APAR : "Authorized Program Analysis Report" is the term used by IBM for tracking issues/problems to a resolution. This term is comparable to a bug report.

BFF : "Backup File Format" is the standard packaging method used by IBM. All production (non-interim fix) filesets released by IBM should be in this BFF format and have the .bff extension. A .bff file is comparable to a .rpm file in Linux.

Fileset : The smallest installable unit. This term is comparable to a "package" in Linux operating systems.

LPP : "Licensed Program Products" is the term used by IBM to refer to a complete software product which may include one or more filesets and/or packages.

NIM Server : "NIM" is an abbreviation for "Network Installation Manager" and is a centralized source to manage installations and updates of AIX systems. This system is comparable to a Windows Update Server.

TOC : "Table Of Contents" is a fileset inventory file used by the AIX installers. A .toc file will contain package names, version information, fileset prerequisites, and other information required to perform an installation.