Fluent in Tech: Master the Jargon with Our New Glossary
Remember those old IT magazines? They used to have a fantastic feature at the end of every issue: a glossary! It was super helpful for understanding all the new tech terms thrown around. Well, we loved that idea, so we’re bringing it back!
We’ve been checking the most used terms around here over the past few weeks, and we’ve compiled this essential “Jargon Buster Glossary” just for you. Dive in and get fluent in tech!
Your Essential Tech Glossary
- Brute Force Attack: A hacking method that tries many different passwords or keys until the correct one is found.
- Bug Fix: A correction for a problem or error in software that causes it to behave unexpectedly.
- Cloud Solution Provider (CSP): A company that sells cloud-based services and software, such as Microsoft 365, often with added support.
- Compliance: Meeting legal, regulatory, or industry standards (e.g., for data protection or payment processing).
- Cyber Essentials Plus: A UK government-backed certification that shows a business has basic cyber security measures in place.
- Encryption: A method of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorised access.
- End of Support (EoS): This is when a software provider (like Microsoft) stops providing updates, security patches, and technical help for a product. For Windows 10, this means no more fixes or protection from new threats after 14 October 2025.
- ESU (Extended Security Updates): A paid service from Microsoft that provides critical security patches for a limited time after official support ends. It is expensive and only a temporary solution.
- FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): The UK regulator for financial services firms, ensuring they operate fairly and securely.
- Feature Update: A major update that adds new capabilities or improvements to software, beyond just fixing problems.
- Hardware Inventory: A list of all computers and devices in an organisation, for example, it can be used to check which ones can be upgraded or need replacing.
- HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity): A security feature that protects critical parts of the operating system from being changed by malicious software.
- ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office): The UK regulator for data protection and privacy.
- ISO 27001: An international standard for managing information security in organisations.
- Malware: Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or steal information from computers.
- Managed Service Provider (MSP): A company that manages a business’s IT systems and services, usually for a monthly fee.
- Microsoft 365: A suite of productivity tools from Microsoft, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, often used in business environments.
- Migration: The process of moving from one system or software version to another (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11).
- Modern Workplace: A term for using up-to-date technology and practices to improve productivity, collaboration, and security in the workplace.
- NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre): A UK government agency that provides advice and support on cyber security.
- Operating System (OS): The main software that runs on a computer and manages all other programmes (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, MacOS, Android).
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): A set of rules that businesses must follow if they handle credit or debit card payments, to protect cardholder data.
- PCI Security Standards Council: The global body that sets and manages the PCI DSS requirements.
- Rootkit: A type of malware designed to hide itself and other threats from detection.
- Security Patch: A small update released by software companies to fix security weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers. Without these, systems become vulnerable.
- Stakeholders: People or groups with an interest in a project or decision, such as staff, management, or clients.
- Technical Support: Help provided by the software company to fix problems or answer questions about their products.
- Technology Success Partner (TSP): A company that goes beyond basic IT support, helping businesses use technology strategically to achieve their goals. Asygma, for example,
- Timeback Method: A proprietary approach (used by Asygma) to identify and fix inefficiencies in business processes, giving time back to staff.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0: A security chip built into newer computers that helps protect sensitive data and ensures the device has not been tampered with.
- VBS (Virtualisation-Based Security): A security feature that uses virtual technology to isolate parts of the system, making it harder for malware to spread.
- Volume Licensing: A way for organisations to buy software licences in bulk, often at a discount, rather than purchasing individually.
- Windows 10 End of Support (EoS): The date after which Microsoft will no longer provide updates, patches, or support for Windows 10 (14 October 2025).
