Technology, defined in plain English

Accessibility means designing technology so people with different abilities can use it.

General Business Technology

AI bias happens when an AI system produces unfair or systematically skewed results.

AI

An AI model is a trained system that uses patterns in data to make predictions or produce responses.

AI

An AI prompt is the instruction or question you give an AI tool.

AI

A set of steps for completing a task. Think of a recipe: follow the instructions in order and you get a result. Computers use algorithms to sort information, suggest videos and find routes.

Software & Development

An API is a way for two different computer systems to communicate with each other. Imagine you're in a restaurant. You tell the waiter what you want to eat. The waiter takes your request to the kitchen and brings back the food when it's ready. An API works in a similar way. One computer system sends a request to another system, and the API provides an agreed way to ask for information or an action and receive a response. This happens behind the scenes in many websites and apps.

Software & Development

Artificial intelligence, usually called AI, is technology that allows computers to do certain tasks that normally require human thinking. Imagine having an assistant who can quickly look through thousands of pieces of information and help you find an answer, recognize a pattern or make a suggestion. AI can help recognize speech, recommend movies, translate languages and answer questions. However, it doesn't think or understand everything the way a human does, and its answers can sometimes be wrong.

AI

An artificial neural network is a computer system that learns patterns from examples.

AI

Bluetooth lets nearby devices exchange data wirelessly over short distances.

General Business Technology

A browser extension adds features to your web browser.

Software & Development

A computer-based helper you can talk to by typing or speaking. Some chatbots answer from a fixed menu; others use AI to respond more flexibly. They may be useful, but their answers are not always right.

AI

A saved copy of your files or device information stored on a remote service rather than only on your device. It can help you recover photos or documents if a device is lost, but you should check what is actually backed up.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing means using computer services that are provided over the internet instead of relying entirely on equipment you own. Imagine renting a storage unit rather than building an extra room onto your house. You can use the space without having to construct and maintain the building yourself. Cloud computing follows a similar idea. Companies provide storage, software and computing power using their own equipment. You connect to these services over the internet. The cloud isn't actually in the sky. The information is stored and processed on real computers in buildings called data centres.

Cloud Computing

Cloud storage lets you save files on internet-connected servers and access them from different devices.

Cloud Computing

Small pieces of information that websites ask your browser to store. Cookies can help keep you signed in or remember preferences. Some are also used to track activity for analytics or advertising.

Cybersecurity

A dashboard brings important information together in one view, often using charts and numbers.

Data & Analytics

A data breach happens when information is accessed or exposed without permission.

Cybersecurity

Data visualization turns information into charts or graphics that are easier to understand.

Data & Analytics

A database is an organized place where a computer stores information so it can be found and updated easily. Think about a library. Books are organized so that you can find a particular title or author without searching through every book in the building. A database works in a similar way with digital information. It helps computer systems store details such as names, appointments, orders or payments and retrieve them when needed.

Data & Analytics

Deep learning is a type of machine learning that uses neural networks with many layers.

AI

Your digital footprint is the information left behind by your activities online.

Cybersecurity

An app or service that can store payment cards, tickets or passes in digital form. Some digital wallets let you pay by tapping your phone. Features depend on the wallet, bank and device.

General Business Technology

Moving a copy of a file or information from an online service to your device. You might download a photo, a document or an app. Only download files from sources you trust.

General Business Technology

A file format is the way information is organized and saved in a file.

General Business Technology

File syncing keeps copies of files updated across devices or locations.

Cloud Computing

A firewall helps control which network connections are allowed into or out of a device or network.

Cybersecurity

Technology that creates new-looking content from your instructions, such as text, pictures, music or computer code. It learns patterns from examples and uses them to produce an output. Always check important details.

AI

A hyperlink is clickable text or an image that takes you to another page, file, or location.

General Business Technology

The internet is a worldwide network that connects computers and devices.

General Business Technology

Harmful software designed to interfere with a device, steal information or cause damage. It can arrive through unsafe downloads, infected attachments or other weaknesses. Keeping software updated helps reduce risk.

Cybersecurity

A program made to run on a smartphone or tablet. Apps help you do particular tasks, such as messaging, banking or checking the weather. Some need internet access; others work partly offline.

General Business Technology

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is an extra security measure that helps protect your online accounts. Imagine your front door has both a key and a separate security code. Someone who steals your key may still be unable to enter because they don't know the code. MFA works in a similar way. When signing in to an account, you may need to enter your password and then complete another check, such as approving a request on your phone or using your fingerprint. This makes it harder for someone to access your account using a stolen password.

Cybersecurity

The main software that helps a phone, tablet or computer run. It manages the device and lets other apps work. Windows, macOS, Android and iOS are examples.

General Business Technology

A passkey lets you sign in using your device, often with a fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock, instead of typing a password.

Cybersecurity

A tool that helps you create, save and fill in strong passwords. Instead of remembering a different password for every account, you protect the manager with a strong main password or another secure sign-in method.

Cybersecurity

A PDF is a file type designed to keep a document’s layout consistent across devices.

General Business Technology

Information that identifies you or can be connected to you, such as your name, email address, phone number or certain online identifiers. Think carefully before sharing it and check why a service needs it.

Cybersecurity

A trick where someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization to get your passwords, money or private information. Phishing often arrives by email or text. Do not use suspicious links; contact the organization through a trusted channel.

Cybersecurity

Controls that let you choose how an app or service uses or shares some of your information. They may determine who sees your posts, whether an app uses your location or which notifications you receive. Review them occasionally.

Cybersecurity

Prompt engineering means learning how to give an AI tool clear instructions so it can provide a more useful response. Think about asking someone to cook dinner. If you simply say, “Make something nice,” they have to guess what you want. But if you say, “Please make a simple vegetarian dinner for two people using potatoes and vegetables,” the instructions are much clearer. The same idea applies to AI. Explaining what you need, who the answer is for and how you want it presented can improve the result.

AI

A square pattern you scan with a phone camera to open information, often a website or menu. QR codes are convenient, but a code can also lead to a suspicious site. Check the destination before entering details.

General Business Technology

Noticing warning signs that someone may be trying to trick you into giving away money or information. Look for pressure, secrecy, unusual payment requests and messages that pretend to be urgent. If unsure, verify independently.

Cybersecurity

A service that helps you find information on the internet. You type a question or keywords, and it shows links that may be useful. Search results can include advertisements, so check the source.

General Business Technology

Software as a Service, usually called SaaS and pronounced “sass,” means using a computer program that another company provides and maintains over the internet. Think about subscribing to a movie streaming service. You don't need to own all the equipment used to store and deliver the movies. You sign in and use the service. SaaS works in a similar way with software. Instead of installing and maintaining every program yourself, you use an application that the provider operates. Examples include online email, appointment-booking systems and some accounting tools.

Cloud Computing

A new version or fix for a program or device system. Updates may repair security problems, fix mistakes or add features. Installing trusted updates promptly is an important safety habit.

General Business Technology

A spreadsheet organizes information in rows and columns and can perform calculations.

Data & Analytics

Two-factor authentication adds a second check when you sign in, such as a code or security key.

Cybersecurity

Sending a file or information from your device to an online service. Uploading is the opposite direction from downloading. Check who can see a file before you upload it.

General Business Technology

The address of a page or resource on the internet. You often see it at the top of your browser, such as https://example.com. Check the address carefully before entering personal details.

General Business Technology

Video conferencing lets people meet and talk using live video and audio over the internet.

General Business Technology

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. It can help protect traffic on untrusted networks.

Cybersecurity

The app you use to open and read websites. Common browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge. A browser is the doorway to a website, not the website itself.

General Business Technology

A website is a collection of web pages you can visit using a browser.

General Business Technology

A wireless way for nearby devices to connect to a network, often giving them internet access. Your phone can use Wi-Fi at home without using mobile data for that connection. Wi-Fi and the internet are not the same thing.

General Business Technology