Common Technology Terms You Should Know

Technology words can make simple things sound complicated. This guide explains the terms you're most likely to meet on a Windows PC, in your browser and in your inbox, in plain English. Where it helps, it also shows you where to find each thing on your own computer.

1. Hardware Terms

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Hardware: the physical parts of a computer. Inside are the processor, memory, drive and power supply; outside are the screen, keyboard, mouse, camera and speakers.

CPU (central processing unit) or processor: the main chip that runs Windows and your apps and does the calculations. Windows lists it as Processor.

RAM (random access memory): Dell describes RAM as the memory that stores the information a program needs while it runs. It's temporary, and it's much quicker than storage but usually holds less.

Storage (hard drive or SSD): where your files, apps and Windows itself are kept. Unlike RAM, storage keeps your data when the computer is turned off. Your PC's drive may be a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

Driver: Microsoft defines a driver as a software component that lets the operating system and a device communicate. The device maker usually writes it, although Microsoft writes drivers for devices that follow a published standard.

PC and Mac: a PC (personal computer) is a computer made for one person to use at a time. Most people say "PC" for a Windows computer and "Mac" for Apple's computers, which run macOS.

See Your Own PC's Hardware

1. Right-click Start and select Settings.
2. Select System > About.
3. Under Device specifications, look at Processor, Installed RAM and System type (32-bit or 64-bit).

Expected result: you can see your processor's name and how much RAM your PC has. The same page shows your Windows edition and version under Windows specifications.

2. Windows and Software Terms

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Operating system: the main software that runs the computer and manages its hardware. Windows and macOS are operating systems.

Software, programs and apps: sets of instructions that tell the computer what to do. Your browser, Word and WinZip are all software.

Desktop and taskbar: the desktop is the screen you see after you sign in, with your icons and shortcuts. The taskbar is the bar along the bottom with the Start button and your open apps.

Dialog box: a small window that pops up to show a message or ask you to choose something, for example "Save" or "Cancel".

Context menu: the short menu that opens when you right-click something. It shows actions for that item, such as Open, Copy or Delete.

Registry: a central database where Windows keeps the settings for users, apps and hardware. Windows checks it constantly while it runs, so it's best left alone (see the warning below).

Temporary (temp) files: files that apps create for a short-term job and no longer need afterwards. Microsoft lists .tmp as the extension for a temporary data file. To clear them in Windows 11, select Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations and review the Temporary files category.

Utilities: software that helps you look after the computer itself, for example by cleaning up files, updating drivers or managing the apps that start with Windows.

3. File Terms

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File: one saved item, such as a photo, a document or a song.

File extension: the three or four letters after the dot at the end of a file name. Microsoft explains that the extension tells your computer which app created or can open the file, and which icon to use for it. Examples: .docx (Word document), .pdf (Portable Document Format), .png and .jpg (pictures), .zip (compressed file) and .exe (a program).

To see extensions in Windows 11, open File Explorer and select View > Show > File name extensions. Expected result: file names now end in .docx, .jpg and so on.

Zip (compressed) file: one file that holds other files in a smaller package. Microsoft notes zipped files take up less space and transfer faster.

Cloud storage: saving files on a provider's servers over the internet so you can reach them from any device. Read more in What Is the Cloud?

4. Internet and Browser Terms

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Browser: MDN (Mozilla's developer reference) defines a browser as a program that finds and displays pages from the web and lets you follow links to other pages. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Firefox are browsers.

Address bar: the box at the top of the browser that shows the address of the page you're on. You can type an address there to go to a site.

URL (web address): a text string that says where something, such as a page, image or video, can be found on the internet. For example, https://www.winzipsystemtools.com/.

HTTPS: the encrypted version of HTTP, the way your browser and a website talk to each other. It lets you send sensitive details, such as when you bank or shop online, without others reading them on the way.

Cookie: a small piece of information a website leaves on your computer through your browser.

Cache: a store of web content your browser keeps for a while, so it can reuse it the next time you ask for the same page.

Add-ons or extensions: small programs you add to a browser to give it extra features, such as a password manager or an ad blocker.

5. Security Terms

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Malware: Microsoft describes malware as malicious apps and code that can damage or disrupt devices, for example by stealing passwords or locking you out of your PC and asking for a ransom.

Trojan: malware that pretends to be something useful. Microsoft notes trojans often use the same file names as real apps, and unlike viruses they can't spread on their own.

Phishing: emails, texts or websites made to look like they come from a real company or person, to steal usernames, passwords or card details. Warning signs include links that don't go where they claim, unexpected requests for personal information and sender addresses with small changes.

Two-step verification: a second check, such as a code or an app approval, on top of your password. Microsoft says it makes it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your account.

VPN (virtual private network): Microsoft says a VPN can help give you a more secure connection to your company's network and the internet, for example when you're working from a public place. In Windows 11 you'll find it under Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN.