For the majority of us, technology is an integral part of our everyday lives. Many of us, however, still are hazy on a great deal of common technology terms. Fortunately, for those that are unsure, we have created a mini glossary of common tech terms you should be familiar with.
Cookies
Cookies allow websites to identify you when you revisit them. By allowing cookies, you are letting your browser store your information, such as username, password and preferences, and provide it for the site you are visiting. They are a time-saver that can be very useful for avid Internet users.
Although cookies are rather convenient, some view them as a privacy issue. They store your information and track your activity, which can make it easier for others to access your information. Most experts agree, however, that restricting the amount of cookies you use is sufficient for protecting your online identity.
URL
A URL, or uniform resource locator, is the web address for a particular site. It is what you type into the address bar at the top of your web browser which takes you to the website you wish to visit.
Cloud
Cloud is one of the tech terms that is most common right now. Everybody is talking about the cloud. The cloud refers to services that are based over the Internet and don’t require additional hardware or software, like Facebook or Google Apps.
Flash
Flash is a platform owned by Adobe that allows you to view animation and dynamic displays on the Internet. Installing a Flash plug-in on your browser means that you can view certain videos and other displays that can’t otherwise be seen. Although Flash has been the leader for a long time, HTML5 is quickly emerging as a competitor.
Although tech terms can get quite complex at times, knowing the basics can help you to better understand the technology we’re using every day.
If you’d like to see a more in-depth description of tech terms, take a look at this glossary.