| Word | Definition |
|---|
application |
Software that enables a user to complete complicated and
specific tasks, such as word processing |
|
archiving |
Data that is not required on a regular basis, but needs to
be kept |
|
autoloader |
A low cost, mid capacity device to store your data without
the need for expensive hardware. |
|
backup |
The act of copying data to provide replacement data in the
event of the intial data being lost |
| bit |
The smallest unit of computer data, consisting of a 0 or 1
(binary code) |
| byte |
A unit of measurement for computer data. Consists of 8 bits |
| DAS |
Direct Attached Storage. Storage attached to a single
server, and only accessable by that server. |
| data |
Any electronically saved information |
| disaster recovery |
The ability to recreate data and systems when the main
system fails or is unavailable |
| disk |
a medium to store data on (a magnetic flat disk) |
| downtime |
The period of time a server is unavailable, either due to
failure or routine maintenance |
| encryption |
Turning information into code to protect it from
unauthorised viewers |
|
environment |
The unique set up of a computer including its operating
system and processor |
|
failover |
The ability to swap between a main server and a duplicate
when the main server fails |
|
fibre channel |
A high speed connection between servers and storage |
|
filer |
A file server designed and programmed for high-volume data
storage, backup, and archiving |
|
hardware |
A piece of equipment, such as a processor, or a motherboard |
|
header |
a control unit for a file server |
|
ISCSI |
Internet small computer system interface. A protocol that
links storage over a network |
|
mirror |
A simultaneous copy of a server in realtime |
|
NAS |
Network Attached Storage. Storage attached to the network
rather than a single server |
|
operating system |
The software program that runs all other programs on the
computer and controls basic tasks such as keyboard input |
|
processor |
The part of a computer that controls and executes all
programs |
|
SAN |
Storage Area Network. Connects multiple servers to a
centralised pool of storage |
|
server |
A computer that handles data, often as part of a network |
|
snap |
A copy of a server contents at one point in time (like a
photograph snapshot) |
|
software |
A program that needs to be loaded into a computer to run a
task |
|
spam |
Unsolicited mail, most commonly used to describe unsolicited
email. |
|
storage |
Hardware or software used to retain information
electronically |
|
tape |
a medium to store data on (a magnetic ribbon) |
|
uptime |
The period of time a server is in active use |
|
virtualisation |
The ability to create multiple environments/operating
systems on one server |
|
virus |
A computer program designed to disrupt other programs on
your computer. Can be passed on to other computers over
email or shared disks |