Technology Vocabulary

1. 1 AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the sophisticated technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, allowing them to make decisions, solve problems, and learn from data.
   “Many people worry that AI will soon replace their jobs.”
2. A 2 gadget is a device that is used to perform a specific function or task, often one that is innovative and ingenious.
   “Joe’s always buying new gadgets that he claims will make his life easier.”
3. A 3 smart device is a type of electronic gadget capable of connecting and sending information to other devices via the internet or other wireless protocols.
   “Smart devices enable us to communicate with others wherever we happen to be.”
4. 4 Wearable technology, or wearable devices, are electronics that can be worn on a person’s body.
   “These days, most wearable technology is comfortable and easy to wear.”
5. A 5 VR (virtual reality) headset is a type of wearable technology that a person wears over their eyes, which allows them to experience images and sounds produced by a computer as if they were part of real life.
   “When I put on the VR headset, it was as though I’d entered a futuristic world.”
   “VR games are becoming more popular than other types of games.”
6. 6 Freeware is any program, application, or software that can be freely downloaded without payment.
   “It’s freeware, so it won’t cost you a penny.”
7. An 7 internet provider is an organization that provides its customers with services for accessing and using the internet in their businesses or homes.
   “I’d been experiencing poor reception for days, so I called my internet provider.”
8. A 8 search engine is a type of website that enables you to search for content available on the internet.
   “Google is my favorite search engine; I don’t use any others.”
9. A 9 web browser is an application that you use for internet searches that can also track your browsing history.
   “I don’t always use the same web browser. I use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.”
10. A 10 server is the place where all the data from a website is stored. It also processes and sends this data to people’s devices when they look at that website.
    “Our webpage has thousands of videos, so we use a server with a lot of disk space.”
11. 11 Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting servers, computers, social network accounts, and other systems from malicious cyber-attacks.
    “With internet crimes on the rise, cybersecurity is essential.”
12. An 12 app is a program on your phone or computer that does a certain job, like a game, a music or photography app, etc.
    “I’ve downloaded a cool app to track my gym workouts.”
13. A 13 social network is an app or website where you can connect with friends, share pictures, and communicate with each other.
    “I rely on social networks like Facebook to promote my business.”
14. The term 14 Social media refers to a broader range of platforms where users create, share, and interact with content, including pictures, videos, and other forms of media.
    “TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms.”
15. A 15 WiFi hotspot is an internet access point that enables you to connect to a WiFi network using your smartphone, laptop, or another device.
    “I used the cafe’s WiFi hotspot to send my emails.”
16. A 16 screenshot is a photo or image of what can be seen on the screen of a computer or other device at any given time.
    “I sent Tom a screenshot of the diagram on my screen.”

Images illustrating tech personalities and concepts like computer nerd, techie, technophobe, and software developer.

1. A 1 computer nerd or computer buff is a person who has an obsessive interest in computers.
   “Neil is a computer nerd; computers are his life.”
2. A 2 techie is someone who has a strong interest in technology, especially new or cutting-edge technologies.
   “Tom’s a real techie and is always buying new gadgets.”
3. A 3 technophobe is a person who is afraid of or distrusts advanced technology or complex devices, especially computers.
   “My mum is a bit of a technophobe and gets nervous when using a computer.”
4. A 4 software developer is a professional person who researches, designs, upgrades, and maintains software for computer systems.
   “As a software developer, I spend most of my time designing new software.”
5. Devices or software that are 5 user-friendly are simple and uncomplicated to use.
   “The device is quite user-friendly, so you shouldn’t have any problems using it.”
6. 6 Cutting-edge technology is at the forefront of development and ahead of its time.
   “We use cutting-edge technology to give users the ultimate listening experience.”
7. 7 High-tech devices make use of highly advanced technology.
   “The office is full of hi-tech devices.”
8. 8 Obsolete systems are out-of-date and usually need updating.
   “Most of this equipment is completely obsolete.”

1. When you 1 go online, you connect to the internet to browse, email, or use its other services.
   “I go online first thing in the morning to check my emails.”
2. When you 2 browse, you search for information on the internet.
   “I spent the morning browsing various clothing websites on the internet.”
3. If you 3 upload something, you send data or files from your computer to the internet.
   “Once you upload these images, anyone will be able to see them.”
4. When you 4 download data or software, you transfer information to your computer or phone from the internet.
   “I download a lot of films to watch in my free time.”
5. When you 5 sign in to an account, you enter your username and password to access an application or website.
   “When you sign in to your account, you need to enter your password.”
6. When you 6 sign up for something, you register and create an account.
   “You need to sign up to the site before you can download materials.”
7. If you 7 attach something, you add a picture or document to an email or message.
   “I am attaching the files to this email.”
8. When you 8 back up your computer, you copy files as a precaution in case it crashes.
   “It’s important to back up your files in case your computer crashes.”
9. If a computer program 9 crashes, it stops functioning properly.
   “I had to call the technician because my computer had crashed.”
10. If you 10 upgrade software or devices, you replace them with more modern alternatives.
    “I upgraded my phone to a more modern version.”
11. When you 11 update files or software, you change them to a more modern version.
    “Upgrading your computer will enable you to use the latest version of the app.”
12. When you have a 12 video call or video chat, you talk with others via the internet while seeing each other.
    “I had a video call with my colleagues to chat about the project.”
13. A video conference is an online meeting where you can see all participants.
    “More than 100 people participated in the video conference.”