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

power bank
noun
A portable battery used to charge devices on the go.
Bring a power bank on long trips.
printer
noun
A machine that prints documents from a computer.
The office printer is out of paper.
privacy settings
noun
Options that control who can see your information on an app or website.
Check the privacy settings on your social media.
processor
noun
The main chip that carries out a computer's instructions (also called a CPU).
The new laptop has a faster processor.
programming language
noun
A language used to write computer software, such as Python or JavaScript.
Python is a popular programming language.
prompt
noun / verb
An instruction or question you give to an AI tool; also a message asking a user to do something.
Write a clear prompt to get a better answer.
public Wi-Fi
noun
Free or open wireless internet in places such as cafés and airports, which can be less secure.
Avoid online banking on public Wi-Fi.
QR code
noun
A square barcode that a phone camera can scan to open a link or information.
Scan the QR code to see the menu.

RAM
noun
Random Access Memory, the short-term memory a computer uses while running programs.
More RAM helps the computer run many programs at once.
ransomware
noun
Malware that locks files and demands payment to unlock them.
A ransomware attack shut down the hospital's systems.
restart
verb / noun
To turn a device off and on again.
Try restarting your computer.
router
noun
A device that connects your home network to the internet and shares the connection.
Restart the router if the internet stops working.
screen sharing
noun
Showing your computer screen to others during an online meeting.
Use screen sharing to show the slides.
screen time
noun
Time spent using screens such as phones and computers.
Parents often limit children's screen time.
screenshot
noun / verb
An image of what is on a screen; to capture one.
Take a screenshot of the error message.
search engine
noun
A website that helps you find information on the internet.
Type the question into a search engine.
security patch
noun
A software update that fixes a security weakness.
Install the security patch as soon as possible.
SEO
noun
Search Engine Optimisation, improving a website so it appears higher in search results.
Good SEO brings more visitors to the site.
server
noun
A computer that stores data or runs services for other computers over a network.
The website was down because the server crashed.
shared drive
noun
A storage location where a team can save and access the same files.
Save the report to the shared drive.
smart home
noun
A home with devices such as lights and heating controlled by an app or voice.
Smart home devices can save energy.
smartphone
noun
A mobile phone that can run apps and connect to the internet.
Most people check their smartphone first thing in the morning.
smartwatch
noun
A wristwatch that connects to a phone and can track fitness and show messages.
My smartwatch counts my steps.
social media
noun
Websites and apps where people share content and communicate.
Many businesses advertise on social media.
software
noun
Programs and applications that run on computers and devices.
The company uses accounting software.