Technology, defined in plain English

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

Bluetooth lets nearby devices exchange data wirelessly over short distances.

General Business Technology

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

A data pipeline is a system that moves information from one place to another, often organizing or checking it along the way. Think about the water pipes in a house. Water starts somewhere else, travels through pipes and reaches the place where you need it. A data pipeline works in a similar way, but it moves information instead of water. It can collect information from several places, organize it and deliver it somewhere useful, such as a report.

Data & Analytics

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

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

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

General Business Technology

A large language model, or LLM, is a type of artificial intelligence that works with words and language. It powers many AI chat assistants, for example ChatGPT. You can ask it a question, request help writing a letter or ask it to explain something difficult. Imagine someone who has studied an enormous collection of books, articles and other writing and become very good at recognizing patterns in language. An LLM learns from large amounts of information and uses those patterns to produce responses. It can be helpful, but it can also make up information or provide incorrect answers. Important details should always be checked.

AI

Machine learning is a way of helping computers learn from examples. Imagine teaching a child to recognize different kinds of fruit. You show them pictures of apples, oranges and bananas. After seeing enough examples, they begin to recognize the differences. Machine learning works in a somewhat similar way. A computer examines many examples, looks for patterns and uses those patterns to make predictions about new information. It doesn't learn exactly like a person, and it can make mistakes when the examples are incomplete or misleading.

AI

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

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

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 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

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

Data & Analytics

Examples a computer system studies while learning to recognize patterns. Just as a person learns from practice questions, an AI system learns from large collections of information. The quality of those examples matters.

AI

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

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

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