Plain-English Tech Dictionary
Tech words, translated. No jargon, no judgement, just short answers you can actually use.
2FA / MFA (two-factor or multi-factor authentication)
A second step when you sign in, on top of your password, such as a code on your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in without it.
Antivirus
Software that looks for known harmful programs and blocks or removes them. It helps, but it isn’t a force field. Good habits matter just as much.
Backup
A spare copy of your files kept somewhere else, so you can get them back if a device fails, is stolen, or is locked by ransomware. A backup you have never tested is only a hope.
Bandwidth
How much data your internet connection can carry at once. Think of the width of a pipe: a wider pipe moves more at the same time.
Browser
The app you use to visit websites, such as Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox. Keeping it updated is one of the easiest security wins.
Cache
Temporary copies of web pages and images saved on your device so they load faster next time. Clearing the cache can fix pages that look wrong or won’t update.
Cloud
Computers in someone else’s data centre that you reach over the internet. “Storing something in the cloud” just means your files live on those computers instead of only on yours.
Cookie
A small file a website saves in your browser so it can remember you, such as keeping you signed in or remembering your cart.
Data breach
When private information is exposed or stolen from a company or service. If one happens, change that account’s password and anywhere you reused it.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The internet’s phone book. It turns a name you can remember, such as example.ca, into the number computers use to find the site.
Domain name
The name part of a website address, such as example.ca. You register (rent) it, usually yearly, and point it to where your website lives.
Encryption
Scrambling information so only someone with the right key can read it. It protects your data while it travels and while it sits stored.
Firewall
A filter between your computer or network and the internet that blocks unwanted traffic. Most routers and operating systems include one.
Hosting
The service that keeps a website’s files on a computer that is always online, so visitors can reach the site at any time.
HTTPS
The padlock in your browser’s address bar. It means the connection between you and the site is encrypted. It does not prove the site is honest, because scam sites can have it too.
IP address
A number that identifies a device on a network, a bit like a street address for data.
Malware
A general word for harmful software, including viruses, spyware and ransomware.
Operating system (OS)
The main software that runs a device, such as Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.
Password manager
An app that creates and stores strong, different passwords for every account, so you only have to remember one. It is one of the best security tools for small businesses.
Patch / update
A fix released by a software maker that closes security holes and bugs. Install updates promptly, because attackers often target known problems that haven’t been patched.
Phishing
A fake message designed to trick you into clicking a link, sharing a password or paying someone. Spear phishing targets you personally, smishing arrives by text, and vishing arrives by phone call.
Ransomware
Malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Tested backups kept separate from your main computer are the best protection.
Router
The box that connects your devices to the internet and shares your Wi-Fi. Change its default password and keep it updated.
SEO (search engine optimization)
Making a website easier for search engines to understand, so it can show up when people search for what you offer.
Social engineering
Tricking people rather than hacking machines, such as a caller pretending to be your bank or boss. Phishing is the best-known kind.
Spam
Unwanted junk messages, often ads. Some are scams, so don’t click or reply.
Spyware
Software that secretly watches what you do and sends the information to someone else.
URL
A web address, such as https://example.ca. Checking it carefully before you click or sign in can spot many fake sites.
VPN (virtual private network)
An encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. It helps on public Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t make you anonymous, and it doesn’t protect you from phishing or malware.
Wi-Fi vs. the internet
Wi-Fi is the wireless link between your devices and your router. The internet is the connection beyond it. Wi-Fi can look fine while the internet is down.