Final answer:
A configuration management database (CMDB) is the entity used to store and manage configuration records throughout their lifecycle in IT installations, maintaining detailed information about IT assets and their relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The entity used to store configuration records throughout their lifecycle in a computing context is typically a configuration management database (CMDB). A CMDB is a repository that acts as a data warehouse for information technology (IT) installations. It holds data related to a collection of IT assets commonly referred to as configuration items (CI), as well as descriptive relationships between such assets. When changes occur, the CMDB is updated to reflect the new state of the CIs, ensuring that the configuration records are maintained consistently over time.
For instance, if a server's hardware is upgraded, the CMDB will record the change from the old configuration to the new one, tracking the asset throughout its lifecycle from procurement to decommissioning. This allows IT personnel to manage their infrastructure effectively, with detailed information about each component's history, location, and how it interacts with other components within the system.