The A-Z Glossary of Microsolve - Simplifying IT Jargon for Everyone

API (Application Programming Interface) - A set of rules that allows different software programs to communicate with each other

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Simulation of human intelligence by machines, enabling tasks like learning, reasoning, and self-correction

Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Amazon’s comprehensive cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services such as computing power, storage, and databases. Microsolve helps organisations migrate to and manage AWS environments for flexibility, scalability, and security.

Azure - Microsoft’s cloud computing platform for scalable infrastructure and services. Microsolve provides Azure migration and management!

Backup - The process of copying and storing data to prevent loss from failures or disasters. Microsolve offers secure backup solutions.

Bandwidth - The maximum rate of data transfer across a network, measured in bits per second.

Bluetooth - Short-range wireless technology for connecting devices, such as phones and headsets

Cloud Computing - Delivery of computing services (servers, storage, software) over the internet. Microsolve helps businesses migrate and manage cloud environments.

Cache - Temporary storage that speeds up data access by storing frequently used information.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) - Software to manage a company’s interactions with customers and prospects.

Certificate - A digital document used to verify the identity of a user, device, or server.

Disaster Recovery (DR) - trategies and solutions to restore systems and data after a disruptive event. Microsolve offers DR as a Service for business continuity.

Database - An organised collection of data, typically managed electronically.

DNS (Domain Name System) - The system that translates domain names (like microsolve.com.au) into IP addresses.

Dashboard - A visual interface displaying key metrics and data for quick insights.

Endpoint Security - Measures to protect devices like computers and mobiles from cyber threats. Microsolve implements endpoint protection.

Encryption - The process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorised access.

Ethernet - A common method of networking computers in a local area network (LAN).

E-commerce - Buying and selling goods or services online

Firewall - Hardware or software that blocks unauthorised access to networks. Microsolve configures and manages firewalls.

Firmware - Permanent software programmed into hardware devices, controlling basic functions.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - A standard network protocol used to transfer files between computers.

File System - The method and structure an operating system uses to manage files on a disk or partition

Gigabyte (GB) - A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 megabytes, used to measure storage capacity.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - A specialised processor designed to accelerate graphics rendering and computation.

Gateway - A network node that acts as an access point to another network (often confused with a "Firewall").

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - The standard language for creating web pages and web applications. Microsolve offers web development using HTML.

HTTP/HTTPS - Protocols used to transfer data over the web; HTTPS adds encryption for security.

Hybrid Cloud - A computing environment combining on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. Microsolve designs hybrid cloud solutions.

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) - A framework of best practices for IT service management.  Microsolve follows ITIL standards.

IP Address - A unique identifier for devices on a network.

IoT (Internet of Things) - The network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software to connect and exchange data.

JavaScript - A programming language used to create interactive features on websites. Microsolve’s developers use JavaScript.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) - A lightweight data-interchange format, easy for humans to read and write.

Jira - A popular tool for issue tracking and project management in IT environments.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator) - Metrics used to evaluate the success of an organisation or IT service. Microsolve helps define and track IT KPIs.

Kubernetes - An open-source platform for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerised applications.

Kerberos - A network authentication protocol designed to provide strong authentication for client/server applications.

LAN (Local Area Network) - A network connecting computers within a limited area, such as an office. Microsolve designs and maintains secure LANs.

Linux - An open-source operating system widely used for servers and desktops.

Load Balancer - A device or software that distributes network or application traffic across multiple servers for reliability and performance.

Malware - Malicious software designed to harm or exploit systems. Microsolve provides malware protection.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) - Security process requiring more than one method of authentication. Microsolve implements MFA for clients.

Managed Services - Outsourced IT services for monitoring, management, and support. Microsolve delivers comprehensive managed services.

Network Access Control (NAC) - Security policies and technologies that restrict network access to authorised users and devices. Microsolve implements NAC.

NAS (Network Attached Storage) - A file storage device connected to a network, allowing data access by multiple users.

Node - Any active, physical, or logical device connected to a network.

Operating System (OS) - Software that manages computer hardware and software resources, e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux.

OAuth - An open standard for access delegation, commonly used for token-based authentication.

Operational Technology (OT) - Hardware and software that detects or causes changes through direct monitoring and control of physical devices, processes, and events in an organisation (e.g., in manufacturing, healthcare, or utilities). OT is increasingly integrated with IT for improved efficiency and security. Microsolve offers solutions to securely integrate and manage OT environments.

OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection) - A seven-layer framework that standardises network communication functions. Microsolve ensures your infrastructure adheres to OSI standards.

Patch - A software update designed to fix vulnerabilities or bugs. Microsolve manages patching for clients.

Patchlead - A cable (usually blue!) that connects from the Ethernet port of a device to a wall port or switch

Protocol - A set of rules for data exchange between devices. Microsolve advises on secure and efficient protocol implementation.

Phishing - Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.

Quality of Service (QoS) - Techniques to prioritise network traffic, ensuring critical applications perform reliably. Microsolve configures QoS.

Query - A request for information from a database.

Quantum Computing - An emerging technology using quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform computation.

Router - A device that directs data traffic between networks. Microsolve supplies and configures routers.

Ransomware - A type of malware that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) - A data storage technology that combines multiple disks for redundancy or performance.

SaaS (Software as a Service) - Software delivered via the cloud on a subscription basis. Microsolve offers SaaS solutions.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) - A protocol for encrypting information sent over the internet.

Switch - A network device that connects multiple devices within a LAN and forwards data to the correct destination.

Technology Debt - The cost and risk of outdated or quick-fix IT solutions. Microsolve helps identify and manage technology debt.

Token - A digital object used for authentication and access control.

Two-factor Authentication (2FA) - A security process requiring two forms of identification.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) - A device providing emergency power during outages, protecting data and hardware. Microsolve installs and maintains UPS systems.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address used to access resources on the internet.

User Experience (UX) - The overall experience a person has when interacting with a product or system.

Vulnerability Assessment - The process of identifying and evaluating security weaknesses. Microsolve conducts vulnerability assessments.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A secure connection over the internet to protect data and privacy. Microsolve configures VPNs for remote work.

Virtualisation - Creating virtual versions of physical hardware or environments to optimise resource use.

WAN (Wide Area Network) - A network that connects multiple locations over large distances. Microsolve designs and manages WANs.

Wi-Fi - Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or a network.

Web Application - A software application accessed via a web browser. Microsolve develops secure web applications.

XaaS (Anything as a Service) - A collective term for cloud-based services, including SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS. Microsolve delivers a range of XaaS offerings.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) - A markup language for encoding documents in a format readable by humans and machines.

YAML (YAML Ain’t Markup Language) - A human-readable data format used for configuration files and data exchange. Microsolve supports YAML for streamlined IT configurations.

Yottabyte - A unit of digital information equal to one septillion bytes, used to measure extremely large data sets.

ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) - A security model that requires strict verification for every user and device. Microsolve implements ZTNA to minimise cybersecurity risks.

Zero-day - A security vulnerability unknown to those who should fix it, often exploited by attackers.