the ultimate jargon buster - 1/7

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Avoid tech confusion, either when reading this guide or when talking to friends, with this glossary of technology terms and phrases. This the definitive jargon buster which should help you to understand the common terms people use when talking about their devices and their software.

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3G/4G

The third and fourth generation of mobile data networking.


5G

The fifth generation of mobile data networking offers increased speed when transferring data on the go; 5G is currently adopted in above half of all mobile phone networks worldwide.


A...


A/D Converter

An in-built converter that changes the analogue signal from a digital camera sensor into digital values.


Accessibility

A series of tools and features in Settings designed to make Apple devices easier to use for those with disabilities.


Active layer

The layer currently selected in the Layers panel.


Activity

An Apple app that records calories expended, exercise minutes, and standing time.


Adjustment layer

A layer used to experiment with color and tonal adjustments without permanently changing pixel values.


Adobe RGB

A color space profile created by Adobe Systems that provides a large gamut of colors.


Ad Blocker

Ad blockers, often browser extensions, block ads and tracking scripts for faster, safer browsing. They improve page load times, reduce data usage, and enhance privacy.


ADSL

A means of connecting to the Internet through a telephone line. Stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscribers’ Link


AE Lock

A function enabling a photographer to take and hold a light meter reading from a specific area while composing an image.


AGP

A high-speed channel for attaching video or graphics cards to a motherboard. Stands for Accelerated Graphics Port


Airplane Mode

A setting that turns off all incoming and outgoing wireless signals (data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi) on an Apple device.


AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI enables machines to mimic human thinking, learning, and problem-solving by analysing data and adapting over time.


AirPlay

A wireless protocol for streaming audio and video from an Apple device to compatible speakers or Apple TV.


AirPods

Apple’s in-ear Bluetooth earbuds that automatically pair across synced devices.


Algorithm

A set of instructions for a programme.


Aliasing

Jagged edges on diagonal lines or arcs caused by pixels lining up in a saw-tooth pattern.


Alpha channels

Masks in Photoshop used to manipulate, isolate, and protect

specific parts of an image.


AMOLED 

Active-matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode. A display

technology used in mobile devices and cameras that consumes less power than LCD.


Android

Android, a Google-created mobile operating system, powers smartphones and tablets from various brands.


Anti-aliasing

The smoothing of jagged edges in digital images by averaging colors at a boundary.


Antivirus Software

Antivirus software scans for and removes harmful files, viruses, and malware.


Aperture

A movable circular iris behind the camera lens that controls the amount of light falling on the sensor.


Aperture Priority

A semi-manual exposure option where the user sets the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.


App

Short for “application”; a program used on iOS devices and Apple Watch.


App (Programming)

An application designed to execute on a small, handheld device.


App Store

A digital storefront or platform for downloading free and paid programs using an Apple ID.


Apple ID

A registered email and password required for Apple applications and features.


Apple Pay

A contactless payment feature using stored credit or debit card information.


Application

A program or suite of programs with a defined function.


Argument

A value or reference to a value passed to a function.


Array

An ordered sequence of same-typed values accessed by their numerical index.


Artefact (Photography)

Unexpected changes or angular blocks in an image caused by incorrect settings, processing, or data loss during compression.


Aspect ratio

The ratio of an image’s width to its height.


ATX

A motherboard form factor speci-fication developed by Intel in 1995.


Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality adds digital elements to the real world when viewed through a compatible hardware, for example a smartphone camera.


Autofocus

A system to automatically focus a lens, typically using contrast detection or phase detection.


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