Tech Jargon Decoded
Finally, a glossary that doesn’t need a glossary
A
Technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
A tool that helps your team work faster and smarter by doing tasks like writing, analyzing, or organizing information for you.
A hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a network.
Access Point (Wi-Fi)
The thing that actually gives you Wi-Fi in different parts of your building. Not enough of these = dead zones and complaints.
The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
Automation
What It Means
Definition
Letting technology handle repetitive work so your staff can focus on residents instead of busywork.
A type of artificial intelligence that can act independently to make decisions, plan actions, and complete tasks toward a goal with minimal human input.
AI Agent
A set of rules or step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
Algorithm
AI that doesn’t just help… it does the work for you. Think of it like a digital employee that can take a task, figure out the steps, and execute it without constant direction.
When AI gives skewed or unfair results because of the data it learned from.
The “brain” behind AI tools that decides what answer or output you get.
The logic behind how a system makes decisions. It’s basically the “recipe” that tells technology what to do and how to do it.
Systematic errors in AI outputs caused by biased training data or algorithms.
AI Bias
A system trained on data to recognize patterns and perform tasks such as predictions or content generation.
AI Model
B
The maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over an internet connection.
Bandwidth
How much internet your building can handle at once before everything slows down.
A copy of data stored separately to be used in case of data loss or system failure.
Backup (Data Backup)
You call IT when something breaks… they fix it… and then you wait for the next thing to break.
Software applications that support core business operations such as HR, finance, and clinical systems.
Business Systems
All the tools your team uses every day to run the community, whether they work well together or not.
What It Means
Definition
C
A network of remote servers used to store, manage, and process data over the internet.
Cloud
Your data lives somewhere online instead of on a physical server in your building.
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks or unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity
Keeping hackers out and preventing one wrong click from turning into a major problem.
What It Means
Definition
Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards that govern data security and privacy.
Compliance (HIPAA, etc.)
The ability of devices and systems to connect and communicate with each other over a network.
Connectivity
Following the rules so your organization stays secure, avoids fines, and protects sensitive information.
Everything works together and stays connected without constant issues or downtime.
D
The process of examining data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights.
Data Analytics
Turning all your data into useful information so you can make better decisions instead of guessing.
An incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed or disclosed without authorization.
Data Breach
When the wrong people get access to your data… and it becomes a very big problem.
A set of policies and procedures for restoring systems and data after a major disruption or failure.
Disaster Recovery
Your plan for getting everything back up and running after something goes seriously wrong.
Making sure all your devices are secure, updated, and working properly without constant headaches.
Where all your important information lives so it can be stored, found, and used when needed.
What It Means
Definition
The administration and control of devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones within an organization.
Device Management
An organized collection of structured data stored electronically for easy access and management.
Database
E
The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.
Encryption
Scrambling your data so only the right people can read it.
Any device that connects to a network, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Endpoint
Every device your staff or residents use that connects to your systems.
The process of transferring an issue to a higher level of support when it cannot be resolved at the initial level.
Escalation (IT Support)
What It Means
Definition
When your issue gets passed up the chain because it’s more complex than expected.
Large-scale software designed to support and integrate core business processes across an organization.
Enterprise System
A computing approach that processes data closer to where it is generated rather than in a central location.
Edge Computing
Big, all-in-one systems that run major parts of your organization… for better or worse.
Handling data closer to the source so things work faster and more efficiently.
F
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules.
Firewall
The gatekeeper that decides what gets in and out of your network.
A backup system that automatically takes over when the primary system fails.
Failover
Your backup plan that kicks in instantly so things keep running.
A central server used to store and manage files for multiple users on a network.
File Server
A shared place where your organization’s files are stored and accessed.
Really fast and reliable internet… when it’s available.
Using data to make smarter predictions about what’s likely to happen next.
What It Means
Definition
A high-speed internet connection that uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data.
Fiber Internet
The use of data and algorithms to predict future trends or outcomes.
Forecasting (AI/Data Forecasting)
G
A framework of policies, processes, and controls used to manage and guide an organization’s technology decisions.
Governance (IT Governance)
The rules and structure that make sure your technology decisions are smart, secure, and aligned with your goals.
Internet service capable of delivering speeds of one gigabit per second.
Gigabit (Internet)
Fast internet that can handle lots of users and devices at the same time.
What It Means
AI that can write, design, or create things for you… like emails, reports, or ideas.
Definition
AI that can create new content such as text, images, or audio based on patterns in data.
Generative AI
H
A service that provides technical support and troubleshooting for users.
Help Desk
The people you call when something isn’t working (and hopefully they answer quickly).
A U.S. law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.
HIPAA
The rules that make sure resident health data stays private and secure.
A computing environment that combines on-premises infrastructure with cloud-based services.
Hybrid Cloud
A mix of local systems and cloud systems working together.
The actual equipment, like computers, servers, and devices you can touch.
What It Means
Definition
The physical components of a computer or network system.
Hardware
I
The underlying hardware, software, networks, and systems that support an organization’s technology.
Infrastructure (IT Infrastructure)
The foundation that everything else runs on. If this is weak, everything else struggles.
A network of physical devices connected to the internet that collect and share data.
IoT (Internet of Things)
Smart devices like sensors, wearables, or call systems that connect and send data automatically.
What It Means
Making your systems communicate so your team isn’t stuck doing manual work between them.
Definition
The process of connecting different systems or applications to work together.
Integration
J
Variability in data transmission timing over a network.
Jitter
What causes choppy audio or video during calls.
What It Means
Definition
K
A centralized repository of information, documentation, and solutions.
Knowledge Base
A library of answers people can use instead of asking the same questions repeatedly.
What It Means
The metrics that tell you whether something is actually working.
Definition
A measurable value used to evaluate progress toward a specific goal.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
L
An AI model trained on massive amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language.
Large Language Model (LLM)
The technology behind ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI assistants.
The technology that powers many of your building's critical systems outside of traditional computers.
What It Means
Definition
Building technologies that operate on low-voltage wiring, including nurse call systems, cameras, access control, and telecommunications.
Low Voltage Systems
M
A branch of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time.
Machine Learning (ML)
Technology that gets smarter by learning from experience.
The practice of outsourcing technology management and support to a third-party provider.
Managed IT Services
Having experts manage your IT so you don't have to.
A security process requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
What It Means
Definition
More than just a password, usually a code, app notification, or security key.
The "brain" behind an AI tool.
A cybersecurity service that continuously monitors, detects, and responds to threats.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Data that provides information about other data.
Metadata
A team watching for cyber threats around the clock.
Information about information.
A trained AI system used to make predictions, generate content, or analyze information.
Model (AI Model)
N
A branch of AI focused on understanding, interpreting, and generating human language.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
What allows AI to understand and communicate in plain English.
A collection of connected devices that share information and resources.
Network
The digital roads that connect all your technology.
Measures used to protect networks and data from unauthorized access and attacks.
Network Security
Keeping hackers out of your systems.
The technology that helps AI recognize patterns and make decisions.
What It Means
Definition
A machine learning model inspired by how the human brain processes information.
Neural Network
A communication system that allows residents to request assistance from staff.
Nurse Call System
The technology residents use to call for help when they need it.
O
Technology systems hosted and maintained within an organization's physical location.
On-Premise (On-Prem)
Technology that lives in your building instead of the cloud.
An artificial intelligence company that develops advanced AI models and tools.
OpenAI
One of the companies behind ChatGPT.
What It Means
Definition
The process of improving systems or processes to maximize performance and effectiveness.
Optimization
A period when a system, service, or network becomes unavailable.
Outage
Making things work better, faster, or more efficiently.
When technology stops working and everyone notices.
P
A simulated cyberattack performed to identify security vulnerabilities.
Penetration Testing
Hiring ethical hackers to find weaknesses before criminals do.
A cyberattack that tricks individuals into revealing sensitive information.
Phishing
Fake emails, texts, or websites trying to steal your information.
The use of data, statistics, and AI to forecast future outcomes.
Predictive Analytics
Using data to predict what might happen next.
Letting technology handle routine work automatically.
What It Means
Definition
The use of technology to automate repetitive business tasks.
Process Automation
Q
A request for information from a database or system.
Query
Asking a system to find specific information.
A list of tasks or requests waiting to be processed.
Queue
The line of work waiting to be completed.
What It Means
Definition
R
Malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.
Ransomware
A cybercriminal locking your files and demanding money to unlock them.
Backup systems or components designed to maintain operations if a primary system fails.
Redundancy
A backup for your backup.
The practice of continuously observing technology systems from a remote location.
Remote Monitoring
Keeping an eye on systems without being physically onsite.
Finding problems before they become emergencies.
What It Means
Definition
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential threats.
Risk Assessment
S
A platform that collects and analyzes security data across systems.
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
A security command center that watches for suspicious activity.
An authentication method that allows one login to access multiple applications.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
One password instead of ten.
What It Means
Definition
Technology that automates cybersecurity workflows and responses.
SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)
A long-term plan outlining technology priorities, projects, and goals.
Strategic Roadmap
Security software that can take action when threats are detected.
A step-by-step plan for where your technology is going.
T
An organization's collective mindset and behavior toward technology.
Technology Culture
How people feel about, use, and embrace technology.
The delivery of healthcare services through telecommunications technology.
Telehealth
Meeting with a healthcare provider without leaving your room.
The process of identifying cybersecurity threats before they cause harm.
Threat Detection
Spotting suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
The small chunks of words AI reads and writes.
What It Means
Definition
A unit of text processed by an AI model.
Token (AI)
U
A user's overall experience when interacting with a product, system, or service.
User Experience (UX)
How easy or frustrating something is to use.
What It Means
Definition
V
Technology that immerses users in a computer-generated environment.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Putting on a headset and being transported somewhere else.
The creation of virtual versions of servers, storage, networks, or operating systems.
Virtualization
Running multiple systems inside one physical system.
A security assessment that identifies weaknesses in systems and networks.
Vulnerability Scan
A cybersecurity check-up looking for weaknesses.
What It Means
Definition
W
A sequence of tasks used to complete a process or objective.
Workflow
How work gets done from start to finish.
What It Means
Definition
X
A cybersecurity platform that combines security data from multiple systems to improve threat detection and response.
XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
A smarter, broader approach to cybersecurity monitoring.
What It Means
Definition
Y
A physical security device used for multi-factor authentication.
YubiKey
A tiny security key that helps prove you're really you.
What It Means
Definition
Z
A software flaw discovered before a fix or patch is available.
Zero-Day Vulnerability
A security hole hackers know about before it can be fixed.