IT Glossary — Technical Terms Explained in Plain Language

The world of IT is full of technical terms and abbreviations. Here you’ll find the most important terms related to my services explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way—without any unnecessary technical jargon.

A

API (Application Programming Interface)

An interface that allows different programs to communicate with each other. It’s like a translation between two computer programs that speak different “languages.”

B

Backup

A backup of your important data. If something goes wrong, you can restore your files from the backup. It’s like insurance for your digital data.

Bash

A command-line programming language for Linux systems. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks instead of clicking through everything manually.

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

The Internet's “navigation system.” BGP determines the route data packets take through the global network to get from A to B.

C

CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)

A process in which software updates are automatically tested and deployed. This results in fewer errors and faster updates—like an automated quality assurance system.

CIS-Standards

Proven security guidelines for IT systems. For example, a security guide that specifies the settings a system should have to protect against attacks.

Cluster

Several computers that work together and function as a single, more powerful system. If one fails, the others take over its tasks.

Container

A kind of “package” for programs that contains everything the software needs to run. It makes programs portable and prevents conflicts between different applications.

D

Debian

A Linux distribution (version of the operating system) known for its stability and security. It is particularly popular for servers because it runs very reliably.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on the network. Like a parking attendant who assigns a vacant spot to each car.

DNS (Domain Name System)

The Internet's “phone book.” It translates human-readable website names (such as google.com) into the technical IP addresses that computers understand.

DSG/GDPR (Data Protection Act/General Data Protection Regulation)

Laws that govern how companies must handle personal data. They protect the privacy of customers and employees through clear rules and rights.

E

EFZ (Federal Certificate of Competence)

A Swiss vocational certificate awarded after a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship. It certifies in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge in a trade or profession.

Elementor

A tool for creating WordPress websites without any coding. It works like a visual drag-and-drop builder—you simply drag and drop elements into place.

ESXi

VMware's server virtualization software. It allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. It is often replaced by the free Proxmox.

F

Fedora

A modern Linux distribution that quickly integrates new technologies. Ideal for developers and IT professionals who need the latest software.

Firewall

A digital gatekeeper for your network. It monitors which data connections are allowed and blocks unwanted or dangerous access.

G

Git

A system for version control of files. It tracks changes and allows you to revert to earlier versions. It’s like a very detailed change log.

Grafana

Software for presenting data in clear charts and dashboards. Makes complex IT metrics visually understandable—like a cockpit for your IT.

H

HA (High Availability)

High availability — a system that practically never goes down. Thanks to redundant components, it keeps running even if parts of it fail.

HAProxy

Software that distributes requests across multiple servers. It ensures that no single server becomes overloaded and that the application remains fast.

HPE ProLiant

A server series from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Rugged, professional servers for data centers and businesses—the “workhorses” of the server world.

I

IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention System)

Security systems that detect and block suspicious activity on the network. Just like a guard dog that sounds the alarm or stops intruders.

iLO (Integrated Lights-Out)

A remote management technology for HP servers. It allows you to control servers even when they are powered off or the operating system is not running.

InfluxDB

A specialized database for time-series data. Perfect for storing metrics collected over time—such as temperature, performance, or network data.

IPsec

A protocol for secure data transmission over the Internet. It encrypts connections between networks so that no one can eavesdrop—like a secure tunnel.

IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System)

A routing protocol for large networks. It helps routers find the best path for data packets—like an automatic navigation system for network traffic.

K

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

A virtualization technology for Linux. It allows you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single computer—each in its own “virtual machine.”

L

Linux

A free, open-source operating system. An alternative to Windows and macOS that is particularly popular among server administrators and security-conscious users.

LXC (Linux Container)

A lightweight virtualization technology. LXC containers share the same kernel but require fewer resources than full virtual machines.

M

MariaDB

An open-source database system. It stores and manages data for websites and applications—like a digital filing system with very fast access.

Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of IT systems. Often detects problems before users even notice them—like a health check for computers and networks.

N

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

A storage system connected to a network that can be used by multiple devices. Like a shared hard drive for all the computers in your home or office.

nftables

A modern firewall system for Linux. The successor to the older iptables technology—easier to configure and more flexible to use.

O

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)

A routing protocol for networks. It automatically finds the fastest paths for data transmission and adapts when connections fail.

P

pfSense

Free firewall and router software. Turns a standard PC into a professional network security appliance with a wide range of features.

PostgreSQL

A powerful, free database system. Particularly well-suited for complex applications and large amounts of data.

Prometheus

A monitoring system that collects and analyzes metrics from IT systems. Like a data collector that measures the “pulse” of your entire IT infrastructure.

Proxmox VE

A free virtualization platform. It allows you to run multiple virtual servers on a single physical machine—ideal for businesses looking to cut costs.

Python

A versatile programming language used for automation, data analysis, and web development. Known for its simple, readable syntax.

Q

QEMU

An emulator and virtualization platform. It can simulate various computer architectures and run virtual machines—the technical foundation of many virtualization solutions.

R

RAID

A technology that combines multiple hard drives into a single system. It provides greater speed and/or reliability—if one drive fails, everything keeps running.

RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux)

A commercial Linux distribution from Red Hat. Known for its stability, security, and professional support—particularly popular in the enterprise sector.

S

SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)

An additional security system for Linux. It closely monitors what programs are allowed to do—like a very strict guard for the operating system.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

A protocol for monitoring network devices. It allows you to retrieve information from switches, routers, and servers—acting as a network diagnostic tool.

SSH (Secure Shell)

A secure way to log in to and control other computers remotely. All data is transmitted securely—just like secure remote access.

SSL/TLS

Encryption protocols for secure internet connections. They ensure that your data cannot be intercepted by third parties when you’re banking or shopping online.

Storage

A general term for data storage systems. It encompasses everything from individual hard drives to complex storage networks—the “memory” of IT.

T

TCL (Tool Command Language)

A scripting language used primarily in network hardware. It enables the automation of Cisco switches and other network devices.

TOM (Technical and Organizational Measures)

Security measures in accordance with the GDPR/DSG. Combines technical systems (such as encryption) with organizational rules (such as access controls) to protect personal data.

U

Ubuntu

A user-friendly Linux distribution. Well-suited for Linux beginners and available for both desktop computers and servers.

V

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

A method for dividing a physical network into several logical segments. Like virtual rooms in an office building—different departments, but the same infrastructure.

VM (Virtual Machine)

A virtual computer that runs on a physical computer. Like a computer inside a computer—with its own operating system, but without its own hardware.

VMware

A company and its virtualization software. A market leader in enterprise virtualization, but expensive—many switch to free alternatives like Proxmox.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A secure connection over the internet that simulates a private network. Like an encrypted tunnel that protects your data from prying eyes.

VyOS

Free router and firewall software based on Linux. Offers enterprise-grade features without license fees—like a professional router in software form.

W

WireGuard

A modern VPN protocol that is simpler and faster than older solutions. Like a high-tech security tunnel that operates with exceptional efficiency.

WordPress

The world's most popular website builder. User-friendly and flexible—from simple blogs to complex corporate websites.

Z

Zabbix

A comprehensive monitoring system for IT infrastructures. It monitors servers, networks, and applications around the clock and sends alerts when problems arise.

ZFS (Zettabyte File System)

An advanced file system with built-in data integrity checking. Automatically detects and repairs data errors—like a self-healing data storage system.

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