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    Essential Skills
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    2 min read 8 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Technology Terms Everyone Should Know

    A plain-language glossary of common tech terms: from apps to zip files.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Essential Skills
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    8
    Topics covered
    glossary
    terms
    vocabulary
    beginner
    education

    In this guide (8 steps):

    1. 1.Hardware terms
    2. 2.Internet terms
    3. 3.Software terms
    4. 4.Security terms
    5. 5.Networking terms
    6. 6.File terms
    7. 7.Modern terms
    8. 8.Action terms
    1

    Hardware terms

    ~15s
    RAM: your computer's short-term memory (more = faster multitasking). SSD: fast storage drive. HDD: older, slower storage drive. CPU/Processor: the computer's brain. GPU: handles graphics and video.
    2

    Internet terms

    ~15s
    Bandwidth: how much data can flow at once. Mbps: megabits per second (speed measurement). ISP: Internet Service Provider (Comcast, AT&T, etc.). DNS: converts website names to addresses. VPN: encrypts your internet connection.
    3

    Software terms

    ~15s
    App: any program or application. OS: Operating System (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android). Browser: program for viewing websites (Chrome, Safari). Cloud: services and storage on remote servers accessed via internet.
    4

    Security terms

    ~15s
    2FA/MFA: Two/Multi-Factor Authentication. Phishing: fake messages designed to steal information. Malware: malicious software (viruses, ransomware). Encryption: scrambling data so only authorized users can read it. Firewall: blocks unauthorized network access.
    5

    Networking terms

    ~15s
    Wi-Fi: wireless internet connection. Ethernet: wired internet connection. Bluetooth: short-range wireless for devices. Router: creates your local network. Modem: connects to your ISP.
    6

    File terms

    ~15s
    PDF: document format that looks the same everywhere. JPEG/PNG: image formats. ZIP: compressed file containing multiple files. CSV: spreadsheet data format. Backup: copy of files stored separately for safety.
    7

    Modern terms

    ~15s
    AI: Artificial Intelligence — computers performing human-like tasks. Machine Learning: AI that improves from experience. Blockchain: distributed digital ledger. IoT: Internet of Things — everyday devices connected to internet. NFT: digital certificate of ownership.
    8

    Action terms

    ~15s
    Download: copy from internet to your device. Upload: copy from your device to internet. Sync: keep files identical across devices. Cache: temporary stored data for faster access. Cookies: small files websites save on your device.

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    glossary
    terms
    vocabulary
    beginner
    education

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobal — Free Digital SkillsAARP Technology TipsSenior Planet

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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