and size.


FTS (Full Text Search)

An option that examines all words across every published document rather than just looking at titles or assigned keywords.


GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

Is defined as a binary-encoded 2D raster data type image format that ordinarily uses the .gif extension. KB Authors can drag, copy, or upload non-animated .gif images directly into the text editor of their KB documentation.


GUI (Graphical user interface)

The visual layout that lets users and authors interact with the system using buttons, icons, and menus instead of text commands.


Information Architecture

The blueprint that organizes, structures, and labels content so users can find answers quickly and easily.


Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

A security process that requires users to provide two or more different verification factors to prove their identity before gaining access to a knowledge base space.


PDF (Portable Document Format)

A static document file that is stored, linked, converted, or embedded to supply information to users. KB Users can attach PDF files directly into digital articles so readers may view or download forms, manuals, and guides without leaving the page.


Platform

UW-Madison KnowledgeBase, itself, is a web-based platform. It is a centralized, cloud-hosted software environment provided by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT).


showmyfavoritedocs

Used by internal site authors, editors, and administrators to immediately retrieve all of their favorited documents.

When managing an internal KB space, you can mark frequently used or regularly shared support documents as a "Favorite". This command bypasses the standard search algorithms and filters the down strictly to your personalized list of saved documents for easy access.


Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

A security process that requires users to provide two distinct proofs of identity before they can access an account or system.


Unified KB 

A single, centralized web portal that brings together information, documents, and support guides from different KB spaces into one easy-to-search place.


URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The specific web address used to locate and access an individual help article, category page, or document.


Wireless Network (Wi-Fi)

A technology that uses radio waves to let devices connect to the internet and each other without using physical cables.


Workflow

The defined process an article follows from creation through review, approval, publication, revision, and retirement.


ZIP File

A single archive file that bundles and compresses multiple files and folders together to save space and make sharing easier.