Glossary of Technology Terms

From A to Z, here's a glossary of common IT terms and definitions from LAITS

ACO

Short for Amp Communication Outlet. The cable outlet provides the connection back to a network closet that in turn connects to the rest of the UT network. This will be a combination of letters and numbers located on the wall outlet faceplate. Example: 1A3D21

Asset Tag

Each piece of UT-owned hardware is assigned a unique six-character identifier, such as A22119, D04571, or 876234. All computers purchased through LAITS are tagged - either by Dell at the time of order or by LAITS during the imaging process. This identifier is typically found on a silver sticker located on the bottom of laptops and the side or top of desktops.

BACS

Building Access and Security Systems are designed to control access to buildings and specific rooms at designated times. This can include coded locks, like those used in some of our spaces, or UT’s proprietary ID card access system. When referring specifically, it denotes the latter. Typically, building managers have the authority to modify access permissions for buildings or rooms.

BQ

BQ (Border Quarantine) is a security measure that effectively blocks a device from connecting to the network. These quarantines are implemented by the Information Security Office (ISO) in response to identified vulnerabilities. Specific LAITS staff have the authority to clear these quarantines

Crashplan

Crashplan is the backup software designed to regularly scan for changes on users’ disks and to back up data on end-user machines. UT backup software was formerly known as Code42 and UTBackup.

DE

Short for Desktop Engineering; this team of systems managers are also referred to as Fleet Management. LAITS fleet management ensures end user computers and printers are configured and maintained to meet Information Security Office (ISO) requirements. This includes regular patching, malware protection, data backups, and security.

Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the enterprise anti-malware program the University uses for all Windows and macOS computers.

Deployment

When a machine is delivered to a user, it must be Deployed. This is the process of initially setting up a user's account, software, and access to services.

DSS

Short for Desktop Support Specialist. LAITS's team of deskside support agents.

Generations / Lifecycle

Also referred to as "GENS," a program where tenure-track COLA faculty receive a new machine through LAITS at regular intervals, with the goal that no faculty enrolled in the program has a computer more than four years old.

Imaging

Provisioning, imaging, or formatting refers to the process of completely wiping a computer's operating system and all existing data. The computer is then configured according to LAITS standards, which includes installing specific software and adjusting settings to meet University Information Security Office (ISO) requirements.

ISO

Refers to the Information Security Office. From their website:

The mission of the Information Security Office (ISO), as required by state law, is to assure the security of the university's Information Technology (IT) resources and the existence of a safe computing environment in which the university community can teach, learn, and conduct research.

ITS

The University Information Technology Service (ISO), is the largest IT support group on campus. It manages campus-wide services including DUO, Box, and more.

JAMF

JAMF is a comprehensive suite of computer management software designed to replace LANrev for managing macOS systems. LAITS successfully transitioned to JAMF during the 2019/2020 period.

Loaner

A temporarily assigned machine, meant for use when a user's primary machine is being serviced. Most loaners are directly owned and managed by LAITS and are not intended for prolonged use.

Remediation

Any extended support session, usually a planned one addressing the primary issue on a ticket, is referred to as a Remediation.

Service Desk

LAITS customer walk-up service desks, conveniently located in PAR, NURS, and RLP.

Software Center

LAITS preinstalled tool on Windows machines that allows the install and uninstall, patching and updating of various applications and software.

Splunk

Splunk is a SIEM (security information and event management) tool run by the ISO that ingests data streams from many sources, then processes and displays relevant information in reports and dashboards.

STA

Student Technology Assistants are student employees assigned to various tasks and roles within the LAITS Computer Support and AV teams.