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 entriesSoftware 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.
software testing
nounChecking 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.
source code
nounThe human-readable instructions that make up a software program.
Developers can read the source code.
spam
nounUnwanted messages, usually advertising, sent to many people.
The email went straight to the spam folder.
spreadsheet
nounA program or file that arranges numbers and text in rows and columns.
Track your expenses in a spreadsheet.
streaming
nounWatching or listening to video or music online without downloading it first.
We cancelled cable TV and use streaming instead.
subscription
nounRegular payment to receive a service or content.
Cancel the subscription before the free trial ends.
suspicious link
nounA web link in a message that may lead to a scam or malware.
Don't click on suspicious links in text messages.
sync
verb / nounTo make data the same on two or more devices (short for synchronise).
My photos sync to my laptop automatically.
tablet computer
nounA flat portable computer with a touchscreen (often just called a tablet).
Kids use a tablet computer for reading apps.
tech industry
nounThe businesses that create technology products and services.
The tech industry employs many skilled migrants.
tech support
nounHelp with problems using computers, software or devices.
Call tech support if the system crashes.
touchscreen
nounA screen you control by touching it.
The kiosk has a touchscreen for orders.
troll
noun / verbA person who posts offensive or provocative comments online; to do this.
Don't respond to trolls.
troubleshoot
verbTo 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 / verbA new version of software that fixes problems or adds features; to install it.
Install the latest update on your phone.
upload
verb / nounTo send a file from your device to the internet or another computer.
Upload your documents to the portal.
USB
nounUniversal Serial Bus, a standard type of connection for cables and devices.
Plug the USB cable into your laptop.
user experience
nounHow easy and pleasant it is for people to use a product (UX).
Good user experience keeps customers coming back.
user interface
nounThe screens, buttons and menus people use to interact with software (UI).
The new app has a simple user interface.
username
nounThe name you use to identify yourself when logging in.
Enter your username and password.
version control
nounA system that tracks changes to code or files over time.
The team uses version control to manage code changes.