📖 Tech Glossary

Everyday tech words, in plain English

AppA small program on your phone or tablet that does one job — like Weather, Maps, or your bank. Short for "application."

BrowserThe program you use to visit websites — such as Safari, Chrome, or Edge. It's the window to the internet.

The CloudStoring your photos and files on a company's computers over the internet instead of only on your device, so you can reach them anywhere.

Wi-FiA wireless connection to the internet inside your home or a business, so your devices don't need cables.

Cellular / DataThe internet connection your phone gets from the cell network when you're away from Wi-Fi.

DownloadCopying something (a photo, app, or file) from the internet onto your device.

UploadSending something from your device up to the internet — for example, posting a photo.

Password ManagerA secure app that remembers all your passwords so you only have to remember one. Built into most phones and browsers.

Two-Factor / Two-StepExtra security where, after your password, you also enter a one-time code sent to your phone.

PhishingA fake message pretending to be a company you trust, designed to trick you into giving up information or money.

Malware / VirusHarmful software that can sneak onto a device. Keeping your device updated is the best protection.

VPNA "private tunnel" for your internet connection that adds privacy, useful on public Wi-Fi. Stands for Virtual Private Network.

CookiesSmall notes a website leaves in your browser so it remembers you next time. Mostly harmless; some track your activity.

CacheTemporary files a device keeps to load things faster. "Clearing the cache" tidies them up if something acts oddly.

IconA little picture you tap or click to open an app or file.

MenuA list of choices. Often hidden behind three lines (☰) or three dots (⋮) that you tap to open.

Link (Hyperlink)Underlined or colored text you can tap to jump to a web page. Be cautious with links in unexpected messages.

URL / Web AddressThe address of a web page, like www.costco.com. Reading it carefully helps you spot fakes.

UpdateA free improvement from the maker of your device or app that fixes problems and closes security holes. Worth installing.

Operating SystemThe main software that runs your device — iOS or Android on phones, Windows or macOS on computers.

BluetoothA short-range wireless link between nearby devices — for headphones, hearing aids, speakers, or your car.

StreamingWatching or listening over the internet without downloading — like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify.

Text / SMSA short typed message sent phone-to-phone. "SMS" is just the technical name for a text.

Video CallA phone call where you also see each other — using FaceTime, Zoom, or similar.

BackupA saved copy of your photos and files kept somewhere safe, so nothing is lost if a device breaks.

Storage / MemoryThe space on your device for photos, apps, and files. When it's "full," you delete or back up to make room.

AccountYour personal sign-in (a username and password) with a service like Google, Apple, or your bank.

Search EngineA website like Google that finds other websites when you type in a question.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)Software that can answer questions or create text and images, like ChatGPT. Helpful, but it can be wrong — double-check anything important.

No matching term — try another word.