A-Z of Tech Jargon for noobs (Part 1)

Understanding tech speak with no effort at all

Source: Internet

Tech talk got you tongue-tied? Don’t sweat it! This guide is your secret decoder ring, ready to crack the code of confusing jargon and transform you into a tech whiz. ⚡

No prior experience needed, just a curious mind and a thirst for adventure.

Ready, lets begin.

1. AI (Artificial Intelligence): Imagine robots that learn and adapt like humans, solving problems and even creating art. That’s the potential of AI, though it’s still under development. (More on this in a later post)
2. AR (Augmented Reality): Think of virtual elements overlaid on your real world view, like seeing directions on your phone screen while walking. AR blends digital and physical experiences in cool ways.
3. Bug: Not the creepy crawly kind, but a mistake in code that makes things go wrong. Fixing bugs is a big part of making apps and websites work smoothly.
4. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Think of it as the muscle behind high-quality graphics in games and videos. This specialized chip handles fast calculations for visuals.
5. HTTPS: Ever see a little padlock in your browser address bar? That means the website is using HTTPS, a secure connection that protects your information. Look for it when entering personal details online!
6. VR (Virtual Reality): Immerse yourself in completely digital worlds with VR headsets! Imagine exploring distant planets, attending concerts from home, or even climbing mountains — all virtually.
7. Wi-Fi: The invisible magic that connects your devices to the internet wirelessly. Think of it as an invisible bridge carrying your data back and forth.
8. Meme: Remember those funny pics with captions that everyone shares online? Those are memes! They’re a quick way to share humor and cultural references.
9. Open Source: Think of software with its doors wide open! Anyone can see and modify the code, which helps improve it and create new versions. It’s like a collaborative recipe book for everyone to contribute to.
10. Spam: Annoying junk emails and messages, like the digital equivalent of telemarketers. But you can fight back with spam filters and responsible online habits!
11. API (Application Programming Interface): Imagine two apps wanting to chat. An API is like a translator, helping them share information securely. For example, your fitness app might use an API to send your workout data to your music app.
12. Blockchain: A decentralized and secure way of recording and verifying transactions across multiple computers. It’s like a tamper-proof digital ledger used in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
13. Cache: Remember when you visit a website often and it loads faster? That’s because your device stores temporary copies of content in a cache, like a shortcut on your digital highway.
14. Cloud: Don’t worry, it’s not raining servers! Think of the cloud as a massive network of computers, storing your data like photos, music, and documents in a super-safe vault accessible from anywhere.
15. Cookie: Not the chewy kind, but a tiny file websites store on your device to remember your preferences. It’s like your digital notepad, helping websites recognize you for a smoother experience.
16. Cybersecurity: It’s like building a fortress around your online life! Cybersecurity protects your data and devices from bad guys like hackers and viruses. Think of it as a superhero shield for your digital world.
17. Data: Imagine digital crumbs you leave behind while using the internet. Likes, searches, even your steps — it’s all data! But don’t worry, you can control how it’s used with the right settings.
18. Emoji: Tiny faces and symbols expressing emotions where words fail. Think of them as your digital paintbrush, adding color and personality to your online interactions.
19. Streaming: Watching videos or listening to music in real-time over the internet, like a never-ending river of entertainment. Think of it as a magic pipeline delivering your favorite content straight to your screen.
20. Algorithm: Remember those personality quizzes with branching questions? Algorithms work similarly, guiding computers through step-by-step processes to solve problems or make decisions.
21. Biometrics: Think “digital fingerprints” for your phone or computer! Biometrics use unique physical features like your face or fingerprint for secure access, like a high-tech lock and key.
22. Captcha: Those squiggly letters you type to prove you’re human? That’s a captcha, a security challenge to keep automated bots out of your online accounts.
23. Deepfake: Imagine creating realistic videos of anyone saying or doing anything! Deepfakes use AI to manipulate videos, raising questions about truth and trust in the digital age.
24. E-sports: Competitive video gaming isn’t just for the basement anymore! E-sports have become spectator events with professional players and global tournaments, pushing the boundaries of gaming.
25. Geocaching: Treasure hunt meets technology! Geocaching uses GPS to hide real-world treasures for others to find using their smartphones, combining adventure with digital navigation.
26. Phishing: Beware the digital angler! Phishing scams try to trick you into revealing personal information by mimicking trustworthy websites or emails. Stay vigilant and think before you click!
27. QR code: Those funky black and white squares hold more than meets the eye! Scan them with your phone to access websites, download information, or even unlock doors — a hidden code in plain sight.
28. Virtual Assistant: Need a digital helper? Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa can answer questions, control smart devices, and even tell jokes, bringing a voice-activated layer to your everyday life.
29. Cloud Computing: Storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of your computer’s hard drive. It’s like using services (like Google Drive) that are not physically located on your computer.
30. Big Data: Handling extremely large and complex sets of data that traditional data processing tools can’t manage efficiently. It’s like dealing with a giant library of information.
31. Machine Learning: Teaching computers to learn and make decisions from data, without being explicitly programmed. It’s like training a computer to recognize patterns and make predictions.
32. IoT (Internet of Things): The network of physical devices (like home appliances or vehicles) embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data. It’s like having smart devices that communicate with each other.
33. Encryption: The process of converting information into code to prevent unauthorized access. It’s like locking a message in a safe that only the intended recipient can open.
34. UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface): UX focuses on how users interact with a product, while UI is the design of the product’s interface. It’s about making technology user-friendly and visually appealing.
35. Server: A powerful computer that stores and manages data and serves it to other computers (clients) on a network. It’s like a central hub that handles requests and distributes information.
36. Firewall: A security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, acting as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted one. It’s like a virtual bouncer deciding who gets in and who doesn’t.
37. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): HTML is the language used to create web pages, and CSS controls their visual style. It’s like using a combination of words (HTML) and formatting (CSS) to create a beautifully designed document.
38. Backend and Frontend: The backend is the behind-the-scenes part of a website or application that handles data processing, while the frontend is what users interact with. It’s like the engine (backend) and dashboard (frontend) of a car.
39. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The practice of optimizing content to rank higher in search engine results. It’s like using specific techniques to make sure your website appears near the top when someone searches for relevant information.
40. Virus and Malware: Malicious software designed to harm your computer or steal your information. It’s like a digital illness that can infect your device.
41. Latency: The delay between a request and a response in a computer system. It’s like the lag you might experience when streaming a video online, where there’s a delay between clicking play and the video actually starting.
42. VPN (Virtual Private Network): A secure way to connect to the internet that protects your privacy by creating a private network from a public internet connection. It’s like having a private tunnel for your online activities.
43. SaaS (Software as a Service): A software distribution model where applications are hosted by a third-party provider and made available to customers over the internet. It’s like renting software rather than buying and installing it on your computer.
44. DevOps (Development and Operations): A set of practices that aim to automate and improve the relationship between software development and IT operations. It’s like ensuring smooth collaboration between the teams building and maintaining software.
45. Metadata: Data that provides information about other data. It’s like the details on a library card catalog, describing the content and context of a book without containing the full content.
46. Zero-Day Exploit: An attack on software that takes advantage of a security vulnerability on the same day the vulnerability becomes known. It’s like a thief exploiting a weakness in a building’s security system the same day it’s discovered.
47. Backend as a Service (BaaS): Similar to SaaS, but specifically focuses on the backend development of mobile and web applications. It’s like outsourcing the server-side development aspects of your app.
48. 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing: Creating physical objects layer by layer from digital models. It’s like printing a 3D model of an object instead of using traditional manufacturing methods.
49. Geotagging: Adding geographical information to media, like photos or videos. It’s like stamping the location where a picture was taken.
50. Edge Computing: Processing data closer to the source of data generation rather than relying solely on a centralized cloud-based system. It’s like having a mini-computer at the edge of a network to process information faster.
51. Haptic Technology: Technology that simulates the sense of touch through vibrations or other sensations. It’s like feeling a subtle vibration on your phone when you touch the screen or play a game, enhancing the user experience.
52. Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts a user’s files and demands payment for their release. It’s like digital extortion where attackers hold your data hostage until you pay a ransom.
53. ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access to customers. It’s like the bridge connecting your home to the vast network of the internet.
54. Server Farm: A collection of interconnected servers used to process and store data. It’s like a massive digital warehouse that handles requests and stores information for websites and applications.
55. Motherboard: The main circuit board of a computer, containing the CPU, memory, and connectors for other components. It’s like the central nervous system of a computer.
56. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Technology that allows voice communication over the internet, often used for making phone calls. It’s like talking on the phone, but the conversation is transmitted over the internet.
57. Mobile Device: A portable computing device designed for on-the-go use, such as smartphones and tablets. It’s like having a mini-computer in your pocket that you can use to make calls, browse the internet, and run various applications.
58. PC (Personal Computer): A term traditionally used to describe desktop and laptop computers designed for personal use. It’s like the device you might use at your desk or carry around to perform a wide range of tasks, from work to entertainment.
59. Operating System: Software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs. For mobile devices, you might have operating systems like Android or iOS, while common PC operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux ( i use arch btw) . It’s like the brain of your device, coordinating everything it does.
60. Deep Learning: A subset of machine learning that involves neural networks with multiple layers (deep neural networks). It’s like training a computer to learn and make decisions by simulating the structure and functioning of the human brain, allowing it to recognize complex patterns and solve intricate problems.

That is all for now. Stay tuned for part 2 of this series.

I’ll also be working on a book on “1000" tech jargons explained, coming soon.

Until then, Happy New Year.