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frequently used tech terms


4K Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels. 

Architecture A set of rules and language that govern how hardware and software work. 

Beta A version of software that's being tested. 

BIOS Software that connects the vital components. 

Cache A temporary space for storing information. 

Cookie A small text file stored on your computer by a website. 

Client A program used to access and manage a users email. 

Core Units on a processor that carry out program instructions. 

Cryptocurrency Digital currency. 

Dark web Websites accessed using the Tor privacy program. 

DCI P3 A colour space that has a wider spectrum than sRGB. 

Delta E A measurement that shows how the human eye perceives different colours. 

DIMM An older standard for computer memory modules. 

Direct X A Microsoft technology required to run many games. 

Emulator A program that makes one computer act like another. 

Extension A program that adds extra features to your browser. 

FAT32 An old system used for formatting hard drives. 

Feedback Tactile response of keys on a keyboard when pressed. 

Flash memory Memory that can retain data without a power source. 

FTP File Transfer Protocol. System for transferring files between PCs. 

Gesture Finger movements on a screen that perform an action. 

GHz Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second. 

Graphics card A component in a computer that produces the image shown on the monitor. 

HDMI High-definition multimedia interface. 

Heatsink Block of metal used to dissipate the heat from a PC chip. 

Hotspot A public area covered by a Wi-Fi network. 

Hyperlink A clickable link that takes you to a document or website. 

Image stabilisation A mechanism in digital cameras that compensates for any shaking during shooting. 

L3 cache A memory bank on the motherboard or processor. 

LCD Liquid-crystal display. Tech used to create flatscreen monitors. 

LED Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that emits light. 

MicroSD card A small type of memory card. 

Monospace A font whose letters and characters each occupy the same amount of horizontal space. 

MP4 A type of digital movie file. 

NAS Network-attached storage. A hard drive attached to a network. 

NFC Tech that allows two devices to communicate. 

NTFS A file system used by all recent versions of Windows. 

Open source Software that can be modified by anyone. 

Overclock Make a processor work faster to boost performance. 

PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect. A high-performance expansion slot for desktop PCs. 

Phishing Internet fraud that tricks you into revealing personal details. 

Plug-in A small program that adds extra features to software. 

PNG Portable Network Graphics. A format for images that shrinks file sizes using compression. 

Product key A serial number that must be typed in before a program will launch for the first time. 

QR code A barcode that can be read using smartphones. 

RAM Random access memory. 

Read speed How long it takes a hard drive to 'read' data and respond to it. 

Render How a website converts digital code into an image. 

RMS A way of measuring the power output of speakers. 

sATA Serial ATA. An interface for connecting hard drives and optical discs to a computer. 

SD card Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card. 

Signal to noise ratio The level of a desired signal compared to the level of background noise. 

SIM Subscriber's Identity Module. Smart card used by mobile phones. 

sRGB A standard RGB colour space for use on monitors. 

SSID Service Set Identifier. Name used to identify a wireless network. 

Subwoofer Speaker designed to reproduce deep bass sounds only. 

System restore point System files to which Windows can revert if a problem occurs. 

Telemetry System in Windows 10 that racks how the operating system is used in order to improve it. 

Temporary file A file created by a browser to store website data. 

Travel The distance the keys of a keyboard have to be pressed before the keystroke is recognised. 

Tweeter A speaker designed to produce high audio frequencies. 

USB Type-C A new connector that you can plug in upside down. 

Web space Space on a web server provided by web-hosting companies. 

Web traffic People visiting a website 

Write speed How long it takes a hard drive to save data. 

ZIP file A file that contains compressed documents or files.

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