Tech Jargon Translator

An Apple feature for wirelessly sending files between iPhones, iPads and Macs that are near each other.

"Use AirDrop to send those photos to your partner's phone."

A set of rules that a computer follows to decide what to show you, like which posts appear in your social media feed.

"The algorithm shows you more of what you've clicked on before."

Short for 'application', a program on your phone, tablet or computer that does a specific job.

"Download the banking app to check your balance on your phone."

A spare copy of your files kept somewhere safe, in case something goes wrong with your device.

"Set up automatic backups so you never lose your photos."

How much data your internet connection can carry at once. More bandwidth means faster downloads.

"Streaming 4K video needs a lot of bandwidth."

A short-range wireless connection for linking devices together, like headphones to your phone.

"Pair your headphones via Bluetooth."

The app you use to look at websites, like Safari, Chrome or Firefox.

"Open your browser and type in the address."

Temporary files your device keeps to load websites and apps faster next time you visit.

"Clear your browser cache if a website isn't loading properly."

CC (Carbon Copy) shows all recipients each other's email addresses. BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) hides them. For group emails to people who don't know each other, always use BCC.

"Put the whole group in BCC so nobody sees everyone else's email address."

A computer program that responds to your messages as if it were a person. Used on websites for customer service and in AI tools like ChatGPT.

"The chatbot can answer basic questions, but ask for a real person if you need proper help."

Storing your files on the internet instead of on your device. Services like iCloud, Google Drive and Dropbox do this.

"Your photos are backed up to the cloud."

A small piece of data a website saves on your device to remember you, like your login or what's in your shopping basket.

"This site uses cookies to remember your preferences."

The human-readable name for a website, like hebdentech.co.uk. It's an easier way to find a website than typing in numbers.

"Our domain name is hebdentech.co.uk."

Copying a file from the internet to your device.

"Download the attachment to read it offline."

Scrambling your data so that only someone with the right key can read it.

"WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, only you and the recipient can read your messages."

Software or hardware that monitors incoming and outgoing internet traffic and blocks anything suspicious.

"Your router has a built-in firewall to protect your home network."

The UK General Data Protection Regulation. Rules that say how personal information must be handled by organisations. Applies to emails, photos, names, addresses, and any data that could identify a person.

"Sharing a list of members' email addresses without asking them first is a GDPR breach."

The part of your computer that stores all your files. SSDs are faster and newer; hard drives are older and cheaper.

"Your computer has a 256GB SSD, that's how much it can store."

A cable and port for connecting your device to a TV or monitor to show your screen on a bigger display.

"Connect the HDMI cable to show your laptop screen on the telly."

The padlock icon in your browser address bar means your connection to the website is encrypted, nobody can read what you send or receive.

"Check for the padlock before entering your card details online."

A unique number assigned to your device on a network, like a phone number for your computer.

"Every device on your Wi-Fi has its own IP address."

Your username and password are the keys to an online account. Knowing where all your accounts are, and which passwords go with them, is an important part of digital housekeeping.

"Write down which email address you used to sign up, it's easy to forget."

A service that lets you send emails to a large group of people without sharing everyone's address with each other. Mailchimp and Brevo are popular free options.

"Set up a mailing list for the group so people can unsubscribe if they want."

Software designed to harm your device or steal your data. Includes viruses, spyware and ransomware.

"Don't click that link, it could install malware."

Alerts from apps that pop up on your screen, messages, reminders, news. You can control which apps send them.

"Turn off notifications for apps that distract you."

The main software that runs your device. Windows, macOS, iOS and Android are all operating systems.

"Your Mac runs macOS; your phone might run iOS or Android."

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

"Use a password manager instead of writing passwords on sticky notes."

A scam where someone pretends to be a trusted organisation to trick you into giving away personal information.

"That email from 'HMRC' is probably phishing, they'd never ask for your password."

Your device's short-term memory. More RAM means it can juggle more tasks at once without slowing down.

"8GB of RAM is fine for everyday use; 16GB is better if you do a lot at once."

The box from your internet provider that creates your home Wi-Fi network. Usually has flashing lights.

"Try restarting your router if the internet isn't working."

A picture of what's currently on your screen. Every phone, tablet and computer can take one.

"Take a screenshot of the error message and send it to us."

A computer that stores a website and sends it to your browser when you visit. When you type in a web address, the server responds with the page.

"The website is slow because their server is overloaded with visitors."

Unwanted messages, usually emails, sent in bulk. Often advertising, sometimes scams.

"Check your spam folder, sometimes real emails end up there by mistake."

Watching or listening to content directly from the internet without downloading it first. Netflix, Spotify and BBC iPlayer all stream.

"We stream films on Netflix instead of buying DVDs."

Keeping the same files or information up to date across multiple devices automatically.

"Your contacts sync between your phone and your tablet."

A portable touchscreen device larger than a phone but smaller than a laptop. iPads are the most common.

"A tablet is perfect for video calls with the grandchildren."

A screen you control by tapping, swiping and pinching with your fingers instead of using a mouse.

"Tap the icon on the touchscreen to open the app."

An extra security step where you confirm your identity with a second method, usually a code sent to your phone.

"Enable 2FA on your email for better security."

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

"Install that update, it patches a security hole."

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

"Upload your photo to share it with family."

The web address you type into your browser, like hebdentech.co.uk.

"Type the URL into the address bar at the top of your browser."

A standard plug for connecting devices, external drives, keyboards, phones. USB-C is the newer, smaller type.

"Plug the USB cable into your laptop to charge your phone."

A Virtual Private Network, it encrypts your internet connection so others can't see what you're doing online.

"Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to stay safe."

A wireless connection that lets your device access the internet without a cable.

"Connect to the Wi-Fi to get online."