If you don’t know your nemes from your elbows, you are not alone. According to a recent survey by BT, one in six people aged 65 years and over say they are absolutely clueless when it comes to computer jargon, and many feel that learning a foreign language would, in fact, be easier! More concerning is that three quarters of over-65s believe they are being left behind by their lack of knowledge.
Well here at Regenerated Me, we think that no-one should be left behind.So we’ve compiled an A-Z of current, commonly used computer, digital and social media terms along with their definitions. Of course, if there’s a word or phrase not covered here, you could always ask one of the best known names in digital technology; Google!
AI: AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot to undertake tasks that are usually done by humans, as they require human intelligence and discernment. AI is much in the news right now – for good and bad reasons.
Algorithm: A set of rules or steps that a computer follows to solve a particular problem or perform a task.
API (Application Programming Interface): A set of “tools” that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
Avatar: A digital representation of a user in a virtual environment, often in the form of an image or character.
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user, often by using a username (a unique name chosen by a user to identify themselves on a website, application, or platform, together with a password).
App: Short for application, an app is a software program designed to perform a specific task or function on a device such as a tablet or a smartphone.
Browsing: Basically, looking through websites or pages on the internet using a web browser.
Blog: A website or other online platform where individuals or groups can share their thoughts, opinions, or information on various topics.
Backup: Important one this; creating a copy of your data to protect against loss – this is often stored in a different location or on a separate device.
Byte: A unit of digital information representing a character, usually consisting of 8 bits.
Cookie: No, not an American word for a biscuit but a small file stored on a user’s device by a website to remember preferences and activities, with the aim to enhance the user’s experience.
Cybersecurity: Measures taken to protect computer systems, networks, and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. Most UK banks, for instance, are very hot on cybersecurity to protect their customers’ money from digital fraudsters.
Cloud Computing: Storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on a local hard drive – E.G. the one on your home laptop. So if your laptop is lost, stolen or damaged irreparably, you can still access all the information you “sent to the cloud”.
Cache: A temporary storage area where frequently accessed data and information is kept to speed up retrieval and performance.
Chatbot: A computer program designed to simulate human conversation, often used for customer service or information retrieval. Can sometimes be particularly irritating if you actually want to speak to a human!
Deepfake: Deepfake refers to manipulated or synthesized media, often videos, where artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques are used to create realistic, but false, content, usually involving people saying or doing things they never actually did.
Download: Copying and saving files or data from a remote server or the internet to a local device – such as your home laptop – for use.
Domain Name: The human-readable address used to access websites on the internet, e.g. “regeneratedme.com”
DNS (Domain Name System): The system that translates domain names into IP addresses (see IP Address below), enabling internet communication.
Dashboard: Just like in a car, a visual display of important information or controls in a centralized location for easy access and management.
Desktop: The main screen on a computer where icons, windows (see Windows below), and applications are displayed.
Encryption: The process of converting data into a code to secure it from unauthorized access.
Email: Invented way back in 1971, the email is an electronic message sent and received over the internet using email addresses.
Emoji: Emojis are small digital images or icons used in digital communication to express emotions, convey ideas, or enhance the tone of a message. They are often colorful and childlike – think bright yellow smiley or frowning faces.
Emoticon: A combination of keyboard characters that represent facial expressions, used to convey emotions in digital communication. So for example, surprise would be O_O, and XD for a laughing face. So we’re led to believe!
E-commerce: The buying and selling goods or services over the internet.
Ebook: No, not a Yorkshireman’s reaction to opening a present and receiving a novel but a digital book that can be read on electronic devices like e-readers, tablets, or computers.
Firewall: A security system that protects a network from unauthorized access by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic – I.E. the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network.
Forum: An online platform where people can discuss various topics and share their opinions and experiences. A digital version of the village pub, in some ways!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): A list of common questions and answers to provide information and help to users.
Flash: A multimedia software platform often used for animations, games, and interactive elements on websites – however, in recent years, Flash is being phased out.
GPS (Global Positioning System): Technology that provides location information using satellites, commonly used in navigation.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A file format that supports both static and animated images, widely used on the internet.
Geotagging: Adding geographic location data (like latitude and longitude) to media such as photos or social media posts.
Gaming Platform: A system or service that allows users to play video games, often online and with others. For more information, talk your grandson!
GUI (Graphical User Interface): A visual way for users to interact with a computer or software, using icons, buttons, and menus.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The standard language for creating web pages and web applications.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for transferring data over the internet, fundamental for web browsing.
Hashtag: A word or phrase preceded by a hash (#) used on social media to categorize or group together content covering the same subject.
Hardware: Physical components – the nuts and bolts, so to speak – of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and CPU.
Hyperlink: A clickable link that takes you to another webpage or resource when clicked.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides access to the internet.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a computer network for identification and communication.
IoT (Internet of Things): The network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects embedded with sensors and software to connect and exchange data over the internet.
Instagram: A popular social media platform for sharing photos and videos. And for Z-list celebs to try to make shed-loads of cash selling rubbish!
Inbox: The folder or area in an email application where received messages are stored.
JavaScript: A widely-used programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic elements to websites.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A common image format used for storing photographs.
Java: A versatile and widely-used programming language often used for web development and application development.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to generate.
Joystick: A device used for controlling movement or actions in computer games or simulations.
Keywords: Words or phrases used in a search – or “search engine” such as Google – to find relevant information.
Kernel: The core component of an operating system that provides essential services for all system components.
Keyboard Shortcut: A combination of keystrokes to execute a command or perform a function more quickly. Some claim to save over half a second using this technique!
Kbps (Kilobits Per Second): A unit of data transfer speed used to measure the rate of data transfer in a network.
Kiosk: A small, standalone structure or terminal with a computer screen used for information display or services. So a good example of a kiosk is a high street ATM machine.
Login: The process of accessing a computer system or online account by providing a username and password.
Link: A connection between different web pages, documents, or files.
Like: A feature on social media platforms that allows users to express approval or appreciation for a post or comment.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A type of screen used in monitors, TVs, and other devices to display images and text.
LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area, such as your home or office.
Malware: Software designed to harm or infiltrate a computer system, often with malicious or criminal intent.
Megabyte: A unit of digital information equal to one million bytes, often used to measure file size or data capacity.
Meta: The most recent name behind such platforms as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and other services.
Meta Tag: These are areas in HTML code that contain information about a website. The information itself cannot be seen on the actual website itself. Search engines such as Google access certain meta tags, so they can display a page title and description in the search results – useful for your web searches.
Mouse: A hand-held device used to move the cursor on a computer screen and select items by clicking buttons.
Metadata: Information that provides details about other data, like the author, creation date, or file type.
Mobile App: A software application designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Nemes: A term for online pseudonyms or usernames used to identify individuals…who don’t want to be identified!
Network: A group of interconnected computers, devices, or systems that can communicate and share resources with each other.
Notification: A message or alert from an app or platform to inform you of updates, messages, or events.
Netiquette (Internet Etiquette): The acceptable social behavior and manners expected in online communication. Sadly, often ignored.
Node: A connection point in a network, often representing a device or computer.
Online: Connected to or accessible via the internet.
Operating System (OS): Software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides various services to applications.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Technology that converts printed or handwritten text into machine-encoded text. (Will it work with a GP’s handwriting?)
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): A company that produces parts or products that are used in another company’s end product.
Open Source: Software or technology with source code that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, or distribute.
Platform: Any hardware or software used to host an application or service.
Phishing: A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information like passwords and credit card details by posing as a trustworthy entity.
PDF (Portable Document Format): A file format used to present documents consistently across different devices and platforms.
Pixel: The smallest unit of an image on a screen, representing a single point of color.
Playlist: A curated list of audio or video files, often created for specific moods, genres, or occasions. Think modern version of a mixtape!
Plugin: Additional software component that adds specific features or capabilities to an existing computer program.
QR Code (Quick Response Code): A two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned to quickly access information, a website, or an application.
Query: A request for information from a database or search engine, often using specific search terms or parameters.
Quarantine: Isolating or restricting access to potentially harmful files or data to prevent them from causing damage or spreading “infections”.
Quick Access Toolbar: A customizable toolbar in software applications that provides easy access to frequently used commands or functions.
Quality of Service (QoS): The measure of performance for a network or service in terms of reliability, speed, and overall experience.
Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for their release.
Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, often connecting a local network to the internet.
RAM (Random Access Memory): The computer’s temporary memory that holds data and programs currently in use.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication): A standard for the distribution of content from an online publisher to a wider audience.
Refresh: To update or reload a web page, document, or screen to display the most current or latest content.
Smishing (SMS Phishing): Smishing is a deceptive technique where scammers send text messages pretending to be from a legitimate source, aiming to trick individuals into revealing personal information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful apps.
Social Media: Online platforms for sharing information, connecting with others, and networking. And selling stuff!
Spam: Unsolicited or unwanted emails, messages, or posts, often sent in bulk for advertising or phishing purposes.
Streaming: Transmitting or receiving data, usually audio or video, over a network in real-time without needing to download the entire file.
Search Engine: An online tool – such as Google – that helps users find information on the internet by entering keywords or phrases.
Screenshot: A captured image of what is currently displayed on a computer or device screen.
Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as a legitimate program or file to gain access to a computer system.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The web address that identifies a specific resource on the internet.
Upload: Transferring data or files from a local device to a remote server or the internet.
Tag: Adding metadata to content (e.g., photos, posts) to categorize or identify it for easier search and organization.
Troll: A person who deliberately stirs up controversy or provokes others on the internet by posting inflammatory, off-topic, or offensive comments.
Tablet: A portable computing device with a touchscreen interface, typically larger than a smartphone and smaller than a laptop.
Tweet: A message posted on the social media platform Twitter.
Username: A unique name used to identify a user on a computer system, website, or platform.
Upload: Transferring data or files from a local device to a remote server or the internet.
Video Conference: A real-time, audio-visual meeting or discussion between two or more people in different locations.
Virus: Malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers or devices, often causing harm.
Virtual Reality (VR): A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment or experience, often experienced with special VR headsets.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A network technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, like the internet, to protect data and online activities.
Web Browser: A software application used to access and view websites on the internet.
Website: A collection of web pages and related content accessible through a single domain name.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): A technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly within a specific area.
Windows: An operating system developed by Microsoft for personal computers, laptops, and tablets.
Worm: A type of malware that can self-replicate and spread to other computers or devices, often over a network.
Xbox: A gaming console developed by Microsoft.
Xenophobe: A term for someone who has an irrational fear or dislike of people or things from other countries.
XML (Extensible Markup Language): A markup language used for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.
Y2K: A term that was used to refer to the Year 2000 computer bug, which was a potential issue caused by computer systems using only two digits to represent years, potentially causing problems when the year rolled over from 1999 to 2000.
YouTube: A popular video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, and share videos.
Zip: A file compression format that reduces the size of files and folders to save storage space and facilitate faster file transfer.
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