From A to Z, here's a glossary of common IT terms and IT 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
Sometimes referred to as provisioning, reimaging, or reformating. The process of wiping a computer of it’s operating system and all current data and configuring it according to LAITS standards. This includes installing certain pieces of software and configuring settings to our needs.
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
Information Technology Services, the largest IT support group on campus which handles campus-wide services like DUO, Box, and more.
JAMF
A suite of computer management software. Serves as our MacOS replacement for LANrev. LAITS migrated to JAMF in 2019/2020.
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
Our customer walkup service desks. These are 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.