Plain-English dictionary
Tech glossary
60 everyday technology terms — apps, gadgets, the internet, security, and AI — explained simply, no jargon.
A
- Algorithm
- A set of step-by-step rules a computer follows to solve a problem or make a decision. Apps use them to sort feeds, recommend videos, and filter results.
- App
- Short for application, a program you install on a phone, tablet, or computer to do a specific task. Examples include messaging, banking, and photo editing.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Technology that lets computers perform tasks that normally need human thinking, such as understanding language or recognizing images. It powers things like voice assistants and chatbots.
B
- Backup
- A saved copy of your files kept somewhere safe in case the original is lost, damaged, or deleted. Backups can live on an external drive or in the cloud.
- Bandwidth
- The maximum amount of data your internet connection can carry in a given time. More bandwidth means faster downloads and smoother video streaming.
- Bit
- The smallest unit of digital information, holding a value of either zero or one. Many bits together represent the text, images, and files on your devices.
- Bluetooth
- A wireless technology that connects devices over short distances, such as a phone to headphones or a speaker. It works without cables or an internet connection.
- Browser
- The program you use to visit websites, such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. It turns web addresses into the pages you see and read.
C
- Cache
- A store of recently used data that a device keeps so it can load things faster next time. Clearing it can free space and fix some website problems.
- Chatbot
- A program that holds a text or voice conversation with you, often to answer questions or give support. Modern ones use artificial intelligence to sound more natural.
- Cloud
- Storage and computing power provided over the internet instead of on your own device. When something is in the cloud, it lives on remote servers you reach online.
- Cloud Storage
- A service that keeps your files on internet servers so you can reach them from any device. Examples include Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox.
- Cookie
- A small file a website saves in your browser to remember things like your login or preferences. Some cookies also track your activity across sites.
- Cookie Banner
- The pop-up message that asks whether a website may store cookies and track you. It exists because privacy laws require sites to get your consent.
- CPU
- The central processing unit, often called the brain of a device, that carries out instructions and runs your software. A faster CPU generally means quicker performance.
D
- Dark Mode
- A display setting that uses a dark background with light text instead of the usual bright screen. Many people find it easier on the eyes at night.
- Driver
- A small piece of software that lets your operating system communicate with a piece of hardware, such as a printer or graphics card. Without the right driver, the device may not work.
E
- Encryption
- A way of scrambling data so only someone with the correct key can read it. It keeps messages, files, and payments private from outsiders.
- Ethernet
- A wired way of connecting a device to a network using a cable. It is often faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for things like gaming or large downloads.
F
- Firewall
- A security barrier that controls which traffic is allowed in and out of your device or network. It helps block hackers and unwanted connections.
- Firmware
- Built-in software that controls how a piece of hardware behaves, such as a router or smart TV. It can be updated to fix bugs or add features.
G
- Gigabyte
- A unit of digital storage equal to about one thousand megabytes. A single gigabyte can hold roughly a few hundred photos or one hour of video.
H
- Hotspot
- A way of sharing one device's internet connection with others nearby, often using your phone's mobile data. It lets a laptop go online when no Wi-Fi is available.
- HTTPS
- The secure version of the web address prefix that encrypts the connection between your browser and a website. A padlock icon usually shows that a site is using it.
I
- Incognito Mode
- A private browsing setting that does not save your history, cookies, or searches on your device. It does not hide your activity from your internet provider or the sites you visit.
- IP Address
- A unique number that identifies a device on a network, a bit like a postal address for the internet. It helps data find its way to the right place.
L
- Large Language Model
- A type of artificial intelligence trained on huge amounts of text to understand and generate human language. It powers tools that write, summarize, and answer questions.
- Latency
- The short delay between sending a request and getting a response over a network. Low latency feels instant, while high latency causes lag in calls and games.
M
- Machine Learning
- A branch of artificial intelligence where software improves at a task by learning from examples instead of being directly programmed. It is how spam filters and recommendations get better over time.
- Malware
- Any software created to harm, spy on, or take control of a device without permission. It includes viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
- Megabyte
- A unit of digital storage equal to about one thousand kilobytes. A few megabytes is enough for a high-quality photo or a short song clip.
- Megapixel
- A measure of how many tiny dots a camera can capture, equal to one million pixels. More megapixels can mean more detail, though lens and software also matter.
- Modem
- A device that connects your home to your internet provider, turning their signal into one your network can use. It is often paired with or built into a router.
O
- Open Source
- Software whose underlying code is shared publicly so anyone can view, use, or improve it. It is often free and maintained by a community.
- Operating System
- The main software that runs a device and lets other programs work, such as Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. It manages your files, apps, and hardware.
P
- Passkey
- A modern, password-free way to sign in using your device and something like a fingerprint or face scan. It is harder to steal than a typed password.
- Password Manager
- An app that stores all your passwords securely and fills them in for you. It lets you use strong, unique passwords without memorizing each one.
- Phishing
- A scam where attackers pretend to be a trusted company to trick you into giving up passwords or payment details. It often arrives as a fake email or text message.
- Pixel
- One of the tiny dots of color that make up an image on a screen. Millions of them together form the pictures and text you see.
- Prompt
- The instruction or question you type to tell an artificial intelligence tool what you want. A clearer prompt usually leads to a better answer.
Q
- QR Code
- A square pattern of black and white squares that a phone camera can scan to open a link or share information. It is a quick alternative to typing a web address.
R
- RAM
- Random access memory, the short-term memory a device uses to run the programs you have open right now. More RAM lets you run more apps smoothly at once.
- Ransomware
- A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Keeping backups is the best protection against it.
- Resolution
- The number of pixels that make up a screen or image, usually given as width by height. Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed pictures.
- Router
- A device that shares your internet connection among phones, computers, and other gadgets in your home. It also creates your Wi-Fi network.
S
- Server
- A powerful computer that stores websites, apps, or files and delivers them to other devices over a network. When you visit a site, a server sends it to your browser.
- Software Update
- A new version of a program or operating system that fixes bugs, adds features, or patches security holes. Installing updates promptly helps keep devices safe.
- Spam
- Unwanted bulk messages, usually email, sent to many people at once. It often advertises products or tries to trick you into a scam.
- Spyware
- Malware that secretly watches what you do and collects your information without consent. It can capture passwords, browsing habits, or keystrokes.
- SSD
- A solid state drive, a type of storage with no moving parts that loads files and programs much faster than an older hard drive. It makes devices start and respond quickly.
- SSID
- The name of a Wi-Fi network that you see when choosing which one to join. Setting a recognizable SSID helps you pick the right network.
- Streaming
- Playing video or music over the internet in real time instead of downloading the whole file first. Services like Netflix and Spotify work this way.
- Sync
- Keeping the same files or settings up to date across several devices automatically. When you sync, a change on one device appears on the others.
T
- Trojan
- Malware that hides inside a program that looks safe or useful. Once you run it, it can open the door for attackers or other harmful software.
- Two-Factor Authentication
- A security step that asks for a second proof of identity, such as a code, in addition to your password. It makes accounts much harder to break into.
U
- URL
- The full web address you type or click to reach a page, such as the link at the top of your browser. It tells the browser exactly where to go.
- USB
- A common standard for cables and ports used to connect or charge devices like keyboards, phones, and drives. The same shape works across many gadgets.
V
- VPN
- A virtual private network that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your location by routing it through another server. It adds privacy on public or untrusted networks.
W
- Wi-Fi
- A wireless technology that connects your devices to the internet without cables. Most homes, cafes, and offices offer it through a router.
- Widget
- A small panel on a home screen or desktop that shows quick information like weather, time, or news. It lets you glance at details without opening the full app.
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