Tech Glossary
Every term, explained simply. Browse the full glossary below, or test yourself with the flashcard game.
All Terms
200 terms
Computer
An electronic device that processes information and helps you complete tasks.
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer that you can touch.
Software
Programs and applications that run on a computer or device.
Operating System
The main software that controls a device, such as Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
Desktop
The main screen you see after signing into a computer.
Laptop
A portable computer with a built-in screen and keyboard.
Tablet
A portable touchscreen device that is larger than most phones.
Smartphone
A mobile phone that can use apps, connect to the internet, take photos, and perform many computer-like tasks.
Monitor
The screen used to display information from a computer.
Keyboard
A device used to type letters, numbers, and commands.
Mouse
A device used to point, click, select, and move items on a computer screen.
Touchscreen
A screen that responds when you touch it with your finger or a stylus.
Cursor
The small pointer or blinking line that shows where you are working on the screen.
Icon
A small picture or symbol that represents an app, file, setting, or command.
Menu
A list of options or commands you can choose from.
Taskbar
The area on a computer screen that shows open programs and commonly used tools.
Window
A box or area on the screen where an application, file, or website appears.
Application
A software program designed to help you complete a specific task.
App
A shorter word for application.
Program
Software that gives a computer instructions for completing certain tasks.
File
A saved piece of information, such as a document, photo, spreadsheet, or video.
Folder
A digital container used to organize files.
Document
A digital file that usually contains written information.
Download
To copy something from the internet or another location onto your device.
Upload
To send a file from your device to a website, app, or online service.
Save
To store your work so you can access it later.
Save As
A command that allows you to save a new copy of a file with a different name, location, or format.
Delete
To remove a file, message, picture, or other item.
Recycle Bin
A temporary location where deleted files are stored on many Windows computers.
Copy
To make a duplicate of selected text, files, or other information.
Paste
To place copied or cut information into a new location.
Cut
To remove selected information so it can be moved somewhere else.
Undo
A command that reverses your most recent action.
Redo
A command that restores an action that you previously undid.
Shortcut
A quicker way to open a program, file, website, or perform a command.
Keyboard Shortcut
A combination of keyboard keys used to perform an action quickly, such as Ctrl+C for copy.
Internet
A worldwide network that connects computers and devices so they can share information.
Web
The collection of websites and online pages you access through the internet.
Website
A group of related pages available on the internet.
Webpage
A single page within a website.
Browser
A program used to visit websites, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox.
Search Engine
A website or service that helps you find information online, such as Google or Bing.
Search Bar
A box where you type words or questions to search for information.
URL
The internet address of a webpage.
Link
Clickable text or an image that takes you to another page, file, or website.
Homepage
The main or starting page of a website.
Tab
A separate webpage or document opened within the same program window.
Bookmark
A saved website link that makes it easier to return to the site later.
Refresh
To reload a webpage or screen so the latest information appears.
Wi-Fi
Technology that connects your device to the internet without a cable.
Network
A group of computers or devices that are connected and can communicate with one another.
Router
A device that sends internet and network connections to computers, phones, and other devices.
Modem
A device that connects your home or business network to an internet service provider.
Bluetooth
Wireless technology used to connect nearby devices such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, and phones.
Hotspot
A feature or location that allows devices to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi.
Cloud
Online storage or services that let you access information through the internet instead of storing everything only on your device.
Cloud Storage
A service that stores your files online, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud.
Account
A personal profile that allows you to access a website, app, or service.
Username
The name used to identify your account when signing in.
Password
A secret set of letters, numbers, or symbols used to protect an account.
Passcode
A short number or code used to unlock a device or account.
PIN
A Personal Identification Number used to verify your identity or unlock something.
Sign In
To enter your account using information such as your username and password.
Sign Out
To securely leave your account when you are finished using it.
Two-Factor Authentication
A security method that requires a second step, such as entering a code sent to your phone.
Verification Code
A temporary number or code used to confirm your identity.
A digital message sent over the internet.
Inbox
The section of an email account where incoming messages appear.
Attachment
A file, photo, or document included with an email or message.
Spam
Unwanted or unnecessary email messages, often sent to many people.
Phishing
A scam where someone tries to trick you into giving away passwords, money, or personal information.
Malware
Harmful software designed to damage, disrupt, or steal information from a device.
Virus
A type of harmful software that can infect a computer or device.
Antivirus
Software designed to help find and remove harmful programs from a device.
Firewall
A security tool that helps block unwanted access to a computer or network.
Privacy
The ability to control who can access your personal information and online activity.
Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computers, accounts, networks, and information from digital threats.
Update
A newer version of software that may add features, improve performance, or fix problems.
Upgrade
Moving to a newer or more advanced version of software, hardware, or a service.
Install
To add software or an application to a device so you can use it.
Uninstall
To remove software or an application from a device.
Restart
To turn a device off and back on automatically.
Reboot
Another word for restarting a computer or device.
Storage
The space on a device or online service where files and information are kept.
Memory
The part of a computer that temporarily holds information while programs are running.
USB
A common connection used for devices, chargers, flash drives, and other accessories.
Flash Drive
A small portable device used to store and transfer files.
Screenshot
A picture of whatever is currently displayed on your screen.
Screen Sharing
Allowing another person to see what is displayed on your screen during a call or meeting.
Video Call
A live conversation using both video and audio through the internet.
Artificial Intelligence
Technology that allows computers to perform tasks that normally require human-like thinking, such as understanding language or recognizing images.
AI Assistant
A tool that uses artificial intelligence to answer questions, help with tasks, or provide information.
Prompt
The question, instruction, or information you give an AI tool.
Chatbot
A computer program designed to have conversations with people.
Algorithm
A set of instructions a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
Data
Information that computers collect, store, or process.
Database
An organized collection of information stored electronically.
Backup
An extra copy of important files that can be used if the originals are lost or damaged.
Sync
To keep information updated and matching across multiple devices or services.
QR Code
A square code that you can scan with a phone or tablet to quickly open information, a website, or an app.
CPU
The main processor inside a computer that carries out instructions. It is often called the computer's brain.
RAM
Short-term memory that helps a device run programs and switch between tasks quickly.
Hard Drive
A device inside or connected to a computer that stores files and programs.
SSD
A fast type of storage drive that has no moving parts.
Processor
The computer part that performs calculations and follows program instructions.
Motherboard
The main circuit board that connects the major parts inside a computer.
Graphics Card
Hardware that helps a computer display images, videos, games, and other graphics.
Webcam
A camera used with a computer for video calls, meetings, or recording.
Microphone
A device that captures your voice or other sounds.
Speakers
Devices that play sound from a computer, phone, television, or other device.
Headset
Headphones that usually include a built-in microphone.
Printer
A device that produces a paper copy of a digital document or picture.
Scanner
A device that turns a paper document or photo into a digital file.
Peripheral
A device connected to a computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, or webcam.
HDMI
A common cable connection used to send high-quality video and sound between devices.
Ethernet
A wired connection used to connect a device to a network or the internet.
Charging Cable
A cable used to supply power to a phone, tablet, laptop, or other device.
Port
An opening or connection on a device where a cable or accessory can be plugged in.
Airplane Mode
A setting that turns off most wireless connections on a phone, tablet, or laptop.
Mobile Data
Internet service your phone receives through a cellular network when Wi-Fi is not being used.
Cellular Network
A network that allows mobile phones and other devices to make calls, send messages, and use mobile data.
App Store
An online store where you can find and install apps on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Notification
A message or alert from an app or device that tells you something has happened.
Home Screen
The main screen on a smartphone or tablet where apps and widgets appear.
Widget
A small tool on a screen that shows information or provides quick access to a feature.
Swipe
To move your finger across a touchscreen to navigate or perform an action.
Tap
To quickly touch an item on a touchscreen to select or open it.
Long Press
To touch and hold an item on a touchscreen to see more options.
Face ID
A security feature that uses your face to unlock a device or confirm your identity.
Fingerprint Recognition
A security feature that uses your fingerprint to unlock a device or confirm your identity.
Domain Name
The easy-to-read name of a website, such as example.com.
Address Bar
The area in a web browser where a website address appears or can be typed.
Cookie
A small piece of information a website saves in your browser to remember certain details or activity.
Cache
Temporary saved data that can help websites and apps load faster.
Pop-Up
A small window or message that appears over a webpage or app.
Streaming
Watching or listening to media over the internet without first downloading the entire file.
Buffering
A short delay while a video or audio service loads more information.
Bandwidth
The amount of data an internet connection can handle at one time.
Internet Service Provider
A company that provides your home or business with internet access.
Browser History
A record of websites that have been visited in a web browser.
Incognito Mode
A browser mode that does not save your normal browsing history on the device after the session ends.
Search Result
A webpage, image, video, or other item shown after you perform an online search.
Keyword
A word or phrase used to search for information.
Online
Connected to the internet or available through the internet.
Offline
Not currently connected to the internet.
CC
An email field used to send a copy of a message to additional people.
BCC
An email field that sends someone a copy without showing their email address to the other recipients.
Reply
To respond to a message sent to you.
Reply All
To respond to the sender and everyone else included in an email conversation.
Forward
To send a message you received to another person.
Draft
A message that has been started and saved but has not been sent yet.
Email Signature
Text automatically added to the end of an email, often containing your name and contact information.
Calendar
A digital tool used to organize dates, appointments, meetings, and events.
Calendar Invite
An electronic invitation that adds or requests a meeting or event on a calendar.
Meeting Link
A clickable link used to join an online meeting or video call.
Spreadsheet
A digital document made of rows and columns, often used for calculations, lists, and data.
Cell
One box in a spreadsheet where you can enter information.
Row
A horizontal line of cells in a spreadsheet.
Column
A vertical line of cells in a spreadsheet.
Formula
An instruction in a spreadsheet that performs a calculation.
Presentation
A collection of slides used to share information with an audience.
Slide
One page or screen in a presentation.
Template
A pre-designed file or layout that gives you a starting point for your work.
A common file format designed to keep a document's appearance consistent across different devices.
File Extension
The letters at the end of a filename that show its type, such as .pdf, .jpg, or .docx.
ZIP File
A file that combines or compresses one or more files to make them easier to store or share.
Drag and Drop
To click or touch an item, move it to another location, and release it.
File Explorer
A Windows tool used to find, open, organize, move, and manage files and folders.
Finder
The macOS tool used to find, open, organize, move, and manage files and folders.
Rename
To change the name of a file, folder, or other item.
Strong Password
A password that is difficult for others to guess, usually using a long and unique combination of characters.
Password Manager
A tool that securely stores and helps manage your passwords.
Scam
A dishonest attempt to trick someone into giving away money, information, or access.
Ransomware
Malware that locks or blocks access to files and demands payment.
Encryption
A security method that changes information into a protected form so unauthorized people cannot easily read it.
Security Question
A question used by some services to help verify your identity.
Data Breach
An incident where private or protected information is accessed or exposed without permission.
Secure Website
A website that uses protections such as HTTPS to help keep information sent between you and the site private.
HTTPS
A secure version of the web connection used by many websites to protect information being sent and received.
Permission
Approval given to an app, user, or program to access certain information or device features.
Generative AI
Artificial intelligence that can create new content such as text, images, audio, or code.
AI Model
A computer system trained on data to recognize patterns, answer questions, or perform certain tasks.
Large Language Model
An AI model trained to understand and generate human language.
AI Agent
An AI-powered system that can use instructions and tools to complete tasks or steps toward a goal.
AI Hallucination
When an AI tool gives information that sounds confident but is incorrect or made up.
Voice Assistant
A tool that responds to spoken requests, such as setting reminders or answering questions.
Image Generator
An AI tool that creates pictures from written instructions.
Speech-to-Text
Technology that turns spoken words into written text.
Text-to-Speech
Technology that reads written text aloud using a computer-generated voice.
Automation
Using technology to complete tasks automatically with little or no manual work.
Troubleshooting
The process of finding and fixing the cause of a technology problem.
Settings
The options used to control how a device, app, or program works.
Default
The standard setting or choice a device or program uses unless you change it.
Accessibility
Features that help people with different abilities use technology more easily.
User Interface
The buttons, menus, screens, and other parts of a program or device that a person interacts with.
Digital
Information, tools, or services that are created, stored, or used with electronic technology.
Device
A piece of electronic equipment, such as a phone, computer, tablet, or smart watch.
Tech Support
Help provided to solve problems with computers, software, devices, or other technology.
Compatible
Able to work correctly with another device, program, file type, or system.
User
A person who uses a computer, device, application, website, or technology service.
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Flash Drive
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A small portable device used to store and transfer files.
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