Jargon Buster A–Z
I terms
19 glossary terms starting with I.
Letter overview
What is inside this section
Internet Basics
5 terms
Devices & Hardware
1 terms
Apps & Software
2 terms
Security & Privacy
4 terms
Communication
3 terms
Social Media
2 terms
Payments & Shopping
2 terms
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Identity Theft
Security & PrivacyWhen someone uses your personal information — like your NRIC or bank details — to commit fraud in your name.
Like someone stealing your physical identity documents and impersonating you.
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Impressions
Social MediaThe number of times a piece of content was displayed on someone's screen, whether or not they engaged with it.
Like counting how many people walked past a billboard, regardless of whether they stopped to read it.
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In-App Message
CommunicationA notification or message that appears inside an app while you are using it.
Like a waiter tapping your shoulder while you're seated to let you know about a special.
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In-App Purchase
Apps & SoftwareBuying extra features, content, or premium access within a free app.
Like entering a free exhibition but paying to see special exhibits inside.
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Inbox
CommunicationThe place where incoming emails are stored.
Like the letterbox outside your home.
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Inbox Zero
CommunicationA personal productivity approach where you aim to keep your email inbox completely empty.
Like clearing your physical in-tray every day so it never piles up.
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Incident Response
Security & PrivacyThe steps taken by an organisation to manage and recover from a security breach.
Like the emergency procedures a hospital follows when dealing with a crisis.
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Incognito Mode
Internet BasicsA private browsing mode where your browser does not save your history, cookies, or form data after you close the window.
Like browsing with an invisibility cloak — your device forgets where you went, but websites and your internet provider can still see you.
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Inductive Charging
Devices & HardwareCharging a device using an electromagnetic field rather than a physical cable.
Like warming food in a microwave — energy is transferred without direct contact.
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Infinite Scroll
Internet BasicsA design where new content loads automatically as you scroll down, with no page break.
Like a conveyor belt of content — it keeps coming as long as you keep scrolling.
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Influencer
Social MediaA person with a large social media following whose opinions and recommendations affect others' choices.
Like a trusted celebrity endorsement, but in the digital world.
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Install
Apps & SoftwareAdding software to your device.
Like putting a new appliance in your home.
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Instalment Payment
Payments & ShoppingSplitting the cost of a purchase into smaller payments spread over several months.
Like paying for a sofa in three smaller amounts over three months instead of one large sum.
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Internet
Internet BasicsA worldwide network connecting computers and devices.
Like a giant global highway system.
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Intrusion Detection System
Security & PrivacySoftware that monitors a network for suspicious activity and alerts administrators.
Like a security guard watching CCTV footage for unusual movement.
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Invoice
Payments & ShoppingA formal document from a seller requesting payment for goods or services.
Like a bill presented after receiving a service or product.
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IP Address
Internet BasicsA unique number assigned to every device on a network so data can be sent to the right place.
Like the home address for your device on the internet.
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IP Spoofing
Security & PrivacyDisguising the source of internet traffic by falsifying an IP address to make it appear to come from a different location.
Like sending a letter with a fake return address.
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ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Internet BasicsThe company that provides your internet connection — for example, Singtel, StarHub, or M1 in Singapore.
Like the company that supplies water to your home, but for internet.