AUSLEXAustralian English & global dictionary

Technology

Everyday Australian words, slang and life-admin terms for migrants, students and workers — explained in plain English and 8 other languages.

Reviewed entries

160 entries

  • direct message

    noun / verb

    A private message sent on social media (DM); to send one.

    Send me a direct message with the details.

  • domain name

    noun

    The address of a website, such as example.com.au.

    They registered a .com.au domain name.

  • download

    verb / noun

    To copy data or a file from the internet to your device; such a file.

    Download the form and fill it in.

  • e-commerce

    noun

    Buying and selling goods or services online.

    The shop expanded into e-commerce.

  • e-signature

    noun

    An electronic way of signing a document.

    You can sign the lease with an e-signature.

  • emoji

    noun

    A small picture or icon used in digital messages.

    She replied with a smiling emoji.

  • encryption

    noun

    Turning information into a code so only authorised people can read it.

    Messages are protected by end-to-end encryption.

  • factory reset

    noun

    Returning a device to its original settings, deleting personal data.

    Do a factory reset before selling your phone.

  • file format

    noun

    The type of a computer file, shown by its ending such as .docx or .jpg.

    Upload the document in PDF file format.

  • file sharing

    noun

    Sending or giving others access to digital files.

    Use secure file sharing for client documents.

  • firewall

    noun

    A security system that controls network traffic to block unwanted access.

    The firewall blocked the suspicious connection.

  • follower

    noun

    A person who subscribes to someone's social media account.

    Her account has thousands of followers.

  • front end

    noun

    The part of a website or app that users see and interact with.

    He works on the front end of the app.

  • generative AI

    noun

    AI that creates new content such as text, images or music.

    Generative AI can write first drafts quickly.

  • go viral

    phrase

    To spread very quickly and widely online.

    The video went viral overnight.

  • hacker

    noun

    A person who gains unauthorised access to computer systems.

    Hackers stole customer details.

  • hard drive

    noun

    A device inside a computer that stores data and files.

    The hard drive is almost full.

  • hardware

    noun

    The physical parts of a computer or device.

    The problem is with the hardware, not the software.

  • hashtag

    noun

    A word or phrase after the # symbol, used to group posts on a topic.

    Use the event hashtag when you post.

  • headset

    noun

    Headphones with a microphone, used for calls.

    Wear a headset for online meetings.

  • hotspot

    noun

    A place or phone connection that provides Wi-Fi to other devices.

    I used my phone as a hotspot for my laptop.

  • inbox

    noun

    The folder where new emails arrive.

    My inbox is full of newsletters.

  • influencer

    noun

    A person with many online followers who can affect their opinions and buying choices.

    The brand paid an influencer to promote the product.

  • instant messaging

    noun

    Sending short text messages in real time over the internet.

    The team uses instant messaging for quick questions.

  • internet of things

    noun

    Everyday objects connected to the internet so they can send and receive data (IoT).

    Smart fridges are part of the internet of things.