Technology Definitions

This page contains definitions for basic technology terms that you may encounter as you assist your student with online learning. If you can't find what you're looking for here, be sure to check out the Technology Hub where you can find additional pages on topics such as Networking and Agora Tech.

'Hardware' refers to physical technology items such as the computer itself.

CPU - Central processing unit; the brain of the computer; controls the other elements of the computer.

Desktop - A type of computer that typically consists of a standalone box (tower) that contains the necessary computing components. (This term can also be used to describe the area on your screen where apps and files are displayed when no programs are open.)

Disk Drive - A peripheral device that reads and/or writes information on a disk. These devices are becoming more rare as people move to cloud storage and network-based programs and apps.

Flash Drive – a computer hardware you plug in to your computer to save (and transfer) files. Typically plugs into a USB port. May also be referred to as a USB Drive or Jump Drive

Hard Drive - A device (usually within the computer case) that reads and writes information, including the operating system, program files, and data files.

Keyboard - A peripheral used to input data by pressing keys.

Laptop - A type of computer that typically contains all of the pieces necessary for computing (computer, display, touchpad as a mouse, networking card, and more)

Modem - A peripheral device used to connect a home network to the internet. Usually connected to a Router to provide network connections to multiple devices within a home. (For more information, see our Networking tech page)

Monitor - A device used to display information visually. Laptops will have a built-in monitor (display) where desktops will require an external screen.

Mouse - A peripheral device used to interact with items on the monitor

Printer - A peripheral device that converts output from a computer into a printed image

Router - A device which takes internet signal and distributes it to any number of devices. In a typical situation, this will provide a WIFI signal or/and can allow devices to connect directly with the use of an ethernet cable.

Software refers to the programs and applications (apps) on your computer, tablet, or phone. The UI means 'User Interface'. This is the visual representation of computing that you interact with. It is what appears on your screen.

Address Bar – the narrow, rectangular box on the topmost part of a browser window where you can type in a web address.

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) - A technology meant to assist productivity and everyday life in a variety of ways. Simple examples of AI can include predictive text or assistants like Alexa and Siri. Newer, more advanced models include generative programs such as Chat GPT and Google Gemini. If you'd like to look further into this topic, check out our AI page HERE.

Backup – to copy files or databases to another site or an external drive (for example a USB flash drive or stick). This is done to preserve data in case of equipment failure or any other problems.

Bookmark – saving a webpage so you can easily go back to your favorite locations on the Web. On Google Chrome, you can bookmark by clicking on the star on the rightmost part of the address bar.

Browse – or surf, means to explore a website or a number of websites by scanning and reading information.

Browser – software used to find information on the Web. Examples include Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

Cursor – a small image on the screen that shows you where you are pointing. If you are typing, it is a blinking short line after the last character or space. Your cursor can also be seen as an arrow, pointing hand, or hourglass depending on what task you are doing.

Desktop – what is displayed on your screen after you turn the computer on. You can see your folders and program icons on your desktop.

Dialog box – a box that appears on your screen when the computer needs additional information to carry out a task. For example, when you open Skype, a dialog box appears and asks you your user name and password.

Download – to receive data from a web page.

Flash Drive – a computer hardware you plug in to your computer to save (and transfer) files. Typically plugs into a USB port.

File– an object in the computer that stores data, information, or commands used in a computer program. You create files using a software program.

Folder – a virtual location where your files, programs or other folders are located. These are easy to locate as the icon looks like a yellow office folder in most computers.

Homepage – the opening page of a website. In most websites, you go back to this when you click on “Home” or the site’s logo.

Icon – a small image that you click on to open a file, start a command, or launch a program.

Link or Hyperlink – a highlighted or underlined feature on a web page that, when clicked, takes you to another web page. When you point to an underlined word or image, you will know that it is a link when your cursor turns into a pointing hand.

Log-on or Sign-in – to gain access to a computer system or a page on a website by entering a password or user ID.

Menu – a list of options or topics on a website that users can choose from.

Password – a secret set of characters or words used to gain access to a computer, web page, network, or file. You can use a combination of letters (upper case and lower case), numbers and other characters. A strong password should be hard to guess.

Reboot – to restart your computer.

Scroll – to move text or other information on a computer screen up, down, or sideways.

Search engine – programs that search documents for specified keywords and returns with a list of documents where the keywords are found. Commonly used search engines are Google, Bing and Yahoo!

Spam – this is electronic junk mail or any unsolicited email. It usually contains advertising or product/service promotions.

Taskbar – this usually at the bottom of your desktop. This is where icons of programs you usually use may be found. You will also see the Start button here, as well as the date, time, status of your battery charge, volume, and other icons you wish to add. Apple Mac users may be more familiar with the term “dock”.

Update – a software file that contains fixes for problems found by users or the software developer. These are usually free and have small file sizes.

Upload – to save or send data to a network or another computer. You upload information when you post words, pictures or videos on social media, send an email, or save files on a website.

Virus – a program or a piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge (via a document or a program). It can cause unexpected or damaging effects, such as corrupting the system software or destroying data.