Node.js is a platform built on JavaScript runtime used for building fast and scalable server applications.
Strategy's custom data connectors run as their own web applications. The server on which the connector is hosted acts as an application server; hosting the required files (html, js, etc). Node.js is a program that enables this server to behave as a web application. Some data connector samples are built using the Node.js language but it is worth noting that other web technologies like Java, Python and .Net allow this same functionality if the connector code is written to match the chosen technology.
You can download Node.js here and see a video showing how to install Node.js here.
Node Package Manager comes with the installation of Node.js and stores a wide array of libraries and packages used with Node.js code.
Data connectors are built using code which is sometimes stored in common library packages. Some of the connectors provided on Strategy's Connector Gallery are built leveraging libraries which the Node Package Manager provides. As a result, if these libraries are not accessible, the connector code will not be able to function.
Node Package Manager (npm) is bundled with Node.js and will be installed with Node.js.
PFX is an abbreviation for personal exchange format. This is a certificate that stores both the public and private key in a binary format. This certificate can be used for TLS, SSL, digitally signing messages, authorizing tokens or authentication to another system. PFX files will typically have extensions of .pfx or .p12.
In this context, the PFX certificate is required to support TLS.
Your system administrator will be able to provide you with a valid PFX certificate. If there are troubles obtaining a PFX certificate, there are online resources which can provide the detailed procedure.
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