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Technology, in plain English.

You do not need to know every technical word to get started. Look one up, see an example, and carry on at your own pace.

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What does it mean?Topic

60 terms, A–Z

Account

Getting started

Your personal sign-in to a website, app or device.

For example: An account may hold your settings and saved work.

Active Directory

Work & cloud

Microsoft technology used to organise and manage identities and resources in a domain.

For example: An organisation may use it to manage Windows users and computers.

Administrator / admin

Security

An account or role allowed to make wider changes.

For example: Use administrator access only when a task needs it and you are authorised.

API

Scripting & packages

Application Programming Interface: a defined way for software to communicate.

For example: A script may request information from a service through its API.

App / application

Getting started

A program that helps you do something on your device.

For example: A browser opens websites; a photo app shows pictures.

Backup

Files & storage

A separate copy you can use to recover lost or damaged information.

For example: Keep a copy of important files and check you can restore them.

Bandwidth

Internet & networks

The data-carrying capacity of a connection.

For example: A larger capacity can help several devices transfer data at once.

Browser

Internet & networks

An app used to open websites.

For example: Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari are browsers.

Cache

Troubleshooting

Stored information kept to make later access faster.

For example: A browser cache can hold copies of website files. Clearing it is different from deleting passwords.

Cloud

Files & storage

Computers and services reached over a network, usually the internet.

For example: A cloud file may need downloading before you can use it offline.

Command

Scripting & packages

An instruction given to a program or shell.

For example: Some commands inspect information; others change or delete it.

CSV

Files & storage

Comma-separated values: a common text format for rows and columns.

For example: An exported report may open in a spreadsheet; check how special characters are handled.

Dependency

Scripting & packages

Something a program needs in order to work.

For example: A script may depend on an installed package and a compatible runtime.

DHCP

Internet & networks

A service that can automatically give devices network settings.

For example: Your router may supply your laptop’s local IP address.

DNS

Internet & networks

Domain Name System: helps translate names into network information.

For example: It helps a browser find the server for a website name.

Download

Getting started

Copy a file from another place onto your device.

For example: Saving a PDF guide from this site is a download.

DPN

Internet & networks

Decentralised Private Network: a network that can route traffic through participating devices.

For example: Deeper Network uses this approach. Privacy and performance depend on settings and peers.

Driver

Hardware

Software that helps the operating system work with a piece of hardware.

For example: A printer driver helps Windows send jobs to a printer.

Encryption

Security

Transforming information so it needs the right key to be read.

For example: Device encryption helps protect stored data, but an unlocked device can still expose it.

Ethernet

Internet & networks

A common wired networking technology.

For example: A network cable can connect a laptop or dock to a router.

Exchange Online

Work & cloud

Microsoft’s hosted business email and calendar service.

For example: A support script may inspect a work mailbox if your role permits it.

Factory reset

Getting started

A process that removes user data and settings to return a device towards its original setup.

For example: It is not the same as restarting. Back up and check ownership requirements first.

Firewall

Security

A system that allows or blocks network traffic using rules.

For example: A blocked application may need an approved rule, not the firewall switched off.

Firmware

Hardware

Software built into a device that controls its basic operation.

For example: A router can have a firmware update. Use the maker’s instructions.

HTTPS / TLS

Security

Technology used to protect a connection between your browser and a website.

For example: A secure connection does not prove that a seller or website is trustworthy.

IMEI

Hardware

An identifier associated with a mobile device’s cellular equipment.

For example: A carrier may request it when investigating a phone issue; avoid publishing it.

Intune

Work & cloud

Microsoft’s service for managing devices and applications.

For example: A work device may receive security settings through Intune.

IP address

Internet & networks

An address used to send data to a network interface.

For example: A device may have a local address and use a different public address online.

JSON

Scripting & packages

A text format for structured values such as names, lists and settings.

For example: A configuration file may use JSON; it can contain secrets, so inspect it before sharing.

Latency

Internet & networks

The delay while data travels and a response returns.

For example: A video call can feel delayed even when download speed is high.

Log

Troubleshooting

A record of events produced by a device or program.

For example: An error log can help explain a failure, but may include private data.

Memory / RAM

Hardware

Short-term working space used by running programs.

For example: More open apps can use more RAM; RAM is different from file storage.

MFA / 2FA

Security

Multi-factor or two-factor authentication: extra proof when signing in.

For example: A password plus an authenticator approval can provide two different factors.

Microsoft Entra ID

Work & cloud

Microsoft’s cloud identity and access service, previously called Azure Active Directory.

For example: A work sign-in can use Entra ID. It is not the same product as on-premises Active Directory.

Module / package

Scripting & packages

A reusable collection of code; the exact packaging rules depend on the language.

For example: A PowerShell module may add commands. A Python package may add importable functionality.

Operating system (OS)

Getting started

The main software that runs a device and lets you use apps.

For example: Windows, macOS, Android and iOS are operating systems.

Parameter / argument

Scripting & packages

A parameter is an input a command accepts; an argument is the value you supply.

For example: A computer-name parameter might receive the name of your authorised test PC.

Passkey

Security

A sign-in credential that uses cryptographic keys instead of a reusable password.

For example: You may unlock it using your device PIN, fingerprint or face.

Patch / update

Troubleshooting

A software change intended to fix issues or add improvements.

For example: Install updates from approved sources and restart when required.

Permission

Security

A rule that determines what someone or an app may access or change.

For example: Read permission allows viewing; write permission can allow changes.

Phishing

Security

A deceptive message or website designed to trick you into sharing information or taking an action.

For example: An unexpected message may pretend to be a delivery company and ask you to sign in.

Placeholder

Scripting & packages

Example text that must be replaced with your own suitable value.

For example: Replace YOUR_PC with the intended computer name; do not run it unchanged.

Processor / CPU

Hardware

The part of a computer that carries out program instructions.

For example: A busy processor can make other tasks slower.

Read-only

Troubleshooting

Intended to inspect information without changing the target.

For example: A read-only check can still use resources or reveal sensitive information in its output.

Recovery code

Security

A backup code used to regain access to an account in supported situations.

For example: Keep it private and secure; never paste it into a public support request.

Restart / reboot

Getting started

Stop and start the operating system again.

For example: Save your work before choosing Restart. Do not interrupt an update.

Rollback

Troubleshooting

Return a change to an earlier state, where supported.

For example: A tested rollback plan helps recover if an approved change causes problems.

Router

Internet & networks

A device that sends network traffic between networks.

For example: A home router usually connects your home network to your internet provider.

Runtime

Scripting & packages

Software that runs code for a particular environment.

For example: Node.js runs JavaScript outside a web browser.

Script

Scripting & packages

A set of instructions saved as text for an interpreter or shell to run.

For example: Read and tailor a script before running it in an authorised environment.

Serial number

Hardware

An identifier assigned by a manufacturer to a particular unit.

For example: A support team may use it to find warranty information. Share it only when needed.

SSD

Hardware

Solid-state drive: a storage device with no spinning disk.

For example: Your operating system and files may be stored on an SSD.

Storage

Hardware

The space where a device keeps files and apps.

For example: An SSD keeps your files when the power is off.

Sync / synchronisation

Files & storage

Keep information matched between devices or services.

For example: Deleting a synced photo may also delete it elsewhere. Sync is not always a backup.

Tenant

Work & cloud

An organisation’s separated environment in a cloud service.

For example: Use the correct Microsoft 365 tenant before investigating a work account.

Terminal / shell

Scripting & packages

A terminal provides a text interface; a shell interprets the commands entered there.

For example: PowerShell and Bash are shells. A terminal can host different shells.

Upload

Getting started

Send a file from your device to another place.

For example: Adding a photo to a support request uploads it.

USB-C

Hardware

A type of reversible connector, not a promise of every USB feature.

For example: Two USB-C cables may support different charging, data or display capabilities.

VPN

Internet & networks

Virtual Private Network: a connection that carries traffic through a protected tunnel.

For example: It changes how selected traffic reaches its destination; it does not guarantee anonymity.

Wi-Fi

Internet & networks

A wireless connection between a device and a nearby network.

For example: Being connected to Wi-Fi does not guarantee internet access.