Tech Glossary

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions a computer follows to complete a task or solve a problem.

💡Like a recipe — follow the steps and you get the result.

Antivirus

Software that detects and removes malicious programs (malware) from your device.

App

Short for "application" — a program you run on your phone or computer.

💡Like individual tools in a toolbox, each designed for a specific job.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a network in a given time.

💡Like lanes on a highway — more lanes means more traffic can flow.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System — low-level software that starts up when you turn on your computer, before the operating system loads.

Bluetooth

Wireless technology for connecting devices over short distances, like headphones, keyboards, or speakers.

Bookmark

A saved link to a website in your browser so you can quickly return to it later.

Browser

Software used to access the internet and view websites, like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

Bug

An error or flaw in software that causes it to behave unexpectedly or crash.

Cache

Temporary memory your computer or browser uses to store data for faster access next time.

💡Like keeping frequently used items on your desk instead of in the filing cabinet.

Cloud

Storing or accessing data on remote servers over the internet instead of on your local device.

💡Like renting a storage unit instead of keeping everything in your house.

Cookie

A small file websites save on your device to remember your preferences, login info, or browsing activity.

CPU

Central Processing Unit — the main "brain" of your computer that performs calculations and runs programs.

💡Like the chef in a kitchen — it processes all the instructions.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, or damage.

DNS

Domain Name System — translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses computers can understand.

💡Like a phone book for the internet.

Download

Transferring data from the internet to your device. The opposite of upload.

Driver

Software that allows your operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, graphics cards, or Wi-Fi adapters.

Encryption

Scrambling data so only authorized people can read it, using a special key to decode.

💡Like writing a letter in secret code that only the recipient can decode.

Ethernet

A wired internet connection using a cable plugged directly into your device — usually faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Extension

An add-on for your browser that adds features, like ad blockers or password managers.

Firewall

A security system that monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on rules.

💡Like a security guard at a building entrance — only lets approved traffic through.

Firmware

Low-level software permanently stored on a hardware device that controls how it operates.

GHz

Gigahertz — a unit measuring processor speed. Higher GHz generally means a faster processor.

GPS

Global Positioning System — uses satellites to determine your exact location on Earth.

GPU

Graphics Processing Unit — a specialized processor for rendering images, video, and graphics.

💡While the CPU is the brain, the GPU is the artist.

Hard Drive (HDD)

A storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks to store data. Cheaper but slower than SSDs.

HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface — a connector for sending video and audio from one device to another (like PC to monitor).

HTML

HyperText Markup Language — the code that structures web pages, defining headings, paragraphs, images, and links.

HTTP/HTTPS

HyperText Transfer Protocol (Secure) — the rules for transferring data on the web. HTTPS adds encryption for security.

💡HTTP is like a postcard anyone can read; HTTPS is a sealed envelope.

IP Address

A unique number assigned to every device on a network, like a mailing address for your computer.

ISP

Internet Service Provider — the company that provides your internet connection (like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon).

Keyboard Shortcut

Pressing specific keys together to perform a task faster (e.g., Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste).

LAN

Local Area Network — a network connecting devices in a small area like a home or office.

Latency

The delay between sending a request and receiving a response.

💡Often called "ping" in gaming — lower latency means faster response.

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm your device or steal data. Includes viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

Mbps

Megabits per second — the unit used to measure internet speed. Higher Mbps means faster downloads.

Modem

A device that connects your home network to your ISP's network, translating signals between the two.

Multitasking

Running multiple programs at the same time on your computer or phone.

Operating System (OS)

The main software that manages your computer and lets you run programs. Examples: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Overclocking

Running a processor faster than its rated speed for better performance. Can cause overheating if not done carefully.

Password Manager

Software that generates, stores, and auto-fills unique strong passwords for all your accounts.

Phishing

A scam where attackers pretend to be a trusted company to trick you into revealing passwords or personal info.

💡Like a fake letter from your bank asking for your account details.

Pixel

The smallest unit of a digital image or display. More pixels = higher resolution = sharper image.

Plug-in

An add-on that extends the functionality of software — similar to a browser extension but for any program.

Port

A physical connector on your device (USB, HDMI) or a virtual channel used by network services.

RAM

Random Access Memory — temporary, fast memory your computer uses to run programs. More RAM = smoother multitasking.

💡Like the size of your desk — more space means you can work on more things at once.

Ransomware

A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Never pay — restore from backup instead.

Resolution

The number of pixels in a display (e.g., 1920×1080). Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed images.

Router

A device that directs internet traffic between your modem and your devices, creating a local Wi-Fi network.

💡Like a traffic cop directing cars to the right streets.

Screenshot

A captured image of what's currently on your screen. Use Print Screen (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+3 (Mac).

Server

A powerful computer that stores websites, files, or services and delivers them to other devices on request.

SSD

Solid State Drive — a fast, durable type of storage that replaced older spinning hard drives. No moving parts.

💡Like flash memory vs. a record player — much faster with no moving parts.

Streaming

Watching or listening to media in real-time over the internet without downloading it first (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube).

Sync

Keeping data identical across multiple devices automatically (e.g., iCloud syncing photos between iPhone and Mac).

Task Manager

A Windows tool (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) that shows running programs, CPU/memory usage, and lets you force-close frozen apps.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

A security method requiring two forms of ID to log in — your password plus a code from your phone or email.

💡Like needing both a key and a PIN to open a safe.

Update

A newer version of software that fixes bugs, patches security holes, or adds new features. Always keep software updated!

Upload

Transferring data from your device to the internet or another device. The opposite of download.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator — the web address you type into a browser (e.g., https://teksure.com).

USB

Universal Serial Bus — a standard connector for plugging in devices and accessories like mice, keyboards, and flash drives.

VPN

Virtual Private Network — encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address for privacy and security.

💡Like a private tunnel through the internet that no one can peek into.

Virus

A type of malware that replicates and spreads to harm other devices. Modern antivirus software can detect and remove most viruses.

WAN

Wide Area Network — a network that covers a large area, like the internet itself.

Wi-Fi

Wireless technology that lets devices connect to the internet without cables using radio signals from a router.

Zero-Day

A newly discovered software vulnerability that has no fix yet — attackers can exploit it before developers release a patch.