Glossary

Technical terms in plain language

Quotes and conversations about technology are full of terms that are not obvious. Here you will find the most common ones, explained briefly and clearly.

Terms from A to Z

Access point

A device that broadcasts Wi-Fi and connects to the network by cable. Large spaces use several access points so that coverage is even.

Network Installations

API

A way for two programs to exchange data automatically. For example, an online shop sends orders to the ERP through an API.

Website Design

Backup 3-2-1

A rule for backups: three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one kept off-site. It protects against hardware failure, theft, fire and ransomware.

IT Support

Cat6

A category of network cable that supports 1 Gbps, and 10 Gbps over shorter distances. It is the usual choice for new office installations.

Network Installations

Cloud

Services and storage that run on a provider's servers and that you use over the internet. You do not need to buy or maintain your own hardware.

IT Support

cPanel

A control panel for web hosting. From there you manage websites, email, databases and SSL certificates without technical knowledge.

Web Hosting with cPanel

CRM

Customer relationship management software. It keeps contacts, communication history, quotes and sales opportunities in one place.

Invoicing & ERP

DNS

The phone book of the internet. It translates a name such as csdynamics.gr into the server's IP address, so the page opens or the email arrives.

Web Hosting with cPanel

Dual-WAN

A router with two internet inputs, for example fibre and Starlink. It can share traffic between them or switch automatically to the second line when the first goes down.

Network Installations

ERP

Software that brings invoicing, stock, purchasing, sales and finance together in one system. Data is entered once and used everywhere.

Invoicing & ERP

Failover

An automatic switch to a backup system when the main one stops. For internet, it means traffic moves to the second line without you doing anything.

Starlink Installation

Firewall

A device or software that controls traffic between your network and the internet. It allows what you need and blocks anything suspicious or unnecessary.

IT Support

Gateway

In IoT, the device that receives signals from sensors and sends them over the internet to the platform. One LoRaWAN gateway can serve many sensors.

Smart Buildings

HACCP

A food safety system that identifies and controls the critical points in production. It includes recording temperatures in fridges and freezers, which sensors can do automatically.

Smart Cooling

Helpdesk

The place where support requests are logged and managed. Each request gets a number, so you can follow its progress.

IT Support

IP camera

A security camera that sends its image over the network, usually powered by PoE. It offers better resolution and more features than older analogue cameras.

Security Systems & CCTV

Latency

The delay, in milliseconds (ms), for a data packet to travel there and back. Low latency matters for video calls, VoIP and remote work.

Starlink Installation

LoRaWAN

A wireless protocol for IoT sensors that send small amounts of data over long distances with very low power use. The sensors typically run on battery for years.

Industrial IoT

Mbps

Megabits per second, the unit of connection speed. To get megabytes per second, divide by 8.

Mesh

A Wi-Fi system with several units that connect to each other wirelessly and form a single network. It is quick to set up with no new cables.

Network Installations

MFA

Multi-factor authentication: as well as your password, you are asked for a code from an app or a text message on your phone. If your password is stolen, the account stays protected.

IT Support

Microsoft 365

A Microsoft subscription service with email, Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint. Your files and email are available from any device.

IT Support

myData

The electronic books platform of AADE, the Greek tax authority. Businesses' invoices and receipts are transmitted there, usually automatically by the invoicing software.

Invoicing & ERP

NAS

A network storage device with several drives. It holds the office's shared files and is often used for backups.

IT Support

NIS2

An EU directive on cybersecurity, transposed in Greece by Law 5160/2024. It sets risk management and incident reporting obligations for specific sectors and sizes of business.

Technology Consulting

NVR

A device that records the image from IP cameras onto hard drives. From it you watch live video and search older recordings.

Security Systems & CCTV

Patch panel

A panel in the rack where all the cables from the wall sockets end. With labelled ports, every socket is easy to find.

Network Installations

PoE

Power over Ethernet: power and data over the same network cable. It powers access points, cameras and phones without a separate socket.

Network Installations

Rack

A standard-width metal cabinet for switches, patch panels, servers and UPS units. It keeps equipment organised, ventilated and protected.

Network Installations

Ransomware

Malicious software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom to restore them. The best defence is up-to-date systems, MFA and backups it cannot reach.

IT Support

RSSI

An indicator of the signal strength a device receives, in dBm. The closer the value is to zero, the stronger the signal.

SEO

The work that helps a website appear higher in Google results. It covers content, speed, technical structure and links.

Digital Marketing

SSL

A certificate that encrypts communication between the visitor and the website. It shows as https and a padlock in the address bar.

Web Hosting with cPanel

UPS

A battery device that keeps equipment running during a power cut. It gives time for a safe shutdown and protects against sudden voltage changes.

Equipment Maintenance

Uptime

The time a system or service is available and working. It is usually expressed as a percentage of total time.

Web Hosting with cPanel

VLAN

A virtual network inside the physical network. It separates groups of devices, such as computers, cameras and guest Wi-Fi, so they cannot see each other.

Network Installations

VPN

An encrypted connection over the internet. It allows secure access to the office network from home, or links two offices together.

IT Support

Remote support

With your permission, the technician connects to your computer over the internet and solves the problem without a visit. Many issues are solved faster this way.

IT Support

MARK

The unique registration number (MARK) that myData assigns to every document transmitted. It proves the transmission took place.

Invoicing & ERP

Fibre (FTTH)

An internet connection where the optical fibre reaches all the way to your premises (Fibre to the Home). It gives high, stable speeds, including on upload.

Network Installations

Have a question about a term?

Send us your question and we will explain what it means for your business.