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
  • Software you access online by subscription instead of installing it (SaaS).

    Many businesses use software as a service for accounting.
  • A person who designs and writes computer programs.

    She works as a software developer in Sydney.
  • Checking software to find problems before release.

    Software testing found several bugs.
  • A fast storage device with no moving parts (SSD).

    Upgrading to a solid-state drive made the computer faster.
  • The human-readable instructions that make up a software program.

    Developers can read the source code.
  • spam

    noun

    Unwanted messages, usually advertising, sent to many people.

    The email went straight to the spam folder.
  • A program or file that arranges numbers and text in rows and columns.

    Track your expenses in a spreadsheet.
  • Watching or listening to video or music online without downloading it first.

    We cancelled cable TV and use streaming instead.
  • Regular payment to receive a service or content.

    Cancel the subscription before the free trial ends.
  • A web link in a message that may lead to a scam or malware.

    Don't click on suspicious links in text messages.
  • sync

    verb / noun

    To make data the same on two or more devices (short for synchronise).

    My photos sync to my laptop automatically.
  • A flat portable computer with a touchscreen (often just called a tablet).

    Kids use a tablet computer for reading apps.
  • The businesses that create technology products and services.

    The tech industry employs many skilled migrants.
  • Help with problems using computers, software or devices.

    Call tech support if the system crashes.
  • A screen you control by touching it.

    The kiosk has a touchscreen for orders.
  • troll

    noun / verb

    A person who posts offensive or provocative comments online; to do this.

    Don't respond to trolls.
  • To find and fix the cause of a problem with a device or system.

    Tech support helped me troubleshoot the printer.
  • A security method that needs two kinds of proof to log in, such as a password and a code (2FA).

    Turn on two-factor authentication for your email.
  • update

    noun / verb

    A new version of software that fixes problems or adds features; to install it.

    Install the latest update on your phone.
  • upload

    verb / noun

    To send a file from your device to the internet or another computer.

    Upload your documents to the portal.
  • USB

    noun

    Universal Serial Bus, a standard type of connection for cables and devices.

    Plug the USB cable into your laptop.
  • How easy and pleasant it is for people to use a product (UX).

    Good user experience keeps customers coming back.
  • The screens, buttons and menus people use to interact with software (UI).

    The new app has a simple user interface.
  • The name you use to identify yourself when logging in.

    Enter your username and password.
  • A system that tracks changes to code or files over time.

    The team uses version control to manage code changes.