IT Glossary For Non-Tech Folks

Cloud Computing - A fancy name for “IT as a service”. Cloud Computing enables businesses to “rent” the hardware and software they need to manage their operations; similar to a car lease.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) - A way to link two computers through the public Internet by creating a special “wall” that blocks other unauthorized Internet traffic users from accessing the data.

Thin Client - The most common type of thin client is a low-end computer that provides only a graphical user interface to the end-user. The operating system and associated functions are provided by the server.

Managed Services – Services that are handled by an outsourced provider, such as network maintenance and monitoring.

Green Computing – Ways to reduce one’s environmental impact by making changes to one’s network that save energy and resources.

Security Gateway Interface – A single place for users to log in to many applications versus having to log in to each individual application. All of the security rules are applied at the point of login, so users can only access what they are authorized to.

Firewall - A technological barrier designed to prevent unauthorized or unwanted communications between sections of a computer network.

Web Filter – Think of it like a sieve for your network; end-users can only access websites that are approved.

VoIP – Stands for “voice over Internet protocol”. A way to talk on the phone using the Internet.