Everyday Tech Guide

Jargon Buster

Plain-language definitions for tech words you might come across.

All Tech Terms

Ad Blocker
Software that hides online advertisements.
Like closing unwanted flyers before reading them.
Antivirus Software
A program that helps detect and remove harmful software.
Like a security guard protecting your home.
App
A software program designed to help you do a specific task, such as messaging, shopping, or banking.
Like a tool in your toolbox — each one has a different job.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Technology that allows computers to perform tasks that usually require human thinking.
Like having a very fast assistant available anytime.
Attachment
A file sent together with an email or message.
Like putting a document inside an envelope.
Battery
The power source for a mobile device.
Like the fuel tank of a car.
Bluetooth
A wireless way for devices to communicate nearby.
Like two people talking quietly across a room.
Bookmark
A saved link to a webpage.
Like placing a bookmark in a book.
Browser
A program you use to visit websites on the internet, such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
Like a car that takes you to different places on the internet.
Browser Tab
A separate page opened inside your browser.
Like having several books open on your desk at once.
Cache
Temporary files stored to help websites load faster.
Like keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
Charger
A device used to recharge batteries.
Like filling a fuel tank at a petrol station.
Chatbot
A computer program that can have conversations with people.
Like a customer service representative that never sleeps.
Cloud Storage
Online space used to save files and photos.
Like renting a storage locker on the internet.
Comment
A response left on online content.
Like writing a note in the margin of a book.
Contactless Payment
Paying by tapping a card or phone.
Like opening a door with a key card.
Data Backup
A copy of important files stored safely elsewhere.
Like keeping a spare key in a safe place.
Data Breach
When personal information is exposed without permission.
Like someone stealing files from a locked cabinet.
Device
An electronic item such as a phone, tablet, or computer.
Like a tool used for digital tasks.
Digital Receipt
An electronic version of a purchase receipt.
Like a paper receipt stored on your phone.
Digital Wallet
An app that stores payment cards digitally.
Like carrying your wallet inside your phone.
Direct Message (DM)
A private message sent to someone online.
Like passing a note directly to a friend.
Domain Name
The name of a website.
Like a shop's signboard.
Download
Copying a file from the internet onto your device.
Like bringing groceries home from the supermarket.
E-Book
A digital version of a book.
Like carrying a library in your device.
E-commerce
Buying and selling products online.
Like a shopping mall on the internet.
Email Address
A unique address used to send and receive emails.
Like your postal mailing address.
Emoji
A small picture used to express feelings or ideas.
Like facial expressions in a conversation.
Encryption
A way of scrambling information so others cannot read it.
Like putting a message into a locked box.
Facial Recognition
Technology that identifies you using your face.
Like a security guard who recognizes regular visitors.
Feed
A list of updates and posts shown in an app.
Like the morning newspaper delivered to you.
File
A digital document, photo, video, or other piece of information.
Like a folder in a filing cabinet.
Firewall
A security system that blocks dangerous internet traffic.
Like a security gate at a building entrance.
Folder
A place used to organize files.
Like a drawer in a cabinet.
Follow
To receive updates from someone online.
Like subscribing to a favourite magazine.
Friend Request
An invitation to connect on social media.
Like introducing yourself to a new neighbour.
GPS
A system that helps determine your location.
Like a digital map guide.
Hashtag
A word or phrase starting with # used to organize content.
Like a label on a storage box.
Home Screen
The main screen you see when you unlock your device.
Like the front page of a newspaper.
Homepage
The main page of a website.
Like the front entrance of a building.
Hotspot
A feature that lets a device share its internet connection.
Like turning your phone into a portable Wi-Fi station.
Inbox
The place where incoming emails are stored.
Like the letterbox outside your home.
Install
Adding software to your device.
Like putting a new appliance in your home.
Internet
A worldwide network connecting computers and devices.
Like a giant global highway system.
Login
The process of accessing your account.
Like unlocking your front door.
Malware
Harmful software that can damage your device or steal information.
Like a burglar sneaking into your house without permission.
Memory
Temporary space used by a device while working.
Like a desk where you keep current paperwork.
Microphone
A device that captures your voice.
Like a megaphone in reverse.
Mobile Data
Internet access provided by your mobile phone network.
Like carrying the internet in your pocket.
Mute
To silence sound or notifications.
Like turning the volume knob to zero.
Navigation App
An app that provides directions.
Like having a personal tour guide.
Network
A group of connected devices sharing information.
Like roads connecting different towns.
Notification
A message that alerts you about something.
Like someone tapping your shoulder for attention.
Online Account
Your personal space on a website or app.
Like your own locker at school.
Online Meeting
A meeting conducted using the internet.
Like gathering in a virtual conference room.
Online Payment
Paying for something using the internet.
Like sending money electronically.
Operating System
The main software that runs your device.
Like the manager of a busy office.
Passkey
A modern and secure way to sign in without remembering a password.
Like using your fingerprint instead of a key.
Password
A secret word or mix of letters, numbers, and symbols that proves you are allowed to use an account. Only you should know it.
Like the key to your front door — keep it safe and do not share it with strangers.
PDF
A file format that looks the same on different devices.
Like a printed document preserved digitally.
Phishing
A trick where someone pretends to be a trusted company or person — like your bank, CPF Board, or the police — to steal your passwords or personal details. It usually comes as a fake SMS, email, or phone call.
Like a fisherman casting bait to catch fish. The scammer sends a fake message hoping you will click the link. In Singapore, watch out for fake 'CPF' or 'IRAS' SMS messages asking you to log in.
PIN
A short secret number used for security.
Like a combination lock code.
Podcast
An audio program available online.
Like a radio show you can listen to anytime.
Pop-Up
A small window that appears on your screen.
Like someone interrupting a conversation.
Post
Content shared online.
Like pinning a notice on a community board.
Profile
Your personal page on a website or app.
Like your introduction card.
QR Code
A square barcode that you can scan with your phone to quickly open a website, make a payment, or get information.
Like a shortcut that takes you directly to where you want to go.
QR Payment
Paying by scanning a QR code.
Like showing a digital payment voucher.
Recovery Email
A backup email used to regain account access.
Like an emergency spare key.
Refresh
Reloading a webpage to see updated information.
Like checking the notice board again for new updates.
Router
A device that shares internet access with your devices.
Like a traffic controller directing vehicles.
Scam
A dishonest attempt to trick people into giving money or information.
Like a con artist pretending to be trustworthy.
Screen Sharing
Showing your screen to others during a call.
Like projecting your computer onto a wall.
Screenshot
A picture of what is currently on your screen.
Like taking a photograph of your display.
Search Engine
A service that helps you find information online.
Like a librarian helping you find a book.
Server
A computer that provides information to other devices.
Like a restaurant kitchen serving many customers.
Signal Strength
A measure of how strong your network connection is.
Like how clearly you can hear a radio station.
Smart Home
Household devices connected to the internet and controlled digitally.
Like having a home assistant helping manage your house.
Smart TV
A television that can connect to the internet.
Like combining a TV and a computer.
Smartwatch
A watch with features similar to a smartphone.
Like a tiny phone worn on your wrist.
Social Media
Websites and apps where people share content and communicate.
Like a large community notice board.
Software Update
A newer version of software with fixes and improvements.
Like servicing your car regularly.
Spam
Unwanted emails, messages, or advertisements.
Like junk flyers stuffed into your mailbox.
Spam Filter
A tool that automatically detects unwanted messages.
Like a guard sorting junk mail from important mail.
Speaker
A device that plays sound.
Like a loud voice coming from a box.
Storage
The space used to save files on a device.
Like cupboards in a house.
Streaming
Watching or listening to content over the internet without downloading it.
Like water flowing from a tap when needed.
Subscription
A service you pay for regularly to continue using.
Like a magazine delivered every month.
Sync
Keeping information the same across devices.
Like updating several copies of the same notebook.
The Cloud
A way to store your files and photos on the internet instead of only on your own device. You can reach them from any phone, tablet, or computer.
Think of it like a safe deposit box at a Singapore bank. Your things are kept safe somewhere else, and you can get to them whenever you need to — even from overseas.
Touchscreen
A screen that responds when you touch it.
Like pressing buttons directly on a display.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A security step that asks you to prove who you are in two ways — usually your password plus a code sent to your phone. It makes your accounts much harder to break into.
Like needing both your door key and a secret knock to get inside your home.
Uninstall
Removing an app from your device.
Like taking a book off your shelf permanently.
Upload
Sending a file from your device to the internet.
Like posting a letter into a mailbox.
URL
The web address of a website.
Like the address of a house.
Username
A name that identifies you on a website or app.
Like your name tag at an event.
Video Call
A phone call where you can see each other.
Like talking face-to-face through a window.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A service that helps keep your internet activity private and secure.
Like travelling through a private tunnel instead of a busy public road.
Webcam
A camera connected to a computer.
Like a window that lets others see you.
Webinar
A seminar held over the internet.
Like attending a class from your home.
Website
A collection of webpages available online.
Like a digital shop or office.
Wi-Fi
A way to connect your device to the internet without wires. Your router sends out a wireless signal that your phone, tablet, or laptop picks up.
Like a radio station that your devices tune into to get the internet.