A lot still applies....
When I was interviewed, the initial point of contact was the hiring manager, not HR. He is the one that conducted the interview and the one making the decision. HR was only brought in when it was time to go over benefits, etc. It is perfectly appropriate to direct the follow-up to someone outside of HR in this instance. If, however, the initial contact and first interview was with HR, then I would direct the follow up to them. You should also send some sort of follow up after every interview in the process, even if just a quick thank you via email after the second or third interview.
As far as talking tech to non-techies, I think the author was referring to the IT tendency to communicate in jargon and abbreviations. A non-tech managerwill usually appreciate IT staff that can communicate technical issues in everyday language.
You should definitely ask questions during the interview. After all, you are interviewing them too. But if all your questions are about how much they'll pay you and what your bennies will be, they won't hire you. If you show an interest in how the IT dept works, how it relates to the rest of the company, and other depts, they will know that you are interested in the JOB and not the $$$. BTW, if the company is active in the community and is philanthropic, mention that too. Shows you've done your homework.
