Information Technology Glossary

 An applet is a small application that is designed to be run within another application, such as a web browser. Applets are typically written in the Java programming language and are used to add interactive features to websites or to perform other tasks. 

A software application, or app for short, is a program that is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks. Applications are typically designed to run on a computer or other electronic device, and can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, gaming, and many other types of tasks. 

Accessibility refers to the ability of a computer or other electronic device to be used by people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind, deaf, or have other physical or cognitive impairments that make it difficult or impossible to use a computer in the same way as a person without disabilities. 

A network backbone is the part of a telecommunications network that carries the bulk of the traffic and connects the various parts of the network together. It acts as a central hub, providing a high-speed, high-capacity connection for other parts of the network to connect to.  

In information technology, a bit (short for "binary digit") is the basic unit of measurement for data storage and transmission. It is a binary value, which means it can have only one of two possible values: 0 or 1. 

A network bridge is a device that connects multiple network segments together and allows communication between them. It operates at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI Model, and it uses the MAC addresses of devices to forward packets of data between different segments of a network. 

A byte is a unit of measurement for digital information storage and processing. It is a grouping of eight binary digits (bits), and it is commonly used as the basic unit of storage in most computer systems. 

In the context of computer systems, a cache is a small, fast memory storage area that holds frequently or recently used data. It is designed to speed up the access time to data by storing a copy of the data in a location that is faster to access than the original source of the data. 

Cloud computing is a model of delivering computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. 

Client-server technology is a type of network architecture in which one or more "clients" send requests to one or more "servers," which then process those requests and return the results to the clients.

Computer-based training (CBT) is a method of delivering educational or training material using a computer or other electronic device. CBT allows learners to access and interact with the training material at their own pace, and it can be used to deliver a wide range of content, including text, images, audio, and video. 

A database is a structured collection of data that is stored electronically and is designed to be easily accessed, managed, and updated. Databases are used to store and organize information in a way that allows for easy retrieval and analysis. 

A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and related components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. It generally includes redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression), various security devices, and various other features. 

Disaster recovery (DR) is the process of restoring normal operations in the event of a disaster or major outage. Disasters can include natural events such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, as well as man-made events such as cyberattacks, power failures, and equipment failures.  

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses to devices on a network. DHCP enables devices (such as computers, smartphones, and servers) to connect to a network and automatically obtain the necessary network configurations to communicate on the network, including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.  

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system used to translate human-friendly domain names (such as www.example.com) into the IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1) that computers use to identify each other on the internet. 

Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). It is a standard way of connecting devices, such as computers, servers, printers, and routers, to a network and allowing them to communicate with each other. 

Computer emulation is a technique in computing where one system, known as the emulator, replicates or imitates the functions and behavior of another system, known as the emulated or guest system. This is often used to run software or operating systems incompatible with the host machine.  

A firewall is a security system that controls access to a computer or a network by examining incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocking or allowing it based on a set of predefined security rules. Firewalls can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. 

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between computers on a network, usually over the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture, where an FTP client (such as FileZilla, or the command line tool ftp) is used to connect to an FTP server and transfer files. 

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with a computer or other electronic device using graphical elements such as icons, buttons, and windows, as opposed to text-based command-line interfaces. 

A gigabyte (GB) is a unit of measurement for data storage capacity. It is equivalent to 1,073,741,824 bytes, or 1 billion bytes. It is commonly used to measure the capacity of computer hard drives, flash drives, and other storage devices. 

A help desk from a computer perspective is a service or support team that provides assistance to users with technical issues or problems related to computer hardware, software, and network systems. Help desks may be provided by a company's IT department, an outsourced third-party provider, or a combination of both.  

In computing, the term "host" can have several meanings, depending on the context. However, all these meanings broadly refer to a device or system that provides services to other devices, known as clients, in a network.

A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine manager, is a piece of software that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server. It creates and manages virtual machines, which are software-based replicas of physical computers. Each virtual machine runs its own operating system and applications, and is isolated from the other virtual machines and the host server.  

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a type of cloud computing service that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. These resources can include virtual machines, storage, and networking, and are typically accessed via an API or a web-based interface.  

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses serve two main functions in IP-based networks: host or network interface identification and location addressing.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides internet access to customers. ISPs use various technologies to provide internet access, including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, and satellite. They may also offer other services such as email, web hosting, and virtual private networks (VPNs). ISPs operate at various levels, from local to national and international. 

JavaScript is a programming language that is commonly used in web development. It is used to add interactivity and dynamic behavior to websites, such as animations, form validation, and responding to user input. 

Job scheduling in information technology refers to the process of automating the execution of tasks or programs at specific times or intervals. This can include tasks such as running backups, performing data analysis, or running maintenance scripts. Job scheduling allows IT administrators to automate repetitive tasks and ensure that critical processes are running as expected.

A kernel is the central part of an operating system that controls all the other parts of the system and manages the communication between the hardware and software. It is the first part of the operating system that starts when the computer boots up, and it is responsible for managing the resources of the system, such as memory, CPU, and I/O devices. 

A knowledge base is a collection of information and data that is organized and structured to support problem-solving and decision-making. It is a central repository that contains information on a specific subject or area of expertise and can be used to support a wide range of activities such as customer support, technical assistance, and research. 

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that connects devices, such as computers and servers, within a small geographic area, such as a single building or campus. LANs allow devices to communicate with each other and share resources, such as printers, files, and internet access.  

Linux is a an open-source operating system based on the Unix operating system. There are many different distributions of Linux, each with their own features and tools. Some of the most popular distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. 

Media Access Control (MAC) is a protocol used in the data link layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model of computer networking. The MAC protocol is responsible for controlling access to the shared communication medium, such as a wired or wireless network, in a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN).  

Main memory, also known as primary memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), is a type of computer memory that is directly accessible by the central processing unit (CPU) and is used to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly. Main memory is volatile, which means that the data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off. 

Multitasking, with respect to computers, refers to the ability of a computer system to perform multiple tasks or processes simultaneously. This means that a computer can execute multiple programs or perform multiple operations at the same time, rather than having to complete one task before starting another. 

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that provides a range of IT services to its clients on a proactive basis, typically through a subscription-based model. MSPs offer a variety of services, including network monitoring and management, data backup and recovery, security management, and help desk support. 

Network Address Translation (NAT) is a method used to remap one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. The technique was originally used for ease of rerouting traffic in IP networks without readdressing every host.  

NA or network adapter, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component that allows a computer or other device to connect to a network. It is typically installed in a computer's expansion slot and connects to the network through a cable, such as an Ethernet cable. 

Open architecture refers to a design principle that emphasizes the use of open standards, interfaces, and protocols in the development of hardware and software systems. The goal of open architecture is to promote interoperability and flexibility by allowing different components and systems to work together seamlessly, regardless of their manufacturer or origin. 

An operating system (OS) is the software that manages and controls the hardware and software resources of a computer. It acts as an intermediary between the computer's hardware and the applications that run on it. The operating system is responsible for managing the computer's memory, processing power, storage, and input/output operations. 

A private cloud is a type of cloud computing environment that is dedicated to a single organization. It is typically deployed and managed on-premises, or within a private data center, and is not shared with other organizations. This means that the organization has complete control over the infrastructure, including the hardware, storage, and network resources. 

A computer program, also known as a software program or simply a program, is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Programs are written in programming languages, such as C++, Python, or Java, and are designed to perform specific tasks or solve specific problems.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a type of cloud computing service that provides a platform for the development, deployment, and management of software applications.  PaaS is built on top of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and provides a complete development environment, including the operating system, middleware, and programming languages, for developers to create, test, and deploy their applications. 

Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of a network to deliver a consistent level of service to a particular application or group of applications. In a cybersecurity context, QoS is important because it can help to ensure that sensitive or mission-critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and other resources to function properly, even in the face of network congestion or other issues.

 Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses the properties of quantum mechanics to perform operations on data. In contrast to classical computing, which is based on the binary system of ones and zeroes, quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in a state of superposition and entanglement. 

A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a type of software that is used to create, manage, and query relational databases. A relational database is a type of database that organizes data into tables, with each table consisting of rows (also known as records) and columns (also known as fields). 

A rack unit (U or RU) is a unit of measurement used to describe the height of equipment that is designed to be mounted in a rack. A rack is a framework used to mount and organize computer servers, networking equipment, and other electronic devices. The standard height of a rack unit is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), and equipment is typically designed to be mounted in multiples of this unit. 

A redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) is a data storage technology that uses multiple physical disk drives to store data in a way that provides fault tolerance and improved performance. RAID systems use a combination of hardware and software to spread data across multiple disk drives, providing redundancy to protect against data loss in case of a disk failure. 

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that is used to temporarily store data that the computer is currently using or processing. RAM is a volatile memory, which means that it is wiped clean when the computer is powered off, as it stores data only as long as the computer is running. 

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a type of cloud computing service that allows users to access and use software applications over the internet, rather than installing them on their own computers. SaaS applications are hosted and managed by a third-party provider, who is responsible for maintaining the servers, storage, and infrastructure required to run the software. 

A storage area network (SAN) is a specialized, high-speed network that provides block-level access to data storage. SANs are typically composed of hosts, switches, storage devices, and storage arrays, connected together with specialized high-speed interfaces such as Fibre Channel or iSCSI. SANs are used to create a centralized pool of storage that can be accessed by multiple servers. 

A server is a computer or system that is designed to manage and distribute network resources, such as data storage, applications, and services, to other devices on a network. Servers are typically more powerful and have more storage capacity than regular personal computers, and are designed to handle the increased demands of running and managing network resources. 

SA Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM) is a type of memory module that is used to add memory to a computer. It is called a "single in-line" module because the memory chips are arranged in a single row on the module. SIMMs have been largely replaced by the more recent Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) technology, but you can still find them in some older systems. 

TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, and it is a set of communication protocols that are used to connect devices on a network, such as computers and servers. TCP/IP is the foundation of the internet and is used by virtually all networks, including the internet, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs). 

Twisted pair cable is a type of cable that is used to transmit data and other communications signals. It is called "twisted pair" because the cable contains two or more insulated copper wires that are twisted together in pairs. The twisting helps to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, which can cause data errors and slow data transfer speeds. 

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it is a standard for connecting devices to a computer or other host. USB is a plug-and-play interface, meaning that devices can be connected and disconnected without the need for a reboot, or special software configuration. USB was designed to make it easy to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, cameras, and external hard drives to a computer, as well as charging devices. 

Uploading refers to the process of transmitting data from a device, such as a computer or a smartphone, to a remote server or another device connected to the internet. The data being uploaded can be various types of files, such as images, videos, music, documents, or software. Once the data is uploaded, it can be stored on the remote server or be accessible to other users on the internet. 

A URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, and it is a reference to a specific resource on the internet. A resource can be anything that can be identified by a unique address, such as a web page, an image, or a file. A URL is the address that is used to access that resource, and it is made up of several parts, including the protocol, the domain name, and the path. 

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that allows you to create a secure connection over a less-secure network between your computer and the internet. This can be useful when you are connected to the internet via an untrusted network, such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop. 

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows users to access a virtualized version of a desktop operating system from a remote location. Instead of running a desktop operating system on a physical computer, VDI allows the operating system and its associated applications to run on a central server.  

Virtual memory is a technology that allows a computer to use hard disk space as if it were RAM. RAM is a type of computer memory that is used to temporarily store data while a computer is running. When a computer runs out of RAM, it can use virtual memory to temporarily store data on the hard disk.  

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a technical standard that is used to develop and deliver mobile applications and services to wireless devices such as cell phones and tablets. It provides a framework for delivering content and services to mobile devices over wireless networks, and includes protocols for communication, security, and other features. 

WA or wide area network (WAN) is a type of computer network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city, a state, or even a country. WANs can connect multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) together, allowing devices and users on different LANs to communicate with each other.   WANs can be used to connect computers in remote offices, telecommuters, and mobile users to a central location, such as a corporate headquarters or a data center. 

Wi-Fi (short for Wireless Fidelity) is a technology that allows devices to connect to a wireless network using radio waves. It is a widely-used wireless networking standard that allows devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices to connect to the internet, and also to communicate with each other without the need for a physical wired connection. 

X band is a term that is used to refer to a range of frequencies in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the United States, the X band is typically defined as the range of frequencies from 8.0 to 12.0 GHz. It is used for a variety of purposes, including radar, satellite communication, and military communication.

From a cybersecurity perspective, YAML is generally considered to be a safe and reliable format for storing and exchanging data. It does not include any active content or scripting elements, which makes it less vulnerable to certain types of attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or injection attacks.

A Zip file is a compressed archive file format that is used to store multiple files and/or directories into a single file. The Zip file format is one of the most widely used formats for file compression and archiving. The purpose of compressing files into a Zip archive is to reduce the size of the original files and make them easier to transfer over the internet or to save on storage space.