L terms

The first page you see when you click a link, often designed to get you to do one specific thing.

Like the entrance hall of a building that directs you where to go next.

A portable computer with a built-in screen, keyboard, and trackpad that runs on a battery.

Like a desktop computer folded into a portable package.

An AI system trained on vast amounts of text that can generate, summarise, and answer questions in natural language.

Like an extremely well-read assistant who has read millions of books and can discuss almost any topic.

The delay between sending a request on the internet and receiving a response.

Like the gap between asking a question and getting an answer.

The app that controls the appearance and organisation of your Android home screen.

Like the interior designer of your phone's front page.

A technique where images and content only load when you scroll down to them, speeding up initial page load.

Like a waiter who only brings the next course when you are ready for it.

A screen technology that uses a backlight behind liquid crystals to produce images.

Like a slide projector shining through coloured glass panels.

Old software that is still in use even though newer versions exist, often because switching is complicated.

Like still using a reliable old fax machine in an office because the system was built around it.

A sensor technology that uses laser pulses to map the environment in three dimensions.

Like sonar for land — sending out light pulses and measuring how long they take to bounce back.

A button you tap to show you enjoyed or agree with a post, usually shown as a thumbs-up or heart.

Like nodding in agreement or giving a thumbs-up when someone says something you agree with.

A clickable item that takes you to another webpage.

Like a signpost showing where to go next.

Real-time text-based customer support available on a website.

Like walking up to a service counter, but online.

Broadcasting video to an audience in real time over the internet.

Like a live TV broadcast, but anyone with a phone can do it.

An animated background image on your phone or computer home screen.

Like replacing a framed photograph with a small fish tank — more dynamic but uses more energy.

A security feature that checks whether a face scan is from a real person rather than a photograph.

Like a bouncer who looks for movement to confirm you are real, not a photo.

When your device is retrieving and preparing content from the internet to display on screen.

Like waiting for a letter to arrive before you can read it.

The spinning circle or animation that appears while a page or app is loading.

Like the old egg-timer symbol — it means your computer is working.

The process of accessing your account.

Like unlocking your front door.

Points earned by making purchases that can be redeemed for discounts or free items.

Like collecting stamps on a loyalty card — fill it up and get something free.