Tech Glossary

A small program on your phone or tablet, like the weather, camera, or a banking app. Short for 'application'.

A saved copy of your photos and files, so nothing is lost if your device breaks or is replaced.

How much internet you can use at once. More bandwidth means faster, smoother connections.

A way for devices near each other to connect wirelessly — like a phone to headphones or a speaker.

The program you use to visit websites, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox.

Temporary files a browser saves to load websites faster. Clearing it can fix some glitches.

The cable that powers your device, and the 'port' is the small slot you plug it into.

A safe place on the internet where your photos and files can be stored, so you can reach them from any device.

Small notes websites save to remember you — like keeping you signed in or remembering your settings.

The little arrow or blinking line on your screen that shows where your mouse or typing is.

Download means bringing something onto your device. Upload means sending something from your device to the internet.

Electronic mail — letters and messages you send and receive over the internet.

A built‑in guard that helps block harmful traffic from reaching your device.

Using your phone's internet to get other devices online when there's no Wi‑Fi nearby.

A little picture or button you tap or click to open something on your screen.

Text or a button you tap to jump to another page or website. Only tap links you trust.

Harmful software that can damage your device or steal information. Updates and caution help prevent it.

The device that brings the internet into your home from your provider. It often connects to your router.

The group of devices in your home that are connected together and share the same internet.

A little message or alert from an app — like a new text, email, or reminder.

The main software that runs your device, such as Windows, macOS, iPhone's iOS, or Android.

A secret word or phrase that keeps your accounts private. Strong ones are longer and harder to guess.

A fake message pretending to be a real company, trying to trick you into sharing personal information.

A small window that appears on top of a page. Some are helpful; others are ads you can safely close.

The short‑term memory a device uses while it's working. More memory helps it run smoothly.

The box in your home that creates your Wi‑Fi and sends the internet to all your devices.

Junk email you didn't ask for. It's usually safe to delete, and never click links you don't trust.

The space on your device where your photos, apps, and files are kept. Devices can run low on storage.

Watching or listening to something over the internet — like Netflix or music — without saving it to your device.

An extra safety step where you enter a code (usually texted to you) along with your password.

A free improvement from the maker that keeps your device running well and safely. It's good to install these.

The address of a website, like thetechsavvyco.com, that you type or tap to visit it.

The wireless signal that lets your devices connect to the internet at home without any cables.