Tech Jargon Translator

A way to connect to the internet without using cables — it uses radio waves to send data between your device and a router.

For example: When you connect your phone to the internet at home without plugging anything in, you're using WiFi.

A wireless technology that lets devices talk to each other over short distances, like connecting headphones to your phone.

For example: Pairing your wireless earbuds to your phone uses Bluetooth.

Temporary memory your device uses to run apps and tasks right now — the more you have, the more you can do at once.

For example: If your computer slows down with lots of tabs open, it might be running low on RAM.

The "brain" of your computer that processes instructions and makes everything work.

For example: When your laptop feels slow, the CPU might be working too hard on background tasks.

A special processor designed to handle graphics, video, and visual tasks much faster than the CPU.

For example: Gaming PCs have powerful GPUs to display detailed 3D graphics smoothly.

A fast type of storage that uses chips instead of spinning discs — it makes your device start up and load files much quicker.

For example: Upgrading from an HDD to an SSD can make an old laptop feel brand new.

A traditional hard drive that stores data on spinning magnetic discs — cheaper but slower than an SSD.

For example: Many older computers use HDDs, which is why they can take a while to start up.

Storing files and data on the internet instead of on your device, so you can access them from anywhere.

For example: When you save photos to Google Photos or iCloud, they're stored "in the cloud".

A tool that creates a private, encrypted connection to the internet — it hides your activity and location from others.

For example: Using a VPN on public WiFi helps keep your browsing private and secure.

The app you use to visit websites — like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

For example: When you open Chrome and go to google.com, Chrome is your browser.

A small file a website saves on your device to remember things about you, like your login or preferences.

For example: Cookies are why a shopping site remembers what's in your basket when you come back.

Temporary files your device keeps so it can load things faster next time — like a shortcut to data it's already seen.

For example: Clearing your browser cache can fix websites that aren't displaying correctly.

Copying a file from the internet to your device so you can use it offline.

For example: When you save a photo from a website to your phone, you're downloading it.

Sending a file from your device to the internet or another computer.

For example: Posting a photo on Facebook means uploading it from your phone to their servers.

The maximum amount of data that can be sent over your internet connection at once — more bandwidth means faster speeds.

For example: Streaming 4K video requires more bandwidth than browsing the web.

The box in your home that sends your internet connection to all your devices, usually over WiFi.

For example: If your internet stops working, restarting the router often fixes it.

The device that connects your home to your internet service provider — it brings the internet into your house.

For example: Your modem plugs into the phone line or cable, and your router connects to the modem.

A security system that monitors and controls what data can enter or leave your network, blocking threats.

For example: Your computer's firewall helps stop hackers from accessing your files.

Any software designed to harm your device or steal your data — including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.

For example: Clicking a dodgy link in an email could install malware on your computer.

A type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to files or programs and can damage your device or data.

For example: Opening an infected email attachment could give your computer a virus.

A scam where someone pretends to be a trusted company to trick you into giving away passwords or personal info.

For example: A fake email from "your bank" asking you to click a link and enter your details is phishing.

Scrambling data so only authorised people can read it — like putting a message in a secret code.

For example: WhatsApp uses encryption so only you and the person you're messaging can read your conversation.

An app that securely stores all your passwords so you only need to remember one master password.

For example: Instead of reusing the same password everywhere, a password manager creates and remembers unique ones for each site.

An extra security step where you prove your identity in two ways — usually your password plus a code sent to your phone.

For example: When your bank sends you a text code after you enter your password, that's two-factor authentication.

Short for application — a program you install on your phone, tablet, or computer to do a specific task.

For example: WhatsApp, Instagram, and your weather forecast are all apps.

The programs and apps that run on your device — anything you can't physically touch.

For example: Microsoft Word, your web browser, and your phone's operating system are all software.

The physical parts of a device that you can touch — like the screen, keyboard, or battery.

For example: If your laptop screen cracks, that's a hardware problem.

The main software that runs your device and lets you use apps — like Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.

For example: When your phone says "iOS 17 update available", it's updating the operating system.

A new version of software that fixes bugs, adds features, or improves security.

For example: Keeping your apps and operating system updated helps protect you from security threats.

A copy of your important files stored somewhere safe, so you don't lose them if something goes wrong.

For example: If your phone breaks but you have a backup, you can restore all your photos and contacts to a new phone.

A picture of whatever is currently on your screen — useful for saving information or showing someone what you see.

For example: Press the Print Screen key on Windows or ⌘+Shift+3 on Mac to take a screenshot.

Watching or listening to content over the internet in real time without downloading it first.

For example: Watching a film on Netflix or listening to music on Spotify is streaming.

When a video or song pauses to load more data before continuing — usually caused by a slow internet connection.

For example: If your YouTube video keeps stopping and starting, it's buffering because your connection is slow.

A small window that appears on your screen, often showing ads or alerts — some are harmless, some are scams.

For example: If a pop-up says "Your computer is infected! Call this number!" — it's almost certainly a scam.

Unwanted messages sent in bulk, usually by email — often trying to sell you something or trick you.

For example: Those emails offering you millions of dollars from a stranger are spam.

When a program or device suddenly stops working and closes or freezes unexpectedly.

For example: If your phone app suddenly closes while you're using it, the app has crashed.

Turning your device off and back on again — this often fixes minor glitches and frees up memory.

For example: "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" is the classic tech support advice — and it really does work.

Software that helps your operating system communicate with a piece of hardware like a printer or graphics card.

For example: If your printer stops working after an update, you might need to reinstall its driver.

A unique number assigned to your device on the internet — like a postal address for your computer.

For example: Every device connected to your WiFi has its own IP address so data goes to the right place.

A feature that lets you share your phone's mobile internet connection with other devices via WiFi.

For example: If your home WiFi goes down, you can turn on your phone's hotspot to get your laptop online.