IT Glossary
Key Terms To Know In The IT Industry
File Signature
A unique sequence of bytes used to identify or verify the content and format of a file. File signatures, often found in the file header, help in determining the file type regardless of the file extension, enhancing security and data management strategies.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, General IT
File Synchronization
The process of ensuring that files in two or more locations are updated through certain rules. In cloud computing and data management, file synchronization is used to consistently maintain copies of files across multiple devices or cloud storage services, ensuring data consistency and accessibility.
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, Data Management
File System
The method and data structures that an operating system uses to keep track of files on a disk or partition; the way files are organized on the disk.
You will find this term commonly used in General IT, Storage
File System Clustering
A method of using multiple servers to manage file system storage, enhancing performance and reliability by distributing file system services.
You will find this term commonly used in Storage, High Availability
File System Hierarchy
The organization of directories and files in a hierarchical structure within an operating system. It defines the way files are stored, organized, and accessed on a storage device.
You will find this term commonly used in Operating Systems, Storage
File System Permissions
Rules in a file system that determine who can access files and directories, and what actions they can perform (read, write, execute). Permissions are crucial for maintaining system security and ensuring that only authorized users can access or modify files.
You will find this term commonly used in Operating Systems, Security
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Web Technologies
File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS)
An extension of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that adds support for the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) cryptographic protocols to ensure secure file transfers.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
File Versioning
The practice of keeping multiple versions of a file within a file system. This allows users to access, restore, or analyze previous versions of a file, providing a safety net for data recovery and change tracking.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, Storage
Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS)
A set of requirements and guidelines for file and directory placement under UNIX-like operating systems. The FHS helps maintain consistency and organization within the system, making it easier for users and programs to find files.
You will find this term commonly used in Operating Systems
Filter Bubble
A phenomenon where algorithms selectively guess what information a user would like to see based on the user's past behavior and preferences, potentially isolating the user from contrasting viewpoints.
You will find this term commonly used in AI, General IT
Fingerprinting (Digital)
The process of identifying unique attributes or characteristics of a software, device, or network for the purposes of identification or security assessment.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
A computational technique used to simulate how a product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, and other physical effects. While not exclusively an IT term, FEA software is crucial in designing and testing components, including those in IT hardware.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Finite State Machine
A computational model used to design computer programs and sequential logic circuits. It is a mathematical model of computation that transitions through a series of states based on inputs.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, AI
Fintech
A term used to describe the new tech that seeks to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services. At its core, fintech is utilized to help companies, business owners, and consumers better manage their financial operations.
You will find this term commonly used in General IT, Software Development
Firewall
A network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
A new type of a next-generation firewall. It comes with the flexibility of being a cloud service and combines the benefits of an on-premises firewall with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a cloud service.
You will find this term commonly used in Cloud Computing, Security
Firewall Auditing
The process of reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of firewall rules and policies to ensure they are properly securing the network while allowing legitimate traffic. Firewall auditing helps identify misconfigurations and outdated rules.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Bypass
Techniques or technologies that enable communication to and from a protected network to evade or circumvent firewall rules and policies.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity
Firewall Configuration
The process of setting up firewall rules and policies to manage and control the flow of inbound and outbound network traffic. Firewall configuration is critical for defining what traffic is allowed or blocked to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Configuration Management
The ongoing process of managing and maintaining the optimal settings and policies of a firewall to protect network resources. This includes regularly updating firewall rules, monitoring performance, and ensuring the firewall is effectively securing the network against threats.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
Firewall Inspection
A process where incoming and outgoing network traffic is monitored and analyzed by a firewall to detect and block potentially harmful data packets based on a set of security rules. This can include deep packet inspection (DPI), which examines the data part (and possibly the header) of the packet.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Log Analysis
The process of examining logs produced by firewalls to monitor and analyze network traffic for signs of suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. Firewall log analysis is crucial for network security and compliance.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Penetration Testing
The practice of testing a firewall's security by simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities and configuration issues. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of firewall policies and the overall security posture of a network.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Policy Management
The process of creating, modifying, and enforcing rules and policies within a firewall to control access to network resources. Effective firewall policy management is crucial for protecting a network from unauthorized access and threats.
You will find this term commonly used in Security, Networking
Firewall Rule
A specific instruction or condition configured in a firewall to manage the traffic over a network. Firewall rules can allow, block, or prompt for user authorization depending on the criteria set, such as IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols, to enhance network security.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
Firewall Ruleset Optimization
The process of adjusting the set of rules in a firewall to improve performance, security, and management efficiency.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Networking
Firewall Whitelisting
A security measure where a firewall is configured to allow only specified traffic through, based on a list of approved services, IP addresses, or domains. This is considered a more restrictive approach compared to blacklisting, which blocks specified traffic.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
Firmware
A specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Firmware can be thought of as "semi-permanent" software that is tightly bound to the hardware it controls.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, General IT
Firmware Analysis
The process of examining the software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware to understand its functionalities or find vulnerabilities.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Embedded Systems
Firmware Compatibility
The degree to which a piece of firmware can work with other systems, devices, or previous versions of itself. Compatibility issues can arise when hardware is updated or when trying to integrate devices from different manufacturers.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Firmware Decompilation
The process of reverse engineering firmware binaries to their source code or a higher-level representation to understand or modify their behavior.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity, Reverse Engineering
Firmware Development Kit (FDK)
A set of tools, libraries, and resources provided by hardware manufacturers to facilitate the development of firmware for their devices. FDKs often include compilers, debuggers, and documentation to assist developers in creating efficient and functional firmware.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Firmware Engineering
The process of designing, implementing, and testing firmware, which is the software programmed into the read-only memory of a hardware device. Firmware engineering involves both software development skills and an understanding of the hardware it will control.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Firmware Hacking
The act of modifying or exploiting the firmware of devices to unlock features not intended by the manufacturer or to embed malicious code.
You will find this term commonly used in Cybersecurity
Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA)
A technology that enables manufacturers to update firmware remotely over the network (typically the internet). FOTA is widely used in mobile devices, IoT devices, and automotive systems to deploy updates without requiring physical access to the device.
You will find this term commonly used in IoT, Mobile Technology
Firmware Update
The process of installing newer firmware versions on a device, which can provide new features, fix bugs, or improve performance. This process is critical for maintaining the security and reliability of hardware devices.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Security
Firmware Versioning
The practice of assigning unique version numbers or identifiers to different releases of firmware. Versioning helps in tracking and managing updates, enhancements, or bug fixes to the firmware installed on hardware devices.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Firmware Virtualization
A technology that allows firmware functionalities to be abstracted and run in a virtual environment, enabling the development and testing of firmware in a controlled and flexible setting without the need for physical hardware.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Software Development
Fixed Function Hardware
Hardware that is designed to perform a specific function or set of functions, unlike programmable logic devices.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware Development, Embedded Systems
Fixed IP Address
An IP address that remains the same over time, as opposed to a dynamic IP address which can change. Fixed IP addresses are often used for devices that need to be reliably accessible, such as servers.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking
Fixed Wireless
A type of broadband internet access which uses radio signals to connect two fixed locations (e.g., building to building or tower to home) without the need for phone or cable lines. It's a crucial technology in providing internet services to rural areas.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
A method of providing internet access to users via wireless mobile network technology rather than through fixed lines or cables. FWA can be an effective broadband solution for rural or hard-to-reach areas where laying cables is not feasible.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Internet Service
Fixed-Function Hardware
Hardware components designed to perform a specific function or set of functions, unlike programmable hardware which can be repurposed through software.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Computing
Flaky Test
In software testing, a test that inconsistently passes or fails when no changes have been made to the code, often indicating issues with the test environment or the test itself.
You will find this term commonly used in Software Development, Quality Assurance
Flash BIOS
The process of updating the firmware of a computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This can provide hardware support for new types of devices, fix bugs, or improve system stability. Flashing the BIOS is a critical operation that should be done with caution.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, General IT
Flash Crowd
A sudden surge in traffic to a website or network, often caused by a specific event, leading to potential overloads and service disruptions.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
Flash Flood
In IT, this term can metaphorically describe a sudden influx of data or traffic that overwhelms a system, similar to a DDoS attack or a surge in user activity that servers are unprepared to handle.
You will find this term commonly used in Networking, Security
Flash Memory
A type of non-volatile storage that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. It is widely used for storage and transfer of data in devices like USB flash drives, SSDs, and memory cards.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, General IT
Flash Memory Controller
A device that manages data stored on flash memory and communicates with the rest of the system. It plays a crucial role in wear leveling, error correction, and managing read and write operations on the flash memory, ensuring data integrity and extending the lifespan of the memory device.
You will find this term commonly used in Hardware, Storage
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