Navigating the technology landscape is challenging without knowing the terminology. That’s why our IT Glossary is designed to demystify the language, making it easier to understand and less intimidating, especially when diagnosing and resolving IT issues your business may face.
With the average resolution time for these IT issues historically standing at approximately 2.12 hours, understanding the terms and options available is the first step toward efficient problem-solving.
To help you build your knowledge and accelerate your IT initiatives, we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary of IT terms and definitions.
What is an IT Glossary?
An IT glossary acts much like a dictionary tailored specifically for the technology sector. It provides clear and concise definitions for a broad range of IT-related terms, making it an essential resource for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field.
By consulting the IT glossary provided by Interlaced, you can quickly clarify unfamiliar terms and fully understand their implications for your work.
Why Should You Enhance Your Tech Vocabulary Using the IT Glossary?
Building a robust IT vocabulary is crucial for effective communication and efficient problem-solving within the tech industry. An IT glossary not only aids in learning and retaining important terms but also keeps you updated on emerging technologies.
Regularly referencing the IT glossary can enhance your technical expertise and help you stay ahead in the fast-evolving field of technology.
Table of Contents
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Access Point
This device is like a bridge, allowing your wireless gadgets to connect smoothly with a wired network. It’s essential for seamless communication between your devices.
Alias
Think of an alias as a personal shortcut in the email world. It’s a simpler, more memorable way to represent a longer, more complex name. It’s all about making life a bit easier!
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services offers a robust cloud computing platform on a pay-as-you-go basis. It’s like having an extensive set of tools that you can use as much or as little as you need, without the upfront costs.
Application Programming Interface (API)
APIs are the rulebooks that allow different software programs to communicate. They make it possible for the apps you use to work together smoothly, enhancing functionality and user experience.
APT Threats
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are stealthy cyber threats that quietly infiltrate networks, often going undetected while they gather sensitive information. They’re subtle yet significant security challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI simulates human intelligence in machines, enabling them to learn, reason, and solve problems. It’s like having a smart assistant that continuously improves its skills and knowledge over time.
Authentication
This is your digital check-in process, ensuring that the person trying to access an account is who they claim to be. It’s a fundamental aspect of securing personal and professional data.
Accessibility
Focused on inclusivity, accessibility ensures that digital services and websites can be used by everyone, including those with disabilities. It’s about providing equal access and seamless experiences for all users.
ActiveX
Developed by Microsoft, this framework helps integrate interactive web content directly into the browser. It’s a tool that enhances your web experience by allowing more dynamic content.
Address
In the digital world, an address can refer to various locations such as an email, a website, or a physical device on a network. It’s how you find and connect with different resources online.
Anonymous FTP
This service allows users to download public files from FTP servers without needing a user account. It’s like a public library for digital files—open to anyone.
Anti-Spam
Anti-spam techniques are designed to filter out unwanted emails, keeping your inbox clean and focused on what matters. It’s about enhancing your email experience by reducing noise.
Application
Applications are software designed for specific tasks or activities, helping users achieve goals such as document creation, data analysis, or graphic design. They’re the backbone of digital productivity.
ASCII File
ASCII files are text-only documents that can be opened by most editing software. They’re straightforward and versatile, suitable for simple data storage and sharing.
AT Command Set
This command language is used to control modems, telling them how to behave or respond during communications. It’s the foundational language for modem configuration.
Attachment
Attachments are files sent along with email messages, allowing you to share documents, photos, and other media. They expand the capabilities of basic email communication.
B
Bandwidth
Imagine the internet as a superhighway; bandwidth is how many lanes are available. The more lanes, the more data can zip through at any moment. It’s all about keeping your data flowing smoothly without traffic jams.
Blockchain
Like a digital ledger that everyone can see but no one can erase. It’s made up of blocks that store data securely using hardcore cryptography. Think of it as the Fort Knox for digital transactions!
Break/Fix
This is the IT world’s version of pay-as-you-go. If something breaks, you get it fixed, and you pay for just that service. No monthly fees, just straightforward, on-demand repairs.
Business Continuity
It’s like having a superhero plan that ensures your business keeps running smoothly, no matter what chaos unfolds. From daily backups to emergency prep, it’s all about keeping the wheels turning.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
BYOD lets everyone use their own tech toys (like smartphones and tablets) at work to access work files and systems. It’s all about flexibility and comfort, with a dash of familiarity.
Backbone
This isn’t about standing up straight. In tech, the backbone is the core of network connections that make the internet and large networks possible. It’s the internet’s spine!
Binary File
Unlike your plain text files, these are the heavy lifters carrying more complex data. You won’t be able to read these with your everyday text editor. They’re the behind-the-scenes crew of the file world.
BinHex
Think of BinHex as a digital chameleon, transforming binary files into ASCII so they can travel safely over the net without getting corrupted. It’s like a protective travel suit for your files!
Bit
The tiniest piece of data in the computer world. Just a single binary digit, a 0 or a 1. These bits are the building blocks of digital data, tiny yet mighty!
Blended Learning
A modern twist on learning that mixes traditional classroom lessons with online modules. It’s about learning at your own pace, mixing it up with face-to-face time and digital exploration.
Bluetooth
Wireless technology that lets your devices talk to each other over short distances. It’s like a secret conversation between your phone and headphones!
BMP (Bitmap)
A type of image file that’s all about raw, uncompressed data. BMPs are great for high-quality graphics but can be real space hogs.
Bookmark
Not just for books! In the digital world, bookmarks save your place on websites you love so you can jump back to them without a search hassle.
Boolean Logic
The brainy part of computing that uses true/false values to make decisions. It’s like the yes or no answers that guide a computer’s decision-making process.
Bounce
What happens when an email can’t find a home. It’s sent back to you because the address was wrong or the recipient’s inbox was full.
Bridge
A networking device that connects two separate networks, allowing them to communicate as if they were one. It’s the peacemaker for network segments!
Broadband Connection
The express lane of internet connections. Broadband is what keeps you streaming, gaming, and downloading at high speeds.
Browser
Your window to the web. Whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, your browser lets you surf the net, explore new websites, and return to your favorites.
Buffer
This is what happens when your data needs a brief timeout. It stores data temporarily while everything gets in order so you can have a smooth viewing or listening experience.
Byte
Eight bits come together to form a byte, enough to represent a single character in your computer. Think of it as a tiny container filled with data goodness.
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C
Cache
Think of it as your tech’s secret stash that helps your browser pull up your favorite pages super-fast. It keeps copies of pages you’ve visited so your next visit feels like a breeze.
Cloud
It’s like an infinite digital locker. Instead of cluttering your own device, store your stuff—photos, documents, you name it—in the Cloud. Services like iCloud and Google Drive are your go-to digital storage spaces that never run out of room.
Cloud Backup
It’s like packing up your digital treasures and keeping them safe in a fortress far away. This service lets organizations store data on an offsite server via the internet, ensuring it’s safe, sound, and easily retrievable when needed.
Cloud Migration
Think of it as a moving day for your digital assets! This is the process of transferring databases, applications, and other systems from local hardware to the cloud, or even hopping from one cloud to another, making your IT infrastructure more flexible and scalable.
Cloud Service Provider (CSP)
The digital landlords who rent out space in the cloud. These third-party companies provide all sorts of cloud goodies, including IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, cloud backup, and more, helping businesses scale without the physical hardware hassle.
Cloud Storage
Imagine a digital filing cabinet that’s accessible from anywhere. This is what cloud storage is all about—keeping your files on the internet with a provider or on a dedicated private cloud, so you can access and share your data anytime, anywhere.
Colocation
Like having a room for your servers in someone else’s house. This involves housing your privately-owned equipment, such as servers, in a third-party facility to take advantage of better connectivity and security, without the cost of maintaining a private data center.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
The DoD’s stamp of approval on cybersecurity maturity and resilience. It’s like a badge of honor that says a company is defending well against cyber threats.
Compliance Management
Keeping tabs on your tech to make sure everything’s up to snuff with the latest rules and regulations. It’s like having a hall monitor for your data!
Content Management
The art of wrangling your content so that it’s easy to find, use, and manage. Whether it’s blog posts, web pages, or digital files, it’s all about keeping your digital ducks in a row.
Cookie
Small digital breadcrumbs that websites use to remember who you are. Handy for a personalized web experience, just like having a butler who knows exactly how you like your tea.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The brains of your computer where all the magic happens—every command, every click, every calculation.
Cross-Platform
Software that’s a social butterfly—it gets along with everyone, whether it’s Windows, Mac, or Linux. It’s all about playing nice across different tech playgrounds.
CSP (Cloud Service Provider)
Companies that offer you space in the Cloud to stash your digital goodies. They’re like landlords, but for your online data.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
The fashion designer for websites, letting web developers create stylish, uniform pages without breaking a sweat.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
A tech tool that helps businesses keep track of customer interactions, preferences, and history. It’s like having a super-detailed diary that helps you maintain great relationships with your customers.
Cyber-Insurance
Protection against digital disasters. It’s like having an umbrella policy for when cyber rainstorms hit your business.
Cyber Physical Attacks
When cyber threats jump out of the digital world and cause chaos in the physical one. It’s the kind of thing that can turn the lights out—literally.
Cyberattack
An attempt by hackers to damage or destroy a computer network or system.
Interested in cybersecurity? We recommend reading our article, What is Cybersecurity Risk Management? Best Practices to Prevent Cyber Attacks for expert insights and strategies.
Cybersecurity Analyst
A professional who protects IT infrastructure, computer systems, and network devices from different types of cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Compliance
Ensuring that organizational practices adhere to regulatory standards designed to protect systems and data.
Cable Modem
Your gateway to ultra-fast internet, much speedier than old-school dial-up. Perfect for streaming, gaming, and downloading without the wait.
CAPTCHA
Those squiggly texts you decipher to prove you’re human. It’s the gatekeeper against bots on a mission to spam.
Carrier Services
These guys make sure your data gets from point A to B smoothly over the internet superhighway, optimizing your connections for speed and reliability.
Case-sensitive
When it matters whether you use upper or lower case letters—it’s the difference between shouting and whispering in the digital world.
CD-R and CD-RW
Think of CD-R as a write-once deal for storing your data or music. CD-RW? You can write, erase, and rewrite, just like a magical digital notepad.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
The old-school way web servers and programs chat to process user requests—like taking your food order online.
Chat
Real-time yapping with folks over the internet. Whether it’s emojis or deep debates, it’s all about staying connected.
Cloud Computing
More than just storage, it’s about running applications directly from the Cloud—think of using software without ever installing it!
CMS (Content Management System)
The backstage crew that makes managing your website’s content as easy as pie. Update, delete, or add new content without ever touching a line of code.
Compression
Squeezing your files into a tighter package so they take up less space and move around the internet faster. Like vacuum-packing your digital life.
D
Database
Think of a database as a super-organized electronic filing cabinet. Whether it’s for text, images, or video, databases keep everything neatly arranged so applications can quickly fetch exactly what they need.
Data Center
A data center is the fortress where all the crucial computer systems and components like servers and storage are housed. It’s equipped with all the essentials: redundant power supplies, data communication connections, and robust security measures to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Like a vigilant security system for your data, DLP tools monitor and protect sensitive information from being lost, misused, or accessed without authorization. It’s on guard whether the data is sitting quietly, moving around, or in active use.
DDoS Attacks
Imagine a crowd blocking the entrance to a store, preventing genuine customers from getting in. A DDoS attack floods a website with unnecessary traffic to disrupt service and prevent legitimate access, causing chaos online.
Desktop
The desktop is where all your apps and files appear, neatly arranged for easy access. It’s like the command center of your computer, ready to launch whatever you need with just a click.
Devices
In the digital world, devices are your tools. Input devices like keyboards and microphones take in information, while output devices like monitors and speakers push information out.
DevOps
DevOps is a synergy of development and operations teams working together to make software development faster and more efficient. It’s about speeding up the tech deployment process through continuous collaboration.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol acts like the ultimate party host, assigning IP addresses to devices on a network so everyone can communicate without confusion.
Digital Transformation
This is the process of using digital technologies to revamp business processes, culture, and customer experiences. It’s like giving your business a tech-forward facelift to stay competitive and innovative.
Dialog Box
A dialog box is a small pop-up window that asks for input or presents options. It’s a prompt from your computer for quick interactions.
Differential Backups
Differential backups save everything that has changed since the last full backup. It’s like keeping a close tab on all recent data changes to ensure nothing important gets lost.
Disaster Recovery
When disaster strikes, like a data breach or a system failure, disaster recovery plans are the blueprint for getting your technology back online, minimizing both downtime and data loss.
Disruptive Technology
These are innovations that start small but eventually disrupt the market, changing how we use technology, much like how streaming services transformed how we watch TV and movies.
DNS
The Domain Name System is like the internet’s phonebook, translating user-friendly domain names like “www.example.com” into machine-friendly IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.
Domain
In the internet address hierarchy, domains are identifiers assigned to entities, like a branding on the web. They help organize the internet into different areas by function or geographic location.
Domain Name
A domain name is the web address you type to visit a website, serving as an easy-to-remember alias for a numerical IP address.
Download
Downloading is the process of pulling files from a remote computer to your local device, allowing you to save and use data from the internet directly on your computer.
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E
Edge Computing
Think of edge computing as your data’s local buddy. It brings computation and storage closer to where it’s needed, cutting down response times and conserving bandwidth. It’s like having a mini-server right in your backyard!
EHR/EMR/PHR (Electronic Health Record/Electronic Medical Record/Personal Health Record)
These are the digital age’s answer to those bulky, hard-to-find paper records. Whether it’s an EMR for clinical details, an EHR for a comprehensive health story, or a PHR for your personal health tracking, they make sure your health data is just a click away.
Encryption
Think of encryption as the secret language your data speaks when it travels across the internet. Only the intended recipient has the secret decoder ring to understand what’s being said, keeping everyone else out of the loop.
Endpoint
In the world of networking, endpoints are the frontliners—devices like computers, mobile phones, and tablets that connect to the network, ready to send and receive data.
Endpoint Security
This is your digital bodyguard, keeping those crucial endpoints safe from the digital riff-raff that tries to exploit them. Whether it’s a laptop, desktop, or smartphone, endpoint security ensures they can fend off the bad guys.
Ethernet
This is the old-school, reliable method of connecting to the internet with a physical cable. Ethernet is like the dependable postal service of the network world—consistently delivering your data packets without getting lost in the digital mail.
Ethernet Card
An essential piece of tech that connects computers to the Ethernet expressway, allowing them to send and receive data at lightning speeds. It’s like a passport to the fast lane of the information superhighway.
Exploit Kits
The toolkits of the cybercrime world, exploit kits are ready-made for hackers to break into systems and spread malware. Think of them as the Swiss Army knives for the digitally nefarious.
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)
This is a behind-the-scenes protocol that helps secure your network by requiring different methods of authentication. It’s like having a bouncer at the door of your data nightclub, checking IDs before letting anyone in.
EGA (Extended Graphics Adapter)
A blast from the past, EGA was once the master of monitor color, allowing old PCs to display a whopping 16 colors at once!
Emoticon
Before emojis took over, emoticons were the way to show how you’re feeling through text using simple characters. A smiley 🙂 or a wink 😉 can add a touch of personality to any message.
Emulation
In tech terms, emulation lets your computer mimic another system. It’s like digital impersonation, allowing your PC to pretend it’s an old-school arcade machine or a different operating system.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
A graphics file format that lets designers save their artwork in a precise PostScript format, perfect for detailed illustrations that need to be used in various projects.
Expansion Card
These are the add-ons that give your computer superpowers, from better sound and graphics to faster internet connections. It’s like upgrading your car with a turbo engine.
Extension
In file terms, an extension is the tail end of a filename that tells you what type of file it is, like .jpg for images or .doc for documents. It’s the clue to what’s inside the digital envelope.
Enjoyed our IT Glossary? Check out our detailed Cybersecurity Acronyms: The Ultimate List 2024 for more insights.
F
Female Connector
Imagine this as the puzzle piece that perfectly fits into its male counterpart on your device, creating a seamless link so your gadgets can communicate without a hitch.
Filter
This isn’t just a coffee term! In the digital world, filters can transform data, block the stuff you don’t need, and add a sprinkle of special effects in graphics software.
Firewall
Think of a firewall as a digital bouncer for your network. It keeps the unwanted data traffic out, letting only the VIP data through.
Flash Drive
Your pocket-sized treasure chest. Plug it into the USB port and voila, you have a portable library of all your files.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
It’s like the postal service for your files, but online. FTP helps you send and receive files over the internet, no stamps required!
G
Gateway
Not just a fancy arch! In tech terms, it’s a device that acts as a ‘gateway’ between your home network and the vast world of the internet.
Gigabyte
A digital filing cabinet. A gigabyte holds about one billion bytes, enough space to store hundreds of photos or thousands of text documents.
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H
Hardware
The physical components and equipment of a computer, including CPU, keyboard, monitor, graphics card, and more.
Help Desk
Ever in a pickle with your tech? The Help Desk is your go-to, offering solutions on the fly to keep everything running smoothly.
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
The library of your computer where all data is stored, from your vacation photos to your important work documents.
Hostnames
These are the nicknames for devices on a network. Just like you’d call a friend by a name instead of their phone number, computers use hostnames to identify each other.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
The skeleton of all web pages. HTML lets you structure content on the web, from headlines to footnotes.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
The rulebook that web browsers and servers follow to make sure the content you ask for via the web gets to your screen correctly.
Human Firewall
Not just a wall but a team fortress against cyber threats. These are the vigilant folks in an organization who help keep digital threats at bay.
Hybrid Workforce
The best of both worlds—some employees work from the office, while others connect from their cozy homes, making flexibility the cornerstone of modern work.
Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI)
This tech blends all the IT hardware and software into a single, streamlined unit, simplifying management and boosting efficiency.
Hybrid Cloud
A cloud environment that is composed of different models, such as a private cloud, public cloud, and/or on-premises infrastructure.
I
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Think of it as renting your own piece of cloud real estate. Instead of buying, storing, and maintaining physical servers and data center infrastructure, you rent these resources as a fully outsourced service on demand.
Incremental Backup
Just like your smart device picks what photos to back up, saving both space and time, incremental backups save only the changes made since the last backup.
Information Security Policy
This is your rule book when it comes to managing company and customer data. It’s essential to ensure that everyone plays by the rules to keep information safe and sound.
Internet of Everything (IoE)
This is the extended family of the Internet of Things (IoT). By connecting people, processes, data, and things, IoE aims to streamline everything from your morning routine to your city’s energy use.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A world where your fridge can order your milk, your watch tells you when to workout, and your car knows the traffic ahead. IoT connects everyday objects to the Internet, enabling them to send and receive data.
IP Address
Consider it the postal address for your computer on the Internet, unique and essential for sending and receiving information.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
They’re the middleman that gets you onto the Internet, just like a cable company gets you those binge-worthy TV shows.
ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
Think of ITIL as a cookbook for IT service management; it offers the best recipes for streamlining processes and delivering top-notch IT support.
Incident Response Plan
A predetermined set of instructions or procedures to detect, respond to, and limit consequences of a malicious cyber attack against an organization’s IT systems.
J
Java
A versatile programming language that lets developers write code that runs just about anywhere, from your smartphone to your fridge.
JavaScript
The magic behind the interactive elements on your favorite websites, making them more engaging with dynamic content like real-time updates and interactive maps.
K
Kbps (Kilobits per Second)
A speedometer for your Internet connection. More kbps means faster loading times for your videos and websites.
Kilobyte (KB)
A small unit of digital memory, like a tiny box for storing about one thousand bytes of your digital stuff.
L
LAN (Local Area Network)
A close-knit community of computers that share resources like files and printers, usually under the same roof.
Laser Printer
It uses lasers to give you crisp, sharp printed documents at high speed – like having a professional print shop right in your office.
Learning Management System (LMS)
A virtual classroom where you can share courses, track progress, and nail those quizzes, all online.
Link
A digital shortcut that connects you to additional information or websites with just a click.
Linux
A powerhouse operating system that is both free and flexible, favored by techies for its security and versatility.
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M
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address)
A unique identifier for your device on a network, like a social security number for your computer or smartphone.
Machine Learning
A branch of artificial intelligence where computers learn from data to improve on their own without being explicitly programmed.
Malware
Unwanted software that’s up to no good, aiming to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to your computer system.
Managed Services
Outsourced IT services to keep your systems running smoothly without you having to worry about the nitty-gritty details.
Megabyte (MB)
A measure of data size. A few megabytes might hold a book; a thousand might store a short video.
Multi-Cloud
The use of more than one cloud provider to provide various services.
N
NaaS (Network as a Service)
Imagine a buffet, but instead of food, it’s network services. NaaS offers a smorgasbord of network functions over the cloud, saving the hassle of building your own network infrastructure.
Nameserver
This is the internet’s equivalent of a phone book. It matches domain names like www.example.com to its digital address so browsers can load internet resources.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT is like having one phone number for an entire office. Everyone inside uses the same public IP address for internet, while each device has its own unique internal address.
Network
A digital spider’s web of computers connected to talk to each other. From tiny home setups to vast internet spans, networks keep our digital world buzzing.
Network Adapter
Think of it as your computer’s passport, allowing it to connect and communicate over a network.
Network Hub
A junction box for networks, directing data between connected devices—like directing traffic in a bustling city.
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
The big brains setting standards that keep technology reliable and safe for everyone.
NIST Compliance
Playing by the rules set out by NIST, crucial for anyone working with government tech contracts.
NNTP (Network News Transport Protocol)
The old-school method of distributing news articles over a network—think digital newspapers without the paper.
O
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
The magic that reads printed text and turns it into digital text so that your computer can read and edit it just like any other document.
On-Cloud
A fancy term for having your software and services hosted in the cloud, making them accessible anytime, anywhere, as long as there’s internet.
On-Site
This is when tech support happens face-to-face. It’s getting help directly at your workplace or home, where the action is.
Online
When you’re connected to the internet, or when something exists on or is using the internet. Also, a state of readiness for devices ready to receive input or deliver information.
OpenType
A type of font format that plays well with both Apple and Microsoft computers, packing a punch with support for multiple languages and advanced typographic features.
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P
Password Manager
Like a digital keychain, a password manager keeps all your passwords locked up but readily available when you need them, saving you the hassle of remembering each one.
Patch
Think of it as a band-aid for software. A patch fixes bugs or security vulnerabilities, ensuring your software runs smoothly and safely.
PC (Personal Computer)
Refers to computers that are used by individuals, whether they are desktops or laptops.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
This is any data that could identify you specifically, like your name, Social Security number, or email address. Keeping this info safe is top priority.
Phishing
Like fishing, but you’re the fish! Phishing is a trick used by hackers to get you to give up your personal information through deceitful emails or messages.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
This cloud platform offers you the tools and services needed to build and host applications over the internet, without the fuss of managing hardware and software.
Port
This is a virtual docking point where programs receive specific types of network information, essential for sorting network traffic correctly.
Proactive Monitoring
Keeping an eye on IT systems 24/7 to catch issues before they cause problems, ensuring smooth sailing for businesses.
Professional Services Automation (PSA)
Software that helps firms like IT consultants manage projects and resources efficiently, streamlining operations from top to bottom.
Protocol – TCP, UDP, ICMP
These are the rules that guide data across the internet, ensuring that emails, videos, and more find their way to your screen.
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R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
This is your computer’s short-term memory, where it keeps the programs and data it is currently using. More RAM means more space for your computer to work with, which can speed things up.
Ransomware
A type of malware that locks you out of your computer or files and demands payment to get them back. Think of it as a digital hijack.
Recovery Point Objective (RPO)
The maximum age of files that must be recovered from backup storage for normal operations to resume after a disaster strikes.
Recovery Time Objective (RTO)
The target time you set for the recovery of your IT and business activities after a disaster has occurred, essential for minimizing loss.
Remote Desktop
This feature allows you to access and control a computer from another location, making it seem as if you are sitting right in front of it.
Remote Login
Connect to a computer in another location, as if you were there, great for working remotely or managing systems across different sites.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
This is like having a guardian angel for your IT system, watching over it to ensure everything runs smoothly from afar.
Risk Assessment
Identifying and analyzing potential events that could negatively impact operations, an essential part of any smart business strategy.
Risk Management
The art of handling potential threats to a company’s capital and earnings, keeping things running smoothly despite the ups and downs.
Router
The device that directs traffic between your local network and the internet, like a traffic cop for your digital data.
S
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software that’s available via the internet, so you don’t need to install it on your computers. It’s like renting software instead of buying it.
Safe Mode
A diagnostic mode in Windows that loads only the essential software, useful for troubleshooting when something goes wrong.
SAN (Storage Area Network)
A network designed to handle large volumes of data storage, SANs are crucial for complex data storage scenarios.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)
A type of connection used to connect hard drives to the motherboard, faster and more efficient than its predecessor, PATA.
Satellite Transmission
Sending data to a satellite in space, which then sends it back to Earth, used for TV, internet, and beyond.
Server
A computer that is responsible for responding to requests made by a client program, as well as data delivery.
Screen Reader
Software that reads out text on a screen for people who are visually impaired, making digital content accessible to all.
Scroll Bar
A bar at the edge of a window that lets you move the window’s contents up, down, left, or right, revealing parts not immediately visible.
Search Engine
A tool that searches the internet for content related to your queries – Google being the most famous example.
Secure Server
A server that uses encryption to secure transactions, making it safe to send sensitive information like credit card numbers.
Security Token
A physical device that provides an extra layer of security for logging in or accessing sensitive information.
SOC
Security operations centers (SOC) where an onsite or outsourced IT security team provides 24/7 monitoring of an organization’s IT infrastructure to catch cyber threats in real-time so they can be addressed before harm is done.
They may also select/operate/maintain cybersecurity tech for the business. Also known as an information security operations center (ISOC).
If your organization relies on outsourced technology, customers want to confirm your internal system is transparent and secure. Standard practice is to give your clients a SOC I or SOC II report as a part of this due diligence package.
SIEM
Security information and event management (SIEM) is an IT field involving real-time monitoring and analysis of cyber events. It also provides tracking and logging of security data for compliance or auditing purposes.
The name is a combination of the terms “security information management” (SIM) and “security event management” (SEM).
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T
T-1 carrier
A high-speed phone connection that supports data rates of 1.544 Mbps, commonly used by businesses for Internet access or between ISPs.
T-3 carrier
An even faster connection than T-1, supporting about 43 Mbps, used primarily by large organizations and ISPs for significant Internet traffic.
10Base-T
A type of Ethernet network that runs over twisted pair wires, capable of supporting Ethernet at speeds up to 10 Mbps.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
The basic communication language of the Internet. It’s a set of rules defining how data travels across the Internet.
Telephony
The use of equipment to provide voice communications over distances. Modern telephony often involves integrating traditional phone systems with digital technologies.
Telnet
A user command and an underlying TCP/IP protocol for accessing remote computers.
Terminal emulation
A software application that enables a computer to imitate a terminal, allowing it to interact with remote systems like mainframes.
TIFF (Tag Image File Format)
A flexible, adaptable file format for storing images, including high-quality, high-resolution images by both print and web.
Token
In networking, a token is a special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network, permitting devices to send data.
Toolbar
A graphical presentation of commands or options, which can be clicked to quickly perform an action.
Trojan horse
A type of malware that appears legitimate but can take control of your computer to inflict damage.
TrueType
An outline font standard developed by Apple and Microsoft that makes text look good on screens and printers without the need for separate fonts.
Twisted pair cable
A type of cabling that is used by telephone lines and in network cables that reduces electrical interference.
Two-factor authentication
An additional layer of security used to ensure the security of online accounts beyond just a username and password.
U
UNIX
A powerful multitasking, multiuser operating system used primarily in servers, workstations, and mobile devices.
Upload
The action of sending data from your local computer to a remote computer or server.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A standard for connecting peripherals to a computer, providing fast data exchange.
Username
A name that identifies a specific user in systems, networks, or online platforms, often used alongside a password.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
Essentially the web address, which directs you to a specific resource on the Internet like a website page.
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V
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)
A form of desktop virtualization that hosts desktop environments on a central server.
Virtualization
The process of creating a virtual version of something, such as a virtual computer system, known as a virtual machine.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
A technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A secured internet connection that encrypts and transmits data while it travels from one place to another on the internet.
W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area for the main purpose of computer networking.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
A set of protocols used for connecting mobile devices to the internet and for wireless communication.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
An outdated security protocol for wireless networks that is no longer considered secure.
Wi-Fi
A technology for wireless local area networking with devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
Windows
A series of operating systems developed by Microsoft, each of which featuring a graphical user interface.
X
XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
An advanced threat detection and response technology that collects and automatically correlates data across multiple security layers.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A flexible way to create common information formats and share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere.
Y
Uncommon to find IT terms under Y that fit the standard glossary format. However, if you know of any, please leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to add it to our IT glossary!
Z
Zero-day attack
An attack that exploits a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer application, one that developers have had zero days to fix.
ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
A security model that requires all users, whether in or outside of the network, to be authenticated and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or retaining access to applications and data.
Zip
A file format that supports lossless data compression; a zip file may contain one or more files or directories.
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IT Glossary Conclusion
Feeling overwhelmed by tech talk? You’re not alone if you’re tired of pretending to understand when everyone is tossing around technical terms. IT-speak can seem confusing, but as a people-focused team of experts, we’re here to help.
Our IT Glossary is an excellent resource to familiarize yourself with the terminology. For even more terms that you can share with your team, check out our comprehensive eBook.
To learn more about how Interlaced can assist your business with information technology services, contact us today, or email us at business@interlaced.io!
