Windows Vista – Acronyms and Key Concepts
Microsoft has introduced a fresh batch of computer Acronyms and Key Concepts for Vista.
In truth, some of these abbreviations are already in common in XP, and others have uses outside Vista. Nevertheless, I find these acronyms useful for deciphering Vista articles. Incidentally, Guy’s third law of computing says the more acronyms in an article, the more difficult it is to understand! My mission is to explain and define the computer acronyms associated with Windows Vista.
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Acronym | Definition | Meaning |
ASLR | Address Space Layout Randomization | On reboot, randomly places system DLLs and Exes in memory. |
CPS | Cryptographic Service Provider | For Smart cards |
EFS | Encryption Files Service | Protection for laptops |
GPU | Graphics Processing Unit | CPU for the display |
GPGPU | General-Purpose computation on GPUs | Parallel processing suitable for games |
NAP | Network Access Protection | New Control Panel area to identify ‘Healthy’ computers |
MSRC | Microsoft Security Response Center | Bulletins about software engineering practices |
NDF | Network Diagnostics Framework | For troubleshooting network and wireless connection problems. |
NX | No Execute | Code that reads but does not need to execute – safety feature |
PNRP | Peer Name Resolution Protocol | Poor man’s DNS for peer-to-peer networks |
RMS | Rights Management Services | Policies for sensitive documents |
RTM | Release to Manufacturer (As opposed to Beta version) | |
SAL | Standard Allocation Language | Checks code for buffer overrun errors |
SDL | Security Deployment Lifecycle | Checks to reduce maleware attacks |
SHV | System Health Validator | Checks for ‘unhealthy’ computers |
SENS | System Event Notification Service | Sometimes appears at logon |
SHA | System Health Agent | NAP applet on Vista client |
SWI | Secure Windows Initiative | Microsoft team which models virus threats |
SoH | Statement of Health | List of patches, services packs and antivirus signatures |
SWIAT | Secure Windows Initiative Attack Team | Team of Microsoft ‘in house’ hackers to test Vista’s security |
WSC | Windows Security Center | Control Panel object, first released in XP SP2. Contains Update, Defender and Firewall settings |
UAC | User Account Control | Administrator’s dialog box to ‘Allow’ important actions |
UAP | User Account Protection | Old name for UAC |
WinFS | Windows File System | Proposed successor to NTFS (now postponed) |
WDI | Windows Diagnostic Infrastructure | Built-in Diagnostics and Troubleshooter |
WRMS | Windows Rights Management Services | Control who has access to sensitive data |
WVHA | Windows Vista Hardware Assessment | Check’s network machines for hardware, readiness for Vista. Also carries out an inventory |
WVUA | Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor | Simple check for readiness on one machine |
PREfix, PREfast FXcop | Tools to analyze code to spot potential virus attack points |
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Key Concept and Buzzword phrases
Definition | Meaning |
Administrator Approval Mode | Even Admin accounts run in the context of ordinary users. However they are capable of switching to Administrator mode by clicking ‘Allow’. |
Fuzz Tested | Automates testing of random code that may cause malfunction. Also SAL. |
*Malicious Software Removal Tool | Microsoft tool to remove maleware. |
PatchGuard | Code for 64-bit versions which prevents modification of the kernel. |
Restricted Services | Services that run under the least privileges so cannot be hijacked for nefarious purposes. |
Rootkits | Intruder spy software that conceals itself, but allows the bad guys to control the computer. |
Service Hardening | Reduce unnecessary capabilities from services such as RPC. |
*Standard User Analyzer Tool | Check that applications will run correctly for ordinary users. Often needs ApplicationVerifier |
Surface Area | Reduce areas where maleware can attack. Also UAC philosophy. |
Trusted Platform Module | 64-bit hardware solution. Also NX. |
‘Unhealthy’ machines | Vista or XP machines lacking latest virus signature, or service pack. Also NAP. |
* | Downloadable from Microsoft |
Summary of Vista Acronyms and Key Concepts
Many of these computer acronyms are are applicable outside of Vista. The more acronyms an article contains, the harder it is to read.
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Configuring Windows Vista Topics:
| Vista Tools and Extras
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