Cluster, RAM, Firewall - Lara explains the IT world

Words like RAM, cluster, and firewall don't mean anything to you? Then you are in the right place! In the IT industry, there are many words that sound quite complicated. But we assure you that there is a simple explanation for every term. That's why we created this blog series to explain in simple words all kinds of terms used in the IT industry. Today we'll take a closer look at the terms cluster, RAM, firewall, colocation, and hybrid cloud.

RAM

Every IT device needs RAM(Random Access Memory), because this is the working memory. Now you might be wondering what RAM even means. The word itself says it because the RAM contains all the data of the open programs and serves only as a buffer. For example, when you open an Excel spreadsheet, the required program components are loaded into memory. If you then edit and save the Excel spreadsheet, the changed files are saved to the hard disk/SSD. This means that after closing the program, all program components are deleted from RAM. If you do not save the file, you will lose all changes.

Cluster

Cluster means group in German. In terms of the IT industry, this means the following: A cluster is a connection of several servers. This computing network is there so that the availability and/or computing capacity can be increased. If one server fails, another server in the cluster can take over. Thus, downtime can be eliminated or reduced to a minimum. A cluster consists of a minimum of two servers. These servers are also called nodes.

Colocation

Servers and IT hardware, for example of SMEs, have to be stored somewhere. Often there is no space or no suitable environment in the company. That is why many companies use colocation. This means that the servers are brought to a third-party provider and installed. Cooling, power, network connection and physical protection are usually provided by the provider. In short, the provider provides infrastructural services and operational support. We also offer colocation from Switzerland.

Firewall

A firewall is also called a virtual wall that protects access from/to the Internet. For example, if you want to access a website, the firewall checks whether you are authorized to access that website. If you do not have permission, you will be denied access. It can also securely connect networks. In short, the firewall can detect and prevent unwanted access to a system, such as a website. You can easily set up a firewall yourself in Xelon HQ. Here are the instructions.

hybrid cloud

A hybrid cloud means the use of one or more clouds and/or physical systems. As soon as you combine clouds from different providers, it is called a hybrid cloud. This also applies if you connect a cloud with a physical server! Do you want servers on different platforms? Check out our Xelon HQ.

Do you have a word from the IT world that you don't understand? Then simply send us an email at contact@xelon.ch and we will explain the term to you in detail in the next blog.