IT Support
Terms
Access point -
Bandwidth - The maximum rate at which data can be transferred from one computer/network to another.
Cache - A cache stores data on a device to speed up future retrievals.
Cloud - Cloud computing involves storing and accessing data over the internet instead of using your computer hard drive.
Cookie - A piece of code downloaded from a server to keep track of user preferences.
CPU - Hardware component responsible for
CPS - A Cloud Printing Service allows users to print from any device on a network.
Database - A collection of data organized for fast search and retrieval by computers/programs.
DHCP - Dynamic Host Control Protocol automatically assigns and manages IP addresses for devices on a network.
DNS - Domain Name System is a protocol which makes IP addresses more friendly by linking them to names.
Domain Name - A name used to identify one or more IP addresses such as www.example.com.
Encryption - The process of converting data into an unrecognizable form to protect it from being seen by the wrong people.
Ethernet - The traditional method for connecting to a local area network (LAN).
FTP - File Transfer Protocol is a method of transferring files from one host to another on the internet.
Firewall - A barrier designed to protect computers and networks from outside connections which may be untrusted.
Gateway - A piece of hardware which acts as a gate between two networks, such as a router or firewall.
Hostname - A label assigned to hardware devices connected to any network.
HTTP - Hyper Transfer Protocol for transferring text, images etc.. across the world-wide-web.
IaaS - Infrastructure as a Service, a type of cloud computing which provides "virtual" resources over the internet.
IP Address - A unique string of numbers identifying individual computers connected to a network via internet protocol.
ISP - Internet service provider (AT&T, Comcast etc..)
Lan - Local Area Network to connect computers in an office building, school etc..
Localhost - The local computer a program is running on.
Gigabyte - A unit of stored data equal to one thousand million (109) bytes, or simply 1000 megabytes.
Malware - A short term for "malicious software" which can include spyware, viruses, and rootkits.
Megabyte - A unit of stored data equal to one million bytes.
MSP - Managed Service Provider, a company which manages a company's IT remotely.
NAT - Network Address Translation, the process of assigning a public IP address to a computer or group of computers within a network.
Network Adapter - A hardware component which connects a computer to a network (wired or wireless)
Network Hub - A device which allows multiple computers to communicate with each other over a local area network (using ethernet).
Network Interface - A hardware or software point of communication between a computer and a public/private network.
Patch - A set of updates designed to fix or improve a computer program.
Port - Usually refers to a connection on a piece of computer hardware to connect devices such as printers, mice, hard drives etc..
Protocol - TCP, UDP
RAM - Random Access Memory, is a common type of computer memory which is found in PCs, Printers, Smartphones and similar devices.
Remote Desktop - Software which allows users to connect to another computer and see/interact with it as if it were local to them.
Router - A device which connects computer networks.
SAN - Storage Area Network, a secure and high speed network of storage devices.
Serial Port - A type of connection used for peripherals such as mice and older printers which transfers one byte at a time.
SID - Service Set Identifier, a unique name used to identify useres or groups of users on windows NT/2000.
SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SSL - Secure Sockets Layer, an extension of HTTP which is used for secure communication over a network such as the internet.
SMB - Server Message Block Protocol, allows windows computers to share files, printer access etc.. over the same network.
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TLS - Transport Layer Security, An alternate security protocol to SSL.
Two Factor Authentication - A security measure in wich access is granted not just with a password but with some other evidence the user has with them, such as their mobile phone.
USB - An interface which connects peripheral devices such as mice, keyboards and printers to a host controller, such as a computer.
URL - Also known as a web address such as
Virtualization - The process of dividing the resources of a device (server, harddrive, network) for multiple human users, applications or other devices to interact with as if a single resource.
VoIP - Voice Over Internet Protocol refers to the transmission of voice and multi-media over IP networks such as the internet.
VPN - Virtual Private Network,
WAN - Wide Area Network, A telecomunications network which interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs).
WLAN - Wireless Lan, a network which allows devices to connect and communicate wirelessly.
WPA - Wifi-protected access
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