IT Jargon Dictionary

The IT field is large and diverse. The amount of technical terms and jargon is just as large and diverse. Here are some of the most common terms and phrases you might hear.

IT - Information Technology

Computer - A device that runs an operating system and is able to execute code. Sometimes called a machine.

Server - A computer that provides resources or services over a network. Usually responsible for running the backend of line-of-business applications and storing frequently accessed files.

Line of Business (LOB) application - The software that’s used to run the business. Some business have multiple LOBs.

NAS (Network Attached Storage) - A type of server that stores files and makes them accessible over a network.

Database - A place where organized information is kept. Usually runs on a server.

Virtual Machine - A simulated computer or server that runs on a virtual host.

Virtual host or Hypervisor - A server that can run multiple virtual machines at the same time. This saves space and makes for easier maintenance.

Ethernet - The most common type of cable used to plug a computer into a network. Often called copper, because it uses copper strands. Sometimes you'll hear IT guys ask each other "copper or fiber?"

Fiber - Network cables made of glass wires inside of a protective jacket. Very fast but more expensive than copper. Not affected by radio interference.

Network - The physical and logical infrastructure that allows computers to talk to each other.

LAN (Local Area Network) - A network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as an office building.

WAN (Wide Area Network) - A network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs or other networks together.

Internet - All of the INTERconnected NETworks that you can connect to from your ISP. It is a network of ISP networks. The network of networks.

ISP - Internet Service Provider. They own the physical infrastructure that connects everything together.

Ping - A tool used to test if two computers can talk to each other. "ping 192.168.1.1" or "ping google.com"

Traceroute - a tool that uses pings to see how many hops to the destination.

cmd or command prompt - A tool where you type in commands, like ping or traceroute.

Router/Firewall/Gateway - Controls traffic for the network, making sure data goes where it should. Most people call them routers.

Modem - A device used to connect to your ISP network. Essentially converts a coax or fiber connection to ethernet.

Switch - A network device that connects other devices together. No routing or firewall, just physical connectivity.

IP address - A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network, used to identify and communicate with devices.

Bandwidth - The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time, usually measured in bits per second (bps) or megabits per second (Mbps)

Cloud Computing - The delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more, over the internet ("the cloud").

SSO (single sign on) - A system that allows a user to access multiple applications with a single username and password.

Two Factor Authentication (2fa) - A second layer of security. Usually some other form of authentication that is needed along with a username and password. The most common is text message codes.

More to come… Someday.