This glossary is for everyone that stumbles upon my blog. Cybersecurity and Networking are really niche subjects, so if you want to follow what I'm going through, I recommend you read some of the concepts and their definition!
bit
noun
It is the fundamental, smallest unit of data in computing. It can represent one of two possible values, typically designated as 0 or 1, or functionally as on/off, true/false, or yes/no.
Example: I can download a file as fast as 8 kilo bits per second.
byte
noun
a group of bits (usually eight) operated on as a unit.
Example: I can download files as fast as 8 kilo bytes per second.
Cisco
noun
Cisco is an American multinational technology corporation, headquartered in San Jose, California, that develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment.
Example: We need to buy a new router, should we go shop at Cisco's website?
cloud
noun
It's the on-demand delivery of IT resources like servers, storage, software, and analytics over the internet, allowing users to access them from anywhere without owning or maintaining the physical infrastructure.
Example: Did you save your work in the cloud?
fr: infonuage
cookie
noun
A cookie is a small text file stored on your computer by a website to remember information about you, such as login details, preferences, and browsing activity, to personalize your online experience and improve site functionality.
Example: Do you want to accept the cookies for this site?
Cybersecurity
noun
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, devices, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.
Example: In 2025, everyone should have a bit of knowledge in Cybesecurity
fr: Cybersécurité
DHCP
noun
DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other crucial network configuration information, such as subnet masks and default gateways, to devices on a network.
Example: I can't get an IP address from the DHCP.
DNS
noun
DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book, translating human-friendly domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142) so that web browsers can locate and connect to servers to display websites and other online services.
Example: This new DNS can't resolve the name of this website.
driver
noun
A computer driver, or device driver, is a specialized type of software that allows a computer's operating system (like Windows or Linux) to communicate with and control a specific piece of hardware, such as a printer, keyboard, or graphics card.
Example: I can't use my track pad. I think I'm missing the correct driver in my computer.
fr: pilote
ethernet
noun
Ethernet is a family of wired technologies used to connect devices on a local area network (LAN) or a wider network.
Example: Are you connected to your network through Wifi or Ethernet?
firewall
noun
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Example: What rules did you apply in the firewall?
fr: pare-feu
IP address
noun
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication, such as the internet or a local network.
Example: I would like to connect onto your computer. What is your IP address?
fr: adresse IP
kernel
noun
In an operating system, the kernel is the central program that acts as the core interface between the computer's hardware and the software applications.
Example: If you forget your password to open your computer, you can go reset it in the kernel.
fr: noyau
Linux
noun
An open source operating system (OS) created by Linus Torvalds.
Example: Does your computer run with Linux?
MAC address
noun
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique, hardware-based identifier assigned by the manufacturer to a network interface controller.
Example: What networking card is using this IP? Can you give me all your MAC addresses?
fr: adresse MAC
packet
noun
A block of data transmitted across a network.
Example: I have some packet loss.
fr: paquet
phishing
noun
The fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Example: Did you click on this link? It's clearly a phishing mail.
fr: hameçonnage
Proxy
noun
Intermediary system or server that acts on behalf of a client device (like a computer) to request resources from another server, such as a website on the internet.
Example: I prefer to use a proxy server because it's safer when I go online.
Python
noun
Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language. It is widely used for various applications, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and automation.
Example: Did you code this this program in Python?
router
noun
A router is a networking device that connects multiple computer networks or devices, such as your home's Wi-Fi and the internet.
Example: I can't connect to Internet, did you configure correctly the router?
fr: routeur
subnet mask
noun
A logical subdivision of a larger IP network into smaller, more manageable network segments.
Example: Because we are not in the same classroom, the subnets differ.
fr: masque de sous-réseau
switch
noun
In networking, a switch is a piece of hardware that connects multiple devices (like computers, printers, and servers) within a local area network (LAN).
Example: Is the switch up? I can't ping my neighbor colleague.
fr: commutateur
Wifi
noun
A facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
Windows
noun
A computer operating system with a graphical user interface.
