Servers and related technology have a vast, complex vocabulary, often filled with acronyms. This guide aims to simplify the jargon by presenting the top 100 most commonly used server-related acronyms and their definitions.
⚙️ API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of rules and protocols for building software and applications, dictating how different software components should interact.
🖥️ BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
The BIOS is embedded software on a motherboard, running when a computer starts to ensure components function correctly.
🌐 CDN (Content Delivery Network)
CDN refers to a distributed group of servers working together to provide fast delivery of internet content like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and videos.
🔄 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the main component of a computer that interprets and executes instructions from both hardware and software.
🗄️ CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
CRUD refers to the four basic types of SQL commands used in database management.
🎨 CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
CSS is a language for styling and formatting web documents written in HTML, enabling separation of document content from presentation.
🛡️ DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)
A DDoS attack attempts to overwhelm a target server, service, or network with a flood of internet traffic, disrupting normal functionality.
🌍 DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DHCP is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network parameters to devices on a network.
🌐 DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS is the internet’s “phone book,” translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses for network identification.
🧠 DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory)
DRAM is a memory type that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor, requiring periodic refreshing.
✅ ECC (Error Correction Code)
ECC is a type of data storage that detects and corrects common internal data corruption errors for added reliability.
🔄 FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP is a protocol used to transfer files between computers over a TCP-based network, like the internet.
🖼️ GUI (Graphical User Interface)
GUI represents functions visually, allowing users to interact with programs more intuitively than command-line interfaces.
💾 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
HDD is an older data storage device using rotating disks coated with magnetic material to store and retrieve data.
📝 HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages and applications, structuring web content with CSS and JavaScript.
🔒 HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure)
HTTPS is an extension of HTTP for secure internet communication, using encryption for secure data transfer.
☁️ IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS is cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
📡 ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ICMP is a protocol that network devices, like routers, use to send error messages and operational information.
💻 IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
IDE is software that provides tools like text editors, debuggers, and compilers for software development.
🔗 IIS (Internet Information Services)
IIS is a web server created by Microsoft for Windows NT family operating systems.
🌐 IP (Internet Protocol)
IP is a communication protocol for relaying datagrams across network boundaries.
🌍 IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
IPv4 is the fourth version of IP, forming the foundation for most of today’s internet communication.
🌐 IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
IPv6 is the latest IP version, designed to replace IPv4 and provide a much larger address space.
📡 ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An ISP provides internet access, often including email, hosting, and other services.
💻 IT (Information Technology)
IT is the use of computers for storing, retrieving, and managing data, especially in a business or enterprise context.
☕ JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
JVM is an abstract computing machine that enables computers to run Java programs.
📜 JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
JSON is a file format for transmitting data as human-readable text with attribute-value pairs and array data types.
🌐 LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN interconnects computers within a limited area, like an office, school, or residence.
📖 LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
LDAP enables the organization and location of resources in a network, such as files or devices.
🔢 LUN (Logical Unit Number)
In computer storage, a LUN designates individual or groups of hard disk devices by a protocol like SCSI.
🛠️ MAC (Media Access Control)
MAC provides addressing and channel access mechanisms within the Data Link Layer of network models.
📂 NAS (Network Attached Storage)
NAS is a file-level data storage server connected to a network, allowing data access to multiple clients.
🔄 NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT maps one IP address space into another by modifying address information in packets.
🌐 NIC (Network Interface Card)
NIC is a hardware component that connects computers to a network.
📡 NOS (Network Operating System)
NOS supports workstations, personal computers, and other devices in a local area network (LAN).
🖥️ OS (Operating System)
An OS manages computer hardware and software resources, providing common services for programs.
☁️ PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS is cloud computing that provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications.
🖥️ PC (Personal Computer)
A PC is a multi-purpose computer suitable for individual use.
🚀 PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
PCIe is a high-speed serial expansion bus standard designed for efficient computer communication.
🔧 PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor)
PHP is an open-source scripting language widely used for web development, embeddable into HTML.
📧 POP (Post Office Protocol)
POP is a protocol used by email clients to retrieve emails from a mail server.
📈 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
RAID combines multiple disk drives for data redundancy and improved performance.
🧠 RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM stores working data and machine code, accessible in any order.
🌐 RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)
RDP is a protocol developed by Microsoft, allowing users to connect to another computer graphically.
🌐 REST (Representational State Transfer)
REST is a web service architecture that creates lightweight, maintainable, and scalable web services.
📻 RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
RFID uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects automatically.
💽 ROM (Read-Only Memory)
ROM is a storage medium that permanently stores data in computers and electronic devices.
📰 RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
RSS allows users to access updates to online content in a standardized, computer-readable format.
💽 SAN (Storage Area Network)
SAN is a network providing access to block-level data storage.
🔌 SATA (Serial ATA)
SATA connects host bus adapters to storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.
🏢 SDDC (Software-Defined Data Center)
SDDC virtualizes data center resources to achieve IT as a service (ITaaS).
💻 SDN (Software-Defined Networking)
SDN manages network resources programmatically for improved performance and monitoring.
🔍 SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO increases website traffic quality and quantity through search engine results.
🔐 SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
SFTP is a network protocol for secure file transfer and management over a reliable data stream.
📧 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP is a protocol for transmitting electronic mail.
🔧 SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
SNMP is a protocol for managing devices on IP networks.
💾 SQL (Structured Query Language)
SQL is a language for managing data in a relational database.
💽 SSD (Solid State Drive)
SSD is a storage device using integrated circuits, typically with flash memory.
🔐 SSH (Secure Shell)
SSH is a protocol for secure network services over an unsecured network.
🔒 SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
SSL establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, securing data transfer.
🔄 TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
TCP is a main protocol in the Internet protocol suite, establishing connections between servers and users.
🔐 TLS (Transport Layer Security)
TLS provides secure communications over a network, often used with HTTP as HTTPS.
📤 UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
UDP is a core Internet protocol used to send short messages, or datagrams.
🎨 UI (User Interface)
UI is the space where human and machine interactions occur.
🌍 URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A URL is a web page address used for internet file access.
🔌 USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB is a standard for connections, communications, and power supply between devices and computers.
🌐 UX (User Experience)
UX enhances customer satisfaction by improving product usability and pleasure.
💻 VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)
VDI hosts desktop OS within virtual machines on a central server.
🔌 VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
VLAN groups workstations, servers, and devices as if they’re on the same LAN.
🖥️ VM (Virtual Machine)
A VM is an emulation of a computer system that executes programs like a physical machine.
🔒 VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN provides secure data transfer by extending a private network across a public network.
🌐 VPS (Virtual Private Server)
VPS is a virtual machine running independently, provided by a hosting service.
📶 WAN (Wide Area Network)
A WAN covers a broad area, connecting smaller networks like LANs.
📡 WAP (Wireless Access Point)
WAP is hardware that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network.
🔐 WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II)
WPA2 is an improved Wi-Fi security protocol using AES encryption.
🌐 WWW (World Wide Web)
The WWW is an information system with documents and resources accessed via the internet.
📝 XML (eXtensible Markup Language)
XML is a markup language widely used for data representation in web services.
🔐 XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
XSS is a security vulnerability allowing code injection into web applications.
This glossary simplifies server terminology, making it easier to understand key concepts in networking and IT infrastructure. This resource is valuable for IT professionals and newcomers, providing a foundational understanding of common terms and acronyms.