| Backup | The process of creating copies of data or other resources in case the original is lost, damaged, or otherwise becomes unavailable. Backups are typically stored on separate devices or media, such as external hard drives or cloud storage, to ensure that they are not lost along with the original. |
| Cloud computing | A model of computing in which users access and use shared resources, such as computing power, storage, and software, over the internet, rather than using their own local resources. Cloud computing can be more cost-effective and scalable than traditional computing models. |
| Data center | A facility that houses and supports the operation of servers, storage systems, and other IT infrastructure. Data centers may be owned and operated by a company, or they may be provided by a third party as a service. |
| Domain name | A unique name that is used to identify a website or other internet resource. Domain names are typically organized into a hierarchy based on the type of resource, such as .com for commercial websites, .gov for US government websites, and .edu for educational websites. |
| Firewall | A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls are used to protect networks from unauthorized access, malware, and other threats. |
| Infrastructure | The underlying framework or structures that support the operation of a system or service. In the context of IT, infrastructure typically refers to the hardware, software, and other resources that are needed to support the operation of a network or other IT system. |
| Load balancer | A device or software that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers or resources to improve the performance and availability of a network or service. Load balancers can use various algorithms to determine how to route traffic, such as round-robin or least connections. |
| Managed service | A service provided by a third party that is responsible for the management and maintenance of a particular aspect of an organization's IT infrastructure, such as security, storage, or networking. Managed services can help organizations to more effectively manage their IT resources and reduce costs. |
| Network segment | A portion of a network that is separated from other parts of the network by a device, such as a switch or router. Network segments can be used to improve the performance and security of a network by isolating traffic and limiting access to certain resources. |
| Protocol | A set of rules or conventions that govern the communication between devices or systems. Protocols define how devices should connect, transmit data, and handle errors. There are many different protocols used in networking and other fields, such as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP. |
| Router | A device that connects multiple networks and forwards data packets between them based on their destination. Routers use routing tables and protocols to determine the most efficient path for data to travel and can also provide security and other networking services. |
| Security group | A collection of rules that define the traffic that is allowed to flow in and out of a network or resource. Security groups can be used to control access to resources and protect them from unauthorized access or attacks. |
| Virtual machine | A software-based simulation of a physical computer that runs on top of a host operating system. Virtual machines allow multiple operating systems or applications to run on a single physical server, providing benefits such as improved resource utilization and easier management. |
| Virtual network | A network that is created and managed entirely within software, rather than using physical networking hardware. Virtual networks can be used to create isolated networking environments within a larger network, or to connect multiple networks together. |
| Virtual private network (VPN) | A private network that is created over a public network, such as the internet. VPNs use encryption and other security measures to protect data transmitted over the network and to provide secure remote access to resources. |
| VLAN | A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a logical grouping of devices that are created within a larger network. VLANs are used to segment a network into smaller, more secure and efficient sub-networks. |
| WAN | A wide area network (WAN) is a network that spans a large geographical area, such as a country or the entire globe. WANs are typically used to connect multiple smaller networks, such as LANs or WLANs, together and can be implemented using various technologies, such as leased lines or satellite links. |
| Web server | A server that is designed to host websites and provide web content and services over the internet. Web servers typically run software, such as Apache or Microsoft IIS, that is responsible for handling requests from clients and serving content in response. |
| WLAN | A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a network that connects devices using wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi. WLANs can be used to provide connectivity within a limited area, such as a home or office, or can be connected to a larger network, such as the internet. |