Technology vocabulary
100 words to learn about technology.
Practice these words with flashcards →computerAn electronic machine that stores and processes information and runs programs.internetThe worldwide network that connects computers and lets people share information, send messages, and visit websites.softwareThe programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do, as opposed to its physical parts.keyboardA panel of keys arranged in rows, used to type on a computer, typewriter, or similar device.screenThe flat surface on a TV, computer, or phone where pictures and text appear.downloadTo copy data from another computer or the internet onto your own device.uploadTo send data from your device to another computer on a network, especially to an internet server.passwordA secret combination of letters, numbers, or words typed in to gain access to a computer, account, or network.websiteA group of linked web pages that share the same base address and are usually hosted on one server.networkA group of computers and other devices connected together so they can share information and resources.batteryA unit made of one or more chemical cells that stores energy and supplies electricity to devices.chargerA device used to fill or refill something with electrical power.wirelessWorking without wires or cables.deviceA tool or piece of equipment, often mechanical or electronic, designed to do a specific job.applicationA piece of software that a user treats as one tool designed for a specific purpose.digitalConnected with computers or with the modern age of electronic information.gadgetA small tool or device, often clever or unusual, especially one whose exact name you can't remember.browserA program or tool that lets a person look through and explore information.updateA new version of software or an app that fixes problems or adds new features.storageThe amount of space a device or online service has for keeping files, photos, and other data.backupA spare copy of data kept separately from the original so it can be restored if the original is lost or damaged.routerA device that directs data traffic between computer networks, deciding where each packet of information should go.headphonesA pair of small speakers worn over or inside the ears so that only the wearer hears the sound.monitorA screen, similar to a television, that displays the output of a computer.printerA machine, typically connected to a computer, that puts text or pictures onto paper; also a similar device that builds three-dimensional objects.folderA named storage area on a computer where files and other folders can be kept together.serverA computer or program that supplies data or services to other computers or programs, often across a network.databaseA large, organized collection of information stored on a computer so that it can be searched and updated easily.algorithmA sequence of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or performing a calculation.encryptionThe scrambling of information so that it can only be read by someone with the right key or password.bluetoothA technical standard that lets nearby devices connect to each other without wires.notificationAn alert or message that a device or app shows to tell you about something, such as a new email or update.shortcutA key or group of keys you press together to give a computer a command quickly.streamingSending or playing audio or video over the internet as it arrives, without saving it first.firewallA program that watches data flowing into and out of a computer or network and blocks anything that appears dangerous.megabyteA unit of digital information equal to a million bytes, or one thousand kilobytes.processorA machine or person that handles or transforms something, such as the chip that runs a computer or an appliance that chops food.interfaceThe place or means where two systems meet and interact with each other.usernameThe name or set of characters that identifies a person on a computer system or website.crashA sudden failure of a computer, program, or system that makes it stop working.rebootTo restart a computer so that its operating system loads again, often to fix a problem.installTo set up equipment or software and make it ready for use.syncTo make two or more things match or work together at the same time, especially data, clocks, or sound and video.offlineNot connected to the internet or to a larger network.hardwareThe physical parts of a computer or other electronic device, such as the screen, keyboard, and chips.cursorThe small movable marker on a computer screen, often called a pointer, that shows where the pointing device is aimed.pixelOne of the tiny individual dots that together form a digital image on a screen.cableA long cord or line used to link things together physically.laptopA portable computer small enough to use on your lap.desktopThe main screen of a computer's operating system, where icons, windows, and the background image appear.tabletA thin, flat portable computer that you control by touching its screen. It is bigger than a phone and usually has no built-in keyboard.smartphoneA mobile phone that works like a small computer, with far more functions than a basic handset.webcamA video camera that streams live pictures over a computer network, especially the internet.microphoneA piece of equipment that turns sound into an electrical signal so it can be recorded, amplified, or broadcast.speakerA device that turns electronic signals into sound, used with phones, computers, and music systems.earbudsTiny earphones that sit inside the ear, used for listening to music or calls from portable devices.joystickA control device with an upright handle on a base, often fitted with buttons, used to steer aircraft, play video games, or operate machinery.controllerA person or device that directs or manages something.consoleA control panel with displays and input controls used to operate and monitor an electronic system.modemA device that converts computer data into signals that can travel over a telephone line, and back again, so computers can connect to each other.adapterA device that lets two pieces of equipment work together when they would not otherwise connect.antennaA device that sends or receives radio and other electromagnetic signals, converting them to or from electrical form.satelliteA machine sent into orbit around the Earth or another body in space, usually to send back signals or data.broadbandA fast internet connection that is always on and can carry large amounts of data, such as video, at the same time.ethernetA wired system for connecting computers into a network, built on a widely used technical standard.gigabyteA unit of computer data equal to one billion bytes, or 1,000 megabytes.terabyteA unit of digital information equal to a trillion bytes, or one thousand gigabytes.bandwidthHow quickly data can travel through a digital connection, usually counted in bits per second.latencyThe delay between starting something and the moment it actually happens.bufferingThe act of using a buffer, such as temporarily storing data before it is played or processed.cacheA quick-access temporary store that keeps recently or often-used data so it does not have to be fetched again from a slower source.cookieA small, flat, sweet baked treat that may be crunchy or soft.bookmarkA saved link in a web browser that lets you quickly return to a page.hyperlinkA piece of text or an image on a screen that you can click to open another page or start an action.domainThe name of a website that people type into a browser, such as 'example.com'; also called a domain name.protocolAn agreed set of rules for sending and receiving data, especially between computers on a network.firmwareSoftware stored permanently inside a device that controls its basic hardware functions.malwareComputer programs created to do harm or act against the user's wishes.spywareSoftware that secretly watches what someone does on a computer and passes the information on to others.virusA tiny germ, much smaller than bacteria, that gets into living cells and causes diseases such as colds and flu.antivirusA program that finds and removes harmful software such as computer viruses.hackerSomeone who breaks into computer systems or networks without permission, often to steal data or cause damage.phishingThe crime of using a fake identity online to get past security and trick people out of private information.spamUnwanted messages, usually advertisements, sent out in bulk by email or other electronic means.authenticationThe process of proving your identity in order to access a computer system or network.biometricConnected with identifying people through their physical characteristics, such as fingerprints.fingerprintThe pattern of ridged skin on the tip of a finger, which is different for every person.passcodeA sequence of letters or numbers entered to unlock a device or prove your identity.loginThe act of signing in to a computer system, or the username and details used to do so.logoutThe act of signing out of a computer system or account.dashboardA screen in an app or website that shows the most important information and numbers in one place, often with charts.widgetA small part of an app or screen that shows information or gives you a quick control, such as a clock or weather box.templateA standard model or pattern used as a starting point for making other things.layoutThe way things are arranged or organized within a given space.toolbarA strip of icon buttons in a program or operating system that lets you trigger its functions with a click.sidebarA column of extra content or links displayed along one side of a webpage.dropdownA menu or selection box on a screen that keeps its list of options hidden until you click on it.checkboxA small square on a screen that you click to add or remove a check mark, turning an option on or off.clipboardA temporary storage area on a computer or phone that holds text or images you have copied or cut.thumbnailA small version of an image that stands in for the full-size picture.