Glossary

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This glossary explains common technology terms in clear, simple language. Each definition is written for everyday users, including seniors and beginners.

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A

• Account – A personal login used to access a service or device.
• Airplane Mode – Turns off all wireless connections on your device.
• Android – The operating system used on many phones and tablets.
• App – A program you install on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Apple ID – The account used for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
• Attachment – A file sent with an email.
• Antivirus – Software that protects your device from harmful programs.
• Auto‑Update – When apps or your device update automatically.
• Authentication – Proving who you are when logging in.
• Address Bar – The box at the top of a browser where you type website addresses.

B

• Backup – A copy of your files saved in case something goes wrong.
• Bandwidth – How much data your internet can handle at once.
• Bluetooth – A wireless connection for headphones, speakers, and devices.
• Browser – A program used to access the internet (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
• Bookmark – A saved website link for quick access.
• Bug – A software problem or error.
• Battery Health – How well your battery holds a charge.
• Biometrics – Unlocking with your face or fingerprint.
• Block – Preventing someone from contacting you.
• Browser History – A list of websites you’ve visited.

C

• Cache – Temporary files your device stores to speed things up.
• Cloud – Online storage for files, photos, and backups.
• Cookie – A small file websites use to remember your settings.
• CPU – The main processor that runs your device.
• Clipboard – Where copied text or images are temporarily stored.
• Compression – Reducing file size to save space.
• Contact List – Saved names, numbers, and emails.
• Control Panel – Windows settings for hardware and software.
• Crash – When an app or device stops working suddenly.
• Cybersecurity – Protecting devices and data from online threats.

D

• Data – Information stored or used by your device.
• Data Usage – How much internet your device uses.
• Default – The standard setting your device uses automatically.
• Desktop – The main screen on a computer.
• Download – Saving a file from the internet onto your device.
• Driver – Software that helps hardware work properly.
• Dual‑Band – A router that uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi‑Fi.
• DNS – A system that helps websites load correctly.
• Device Manager – A Windows tool for checking hardware.
• Dock – The bar of apps at the bottom of an iPhone or Mac.

E

• Email – Electronic messages sent over the internet.
• Encryption – Protecting data so only authorized people can read it.
• Error Message – A warning that something isn’t working.
• Ethernet – A wired internet connection.
• Extension – A small add‑on for your browser.
• Export – Saving data in a format you can use elsewhere.
• External Drive – A portable storage device.
• Emoji – Small icons used in messages.
• Edge – Microsoft’s web browser.
• Executable – A file that runs a program (.exe).

F

• Firewall – A security feature that blocks unwanted connections.
• Folder – A place to organize files on your device.
• File – A document, picture, or item saved on your device.
• Firmware – Software built into hardware to help it function.
• Fingerprint Unlock – Using your finger to unlock a device.
• Factory Reset – Restoring a device to its original settings.
• Fiber Internet – Very fast internet using fiber‑optic cables.
• Flash Drive – A small portable storage device.
• Freeze – When a device stops responding.
• File Explorer – The Windows tool for browsing files and folders.

G

• Gigabyte (GB) – A unit used to measure storage size.
• GPS – A system that helps your device know your location.
• Graphics Card – Hardware that displays images and video.
• Google Account – The login used for Gmail, Android, and YouTube.
• Gallery – The app where photos and videos are stored.
• Gesture – A finger movement used to control a touchscreen.
• Gigahertz (GHz) – A speed measurement for processors.
• Guest Network – A separate Wi‑Fi network for visitors.
• Green Screen – A background used in video editing.
• GIF – A short, looping animated image.

H

• Hotspot – Using your phone’s data to create a Wi‑Fi network.
• Homepage – The first page you see when opening a browser.
• Hard Drive – A device that stores your files.
• HDMI – A cable used to connect TVs, monitors, and devices.
• History – A list of websites you’ve visited.
• Hack – Unauthorized access to a device or account.
• Headphones – A device for listening to sound privately.
• Home Button – A button that returns you to the main screen.
• Hotfix – A small update that fixes a specific problem.
• HTML – The code used to build web pages.

I

• IP Address – A unique number that identifies your device online.
• iCloud – Apple’s online storage service.
• Inbox – Where your incoming emails appear.
• Icon – A small picture that opens an app or file.
• Install – Adding an app or program to your device.
• Internet – A global network that connects devices.
• ISP – Your Internet Service Provider.
• Import – Bringing files or data into an app.
• Ink Cartridge – The part of a printer that holds ink.
• Incognito Mode – A private browsing mode.

J

• JPEG – A common format for photos and images.
• JavaScript – A programming language used on websites.
• Joystick – A controller used for games.
• Junk Mail – Unwanted or spam email.
• Jitter – Small delays in internet connection.
• JPEG Compression – Reducing image size to save space.
• Jailbreak – Removing restrictions on a device (not recommended).
• Jump Drive – Another name for a USB flash drive.
• Java – A programming platform used by some apps.
• JSON – A format used to store and share data.

K

• Keyboard Shortcut – A quick key combination that performs an action.
• Kernel – The core part of an operating system.
• Keystroke – Pressing a key on the keyboard.
• Keychain – Apple’s password storage system.
• Keyword – A word used to search for information.
• Kill Switch – A feature that shuts something down instantly.
• Kilobyte (KB) – A small unit of digital storage.
• Knowledge Base – A collection of help articles.
• Kiosk Mode – A restricted mode for public devices.
• Keylogger – A harmful program that records keystrokes.

L

• Login – Entering your username and password.
• Link – A clickable text or image that opens a webpage.
• Lag – A delay caused by slow internet or hardware.
• LAN – A local network inside a home or building.
• LCD – A type of screen used in monitors and TVs.
• Lock Screen – The screen you see before unlocking your device.
• Library – A collection of files, apps, or media.
• Log Out – Signing out of an account.
• Low Battery Mode – A setting that saves power.
• Link Preview – A small preview of a webpage in messages.

M

• Malware – Harmful software that can damage your device.
• Megabyte (MB) – A unit used to measure file size.
• Modem – The device that connects your home to the internet.
• Monitor – The screen used with a desktop computer.
• Microphone – A device that records sound.
• Mute – Turning off sound.
• Mobile Data – Internet provided by your phone company.
• Motherboard – The main circuit board inside a computer.
• Multitasking – Running more than one app at a time.
• Memory – Where your device stores information temporarily.

N

• Network – Devices connected together to share internet or files.
• Notification – A message that alerts you to something.
• Nickname – A custom name for a device or contact.
• Navigation Bar – The menu used to move around a website.
• New Tab – Opening another webpage in the same browser window.
• NFC – A wireless technology used for tap‑to‑pay.
• Node – A connection point in a network.
• Noise Cancelling – Headphones that reduce background noise.
• Night Mode – A darker screen setting for low light.
• Notebook – Another name for a laptop.

O

• Operating System (OS) – The main software that runs your device.
• Offline – Not connected to the internet.
• Online – Connected to the internet.
• Optimize – Improve performance or speed.
• Output – Information sent from a device (sound, video).
• Outbox – Where emails wait before being sent.
• Overlay – A graphic or menu that appears on top of the screen.
• Open Source – Software that anyone can modify.
• OneDrive – Microsoft’s cloud storage service.
• OTP – A one‑time password used for security.

P

• Password – A secret word or phrase used to protect your account.
• PDF – A file format used for documents.
• Pop‑Up – A small window that appears on your screen.
• Power Button – The button that turns your device on or off.
• Ping – A test that checks internet response time.
• Port – A place to plug in cables or devices.
• Patch – A small update that fixes problems.
• Phishing – Fake messages trying to steal your information.
• Pixel – A tiny dot that makes up an image on a screen.
• Proxy – A server that hides your real location.

• QR Code – A square barcode you scan with your camera.
• Quick Settings – Fast access to common controls.
• Queue – A list of items waiting to be processed.
• Quick Access – A Windows feature for frequently used folders.
• Quad‑Core – A processor with four cores.
• Quality Settings – Controls how clear video or images appear.
• Quota – A limit on storage or data usage.
• Quick Share – A feature for sending files wirelessly.
• Query – A request for information.
• Quick Launch – A toolbar for opening apps quickly.

R

• Router – The device that sends Wi‑Fi through your home.
• Reboot – Restarting your device.
• Resolution – How clear an image or screen looks.
• RAM – Temporary memory used by your device.
• Recycle Bin – Where deleted files go in Windows.
• Restore – Returning something to an earlier state.
• Ringtone – The sound your phone makes for calls.
• Roaming – Using mobile data outside your home area.
• Read‑Only – A file you can view but not change.
• Remote Access – Controlling a device from another location.

S

• Screenshot – A picture of what’s on your screen.
• Spam – Unwanted or junk email.
• Storage – Where your files are kept.
• Sync – Keeping data the same across devices.
• Settings – Controls for how your device works.
• Signal Strength – How strong your Wi‑Fi or mobile connection is.
• Shortcut – A quick way to open a file or app.
• Shutdown – Turning off your device completely.
• Streaming – Watching or listening without downloading.
• Search Bar – A box where you type to find things.

T

• Two‑Factor Authentication – A second step to verify your identity.
• Tab – A separate page inside your browser window.
• Taskbar – The bar at the bottom of Windows.
• Touchscreen – A screen you control with your fingers.
• Text Message – A short message sent by phone.
• Thumbnail – A small preview image.
• Toggle – A switch that turns a setting on or off.
• Trojan – Harmful software disguised as something safe.
• Transfer – Moving files from one place to another.
• Task Manager – A Windows tool that shows running apps.

U

• Update – New improvements or fixes for your device or apps.
• Upload – Sending a file from your device to the internet.
• USB – A common port for connecting devices.
• User Account – A profile on your device.
• Undo – Reversing your last action.
• URL – A website address.
• Uninstall – Removing an app or program.
• Unlock – Opening your device for use.
• Uptime – How long your device has been running.
• Utility – A small tool that performs a specific task.

V

• Virus – A harmful program that spreads between devices.
• Volume – How loud your device sounds.
• VPN – A tool that protects your privacy online.
• Voice Assistant – A tool that responds to spoken commands.
• Video Call – A call where you can see the other person.
• Vibration – A silent alert on phones.
• Virtual Machine – Software that acts like a separate computer.
• Viewport – The visible area of a webpage.
• Verification Code – A short code used for security.
• Voice Mail – Recorded messages left when you miss a call.

W

• Wi‑Fi – Wireless internet connection.
• Wallpaper – The background image on your device.
• Widget – A small tool that shows quick information.
• Webcam – A camera used for video calls.
• Website – A page you visit on the internet.