# Introduction to Product Terminology & Concepts

Before attempting to configure the installed RTU, it is important to become familiar with the terminology and concepts presented in the topics that follow. Once the user understands these, the configuration process will become fairly straightforward, particularly when using Alarmware™. Without such understanding, practical obstacles may needlessly arise for the user.

Terminology & Concepts topics are specifically not "How-to-do-it" topics. Rather, they are intended only to convey the concepts, so that it will become obvious or nearly obvious when configuring RTUs within Alarmware™.