We’ve compiled a full list of commonly encountered IT terminology that will help you better understand the industry and how it works. By familiarizing yourself with basic computer terms and definitions, you’ll allow yourself to understand manuals, descriptions, and everyday jargon necessary to fully grasp IT products and services.
You’ll find our tech glossary is conveniently laid out below in alphabetical order with an easy navigation interface so you can quickly reference words related to technology.
In addition to our tech terms, you can also find other resources to help you learn more about the role of technology in modern industry, including blogs, whitepapers, and case studies. Though our list of IT terms to know is expansive, if you have any further questions regarding things to know about technology, please contact us.
Unified Communications (UC) refers to the integration of various communication tools and technologies into a single, cohesive system. UC combines services such as instant messaging, voice (including VoIP), video conferencing, email, voicemail, and collaboration tools. The goal is to improve business processes and increase user productivity by simplifying communication and reducing latency, allowing for seamless interaction across different media and devices.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol used across the internet for time-sensitive transmissions such as video playback or DNS lookups. UDP is a part of the Internet Protocol suite, and it allows data to be transferred without establishing a formal connection between sender and receiver. This makes UDP faster but less reliable than TCP, as it does not guarantee delivery, order, or error checking, making it suitable for applications where speed is critical, and occasional data loss is acceptable.
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry-standard interface that establishes communication between devices and a host controller (usually a personal computer). USB is used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, external storage devices, and smartphones. It allows for data transfer and power supply between devices. USB has evolved over time, with versions like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C offering increased data transfer speeds and improved power delivery.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a connected load when the main power source fails. It offers near-instantaneous protection from power interruptions by supplying energy stored in batteries or flywheels. UPS systems protect hardware such as computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment, and other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause data loss, serious business disruption, or damage to equipment.
Unified Threat Management (UTM) is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that integrates multiple security features into a single platform. UTM devices combine firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, antivirus, anti-spam, content filtering, and virtual private networking (VPN) capabilities. By consolidating these functions, UTM simplifies network security management, reduces complexity, and provides a centralized point of control, making it easier for organizations to protect their networks against a variety of threats.
