Glossary of key technical terms

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Firewall: 

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Malware: 

Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): 

A protocol that provides secure communication over the internet by encrypting data transmission.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): 

A secure network connection that allows users to access and transmit data over a public network as if they were directly connected to a private network.

Bandwidth: 

The amount of data that can be transferred in a given amount of time, often used to describe internet speed.

DNS (Domain Name System):

A system that translates domain names (e.g., example.com) into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using human-readable names.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): 

A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network, used for identification and communication.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): 

The most recent version of the Internet Protocol, which provides a larger address space than IPv4 to accommodate the growing number of devices connected to the internet.

LAN (Local Area Network): 

A network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or school.

Protocol: 

A set of rules or standards that govern communication between devices on a network.

Redundancy: 

Duplication of critical components or systems in a network or computer infrastructure to ensure reliability and fault tolerance.

API (Application Programming Interface): 

A way for different software applications to communicate and share information with each other.

Cookie: 

A small piece of data stored on a user's computer by a website, used to remember preferences and track user activity.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): 

The standard markup language used to create web pages and applications.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator):

The address used to locate a resource, such as a website, on the internet.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): 

Software stored on a computer's motherboard that controls the hardware and initialises the system during start-up.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): 

A visual way for users to interact with electronic devices using graphical icons, buttons, and menus.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment): 

A software application that provides comprehensive tools and features for software development in one cohesive interface.

Cache: 

A storage area that stores frequently accessed data for quicker access.

Metadata: 

Data that provides information about other data, such as the author, date created, or file size.

Cloud Computing: 

Using remote servers accessed over the internet to store, manage, and process data rather than on a local server or personal computer.

Load Balancing: 

The distribution of network traffic or computing workload across multiple servers to ensure no single server is overwhelmed, improving performance and redundancy in a cloud environment. 

CRM (Customer Relationship Management): 

Software used to manage interactions and relationships with customers and potential customers. 

Ticketing System:

A software tool used in IT support to manage and track the status of user requests or reported issues. It helps streamline communication and resolution processes within a support team. 

Encryption: 

The process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorised access, making it readable only to those with the decryption key. 

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 

A security process in which a user provides two different authentication factors to verify their identity, typically something they know (password) and something they have (security token or mobile device). 

Server: 

A computer or software that provides data or services to other computers or devices on a network.

Latency: 

The time delay between the initiation of a task and the response or completion of that task.

Open Source: 

Software whose source code is freely available and can be modified and redistributed by anyone.

Remoting In: 

Refers to the process of accessing and controlling a computer or device from a remote location. This capability is commonly used for troubleshooting technical issues, accessing files or applications on a distant computer, or providing remote support to users.