SharePoint does have a unique set of terms to refer to some of its features and functionality. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most common terms you will run into. We also offer comprehensive training that can benefit anyone in your organization who will be assisting with your SharePoint administration.
alert
Notifies users via e-mail when there is a change to a list, document, or other item that meets the requirements they have outlined. Administrators can set alerts for users in addition to the alerts users set for themselves.
app
Allows you to quickly add a pre-configured solution to your SharePoint site that solves a specific need, such as a place to store team tasks or a group calendar.
check out
Allows users to “lock” a file or other item while they are editing it to avoid anyone overwriting their changes. When editing is complete, the document is checked in to allow others to make their own changes.
co-authoring
Allows multiple users to edit a file at any time, without interfering with each other’s changes. Only available with Office Web Apps, Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote 2010/2013, and Visio 2013.
document library
Area of SharePoint created to store and share a set of files. You can create multiple document libraries within your SharePoint site and each can have a unique set of permissions.
list
Area of SharePoint created to store and share information. The uses of lists include pre-configured apps for specific data such as group contacts and useful links as well as custom lists where you can create your data fields from scratch.
picture library
Allows users to upload image files, easily view thumbnails, and store relevant meta data.
site collection
Includes one top-level site and all its subsites. This is the highest level of organization in SharePoint Online. Those with Mid-size or Enterprise plans can have multiple site collections and they can be managed through the SharePoint admin center.
site mailbox
Allows you to connect your site to an Exchange mailbox so you can store and view team email and attachments.
subsite
Allows you to segment your files and other information for ease of use or to easily restrict access.
sync
Allows you to access the files stored in SharePoint via your File Explorer instead of a web browser. Also provides a means of accessing files when you are offline. Requires the OneDrive for Business sync app, which is available with Office 2013.
versioning
Creates a new copy of a file or other item whenever it is saved, allowing you to refer back to the previous copy at any point.
view
Allows you view the files and other information stored in SharePoint in alternate ways, such as filtering out items, changing the sort order, or hiding columns.
web part
Displays selected content from a SharePoint list or library on another page and provides a link to the full content. A page can have multiple web parts.
wiki page library
Allows users to easily create, update, and link pages of guidelines, procedures, articles, or other content.
workflow
Automates a business process relating to items stored in SharePoint, such as routing a file for approval.