🖥️ The Jargon of Tech English Explained Simply

May 14, 2025 Post a Comment

Technology is full of complex terms that often confuse newcomers. Whether you're diving into coding, hardware, software, or IT support, understanding the language is key. This article breaks down some common tech jargon in plain English.

1. Algorithm

What it sounds like: A complex math problem.
What it really means: A set of rules or instructions for solving a problem or performing a task. For example, a recipe is an algorithm for cooking food.

2. Bug

What it sounds like: An insect.
What it really means: A mistake or error in a computer program that causes it to behave unexpectedly.

3. Cloud

What it sounds like: Something fluffy in the sky.
What it really means: Online servers where you can store data or run programs, instead of keeping everything on your personal device.

4. Bandwidth

What it sounds like: A music group.
What it really means: How much data can be sent over the internet in a certain amount of time. More bandwidth means faster loading and downloads.

5. Firewall

What it sounds like: A wall of fire.
What it really means: A security system that blocks unauthorized access to or from a private network.

6. Open Source

What it sounds like: Something open to the public.
What it really means: Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and use.

7. Phishing

What it sounds like: Catching fish.
What it really means: A type of online scam where criminals trick you into giving personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers.

8. UI & UX

What it sounds like: Abbreviations with no meaning.
What it really means:

UI (User Interface): What you see on the screen (buttons, menus, layout).
UX (User Experience): How it feels to use the product—smooth or frustrating?

9. Cache

What it sounds like: Money (cash).
What it really means: Temporary storage that helps websites or apps load faster by saving data you’ve already used.

10. Cookie

What it sounds like: A sweet snack.
What it really means: Small files stored on your device by websites to remember your preferences or track your activity.

🧠 Tech Jargon Quiz

Question 1:
What is a "bug" in tech language?
A. An insect in the hardware
B. A new feature
C. An error in a program
D. A virus

Answer: C. An error in a program
✅ Explanation: A "bug" causes programs to behave in ways the developer didn't intend.

Question 2:
Which of the following is related to online storage?
A. Cloud
B. Firewall
C. Bug
D. Cache

Answer: A. Cloud
✅ Explanation: The cloud refers to storing data on the internet, not on your local device.

Question 3:
If someone is "phishing" you, what are they likely trying to get?
A. Your username and password
B. A job in tech
C. A software update
D. Your opinion on UX

Answer: A. Your username and password
✅ Explanation: Phishing is a cyber-attack tricking people into revealing personal information.

Question 4:
What does “open source” mean?
A. Software that requires a subscription
B. Software that's free to view and modify
C. Software with a built-in firewall
D. Software that is automatically updated

Answer: B. Software that's free to view and modify
✅ Explanation: Open source software allows users to access and edit its source code.

🗂️ Flashcards

Flashcard 1
Front: Algorithm
Back: A step-by-step process or set of rules to solve a problem or complete a task.

Flashcard 2
Front: Bug
Back: An error in a program that causes incorrect behavior.

Flashcard 3
Front: Cloud
Back: Internet-based storage and computing services.

Flashcard 4
Front: Firewall
Back: A security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Flashcard 5
Front: UI vs UX
Back: UI is the visual interface; UX is the overall user experience.

SIRHARI