Ten Pieces of Tech Jargon, in Plain English
By Mike ·
Half the reason technology feels locked to outsiders is the words. People use them like everyone already knows, and if you do not, it feels rude to ask. So here are ten of the most common terms, each in one plain sentence. No need to memorise them. Just come back when one turns up.
The cloud. Storing your files on someone else’s computers over the internet, so you can reach them from any device.
Two factor. A second check when you log in, usually a code to your phone, so a stolen password alone is not enough to get in.
Phishing. A fake message pretending to be a company you trust, trying to get your details.
Bandwidth. How much your internet connection can carry at once, like the width of a pipe.
Browser. The program you use to look at websites, such as Safari, Chrome, or Edge.
Operating system. The main software that runs your device, like Windows on a computer or iOS on an iPhone.
App. A single program on your phone or tablet that does one job, like the weather or your bank.
Backup. A spare copy of your files kept somewhere safe, in case your device is lost or breaks.
Router. The box from your internet provider that sends wifi around your home.
Malware. Any harmful software that gets onto a device to cause damage or steal information.
That is it. Ten words that come up again and again, now demystified. If you would rather someone just sat with you and went through the ones that keep tripping you up, that is exactly what we do. Book a free chat and we will speak plainly, always.