In the last article on tech terms, we enumerated a list of common tech terminologies and explained them in the simplest ways possible.
Check out the previous post – A–Z Tech Terms
Here we’ll be explaining another section of tech terms from the alphabet A-Z.
Common Tech Terms
Anonymous File transfer protocol (FTP)
This is a remote site that allows users to access and download files made available on the server without a unique username and password. Their username is usually set as ‘Anonymous’ by default.
Back end
The back end of an application or website is the server side or ‘engine room’ where the functionality and everything that makes the site work is powered.
Cache
This is like a memory where data is stored temporarily on your computer or mobile device whenever you use an app or browse. This makes it easy for the computer to answer requests faster by accessing the primary storage and utilizing previous information inputted.
Data Science
This involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to uncover the trends for businesses to enable them to come up with better strategies.
Encryption
This is the method of disguising data and information into unrecognizable codes to protect it from being viewed or interpreted by unauthorized parties.
Front end
This is the visual section of a website or application that the user directly interacts with. It includes the graphic layout of the website e.g., buttons, menu, fonts, etc.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
This is an operating system interface set up to manage users’ interaction with electronic devices and systems through the use of icons, drop-down menus, etc.
Home page
This is usually the first page that comes up when you open a web browser e.g. chrome, etc. It is also the first page of a website containing the details.
IP Address
Internet Protocol Address is a long digit of a unique identifying number that every computer or mobile device has while connected to the internet or a local network, e.g. 182.163.101.2
JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group)
This is a graphical image format that compresses digital images to save space and reduce data. It has a variable compression range e.g. High, medium and low quality have different file sizes.
Keyword
This includes a word or group of words that a search engine utilizes from a user’s search to produce useful search results.
Linux
Linux is an unrestricted open-source operating system that is widely supported on significant hardware platforms like computers, mainframes, mobile devices, etc.
Malware
This is any software program that was built with the intention of causing harm to a computer, accessing or leaking personal information, and other unwanted things.
NFC (Near Field Communication
This is a communication protocol that enables the transfer of data from one mobile device to another within a distance of 4cm or less.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
This is the use of an optical scanning device to read texts, images, etc, from a hard copy and translate it into machine-coded language that a computer can understand.
Peer-to-Peer
This is the connection btw two computers or individuals that allow them to send files and communicate directly without the need for a central authority e.g. Crypto trading.
QoS (Quality of Service)
This is a technology that helps to oversee data traffic and ensure the maximum functioning of apps on a network.
Remote Backup
This is a backup service that enables users to backup and store files on a system
SSID
‘Service Set Identifier’ is a name or set of characters that identifies a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Two-factor Authentication
This is a form of security in which users are identified with a PIN before using a network service.
UNIX
This is an operating system designed for multitasking and multi-users. Also known for its plainness and portability.
Virtual hosting
This is the hosting of multiple domain names on a single server and IP address.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
This includes the devices or computers using a wireless communication network.
XML
‘Extensive Markup Language’ describes documents in formats that can be read by an XML-compatible application.
Zettabyte
This is a unit of measurement used to depict the storage of a computer or device. One Zettabyte is 10²¹ bytes.
