Fifteen Most Common Tech Terms You Should Know
7 min read
It’s time to step up your tech vocabulary! You will likely come across several tech terms regularly.
Written by Lisa G.
Illustration by Lívia Prata
Whether you are running a tech company, planning to start one, or simply working in the tech industry, you will likely come across several tech terms regularly. They pop in your emails, team meetings, blog articles, social media, and sometimes even in a casual chat with your colleagues. The thing is, we are living in the age of technology today, and not knowing what common tech terms mean can put you in a difficult situation- one that you definitely do not want to face!
Every industry has its specific vocabulary, and the world of technology is no different. However, the tech lingo is not only limited to the industry and the people working in it. Instead, it has gone above and beyond and has become a part of our everyday life.
From hundreds of complex software terms to something as simple as the term “Machine Learning,” tech terms have become an integral part of our lives. Therefore, even if you don’t work in the tech industry, it is smart to have a basic understanding of the most common technology-related terms. It helps you avoid miscommunication, enhances your credibility, and makes you look more professional in front of your clients, employers, and generally everyone!
So, here is a glossary of the fifteen super common tech terms that you should be familiar with regardless of your profession.
Let’s get started!
Artificial Intelligence or AI
Artificial Intelligence is an umbrella term that refers to software or machine technology that simulates human intelligence. AI can learn commands, recognize speech, solve problems, make decisions, understand language, and self-correcting itself.
In other words, Artificial Intelligence is the intelligence demonstrated by machines. Some of the most common real-world applications of AI today are digital assistants like Alexa and Siri.
Back End
Back end refers to every part of a website, application, or software that users don’t use, see, and interact with. It is that part of a program’s code or computer application that allows it to operate in the desired way of the developer. In simple terms, the back end includes everything that goes on behind the scenes when a user performs any activity or takes any action on a website, application, or software.
Back end is also known as the “data access layer” of hardware or software.
Big Data
Big data is a collection of data in a huge volume. It also refers to the exponential growth and accessibility of information. Big data is so large and complex that any of the traditional data management tools cannot store, process, and analyze it effectively.
Big data comes from a variety of sources. The major ones are multimedia content, social media updates, transaction processing systems, weather reports, medical records, and so on.
Business Intelligence or BI
Business intelligence is one of the most important and widely used tech terms. It is an umbrella term that refers to all the software, tools, and best practices that businesses leverage to analyze raw data and generate meaningful results.
As a technology, BI empowers organizations with predictive, current, and historical views of different business operations. Business intelligence includes functions like data mining, reporting, analysis, etc.
Cache
A cache is a reserved storage location that temporarily stores data so that it can be accessed quickly. It also reduces the loading time of websites and applications and enables them to run more smoothly and efficiently.
After accessing a website or application for the first time, a cache temporarily stores images, files, and other important information on the user’s device. So, the next time the user visits the same website or application, it will load much faster and run more smoothly.
Cloud
Cloud is a broad term that refers to a system of storing data on a different server over the internet and accessing it via a network. The cloud allows a user to access files, data, and applications from any device as long as it has an internet connection.
The cloud is further divided into three broad categories.
5.1. Public Cloud
The public cloud refers to the cloud services that are shared across multiple organizations. Each of these organizations can use the public cloud to store data and access them through the internet. However, what data and files one organization stores on the cloud remain hidden from the other organization members.
5.2. Private Cloud
The private cloud is a cloud service that is solely dedicated to an individual organization.
5.3. Hybrid Cloud
Simply put, the hybrid cloud is a combination of both private and public cloud services. It provides greater flexibility to the users.
Cookie
A cookie is a small file or a data block that a website leaves on a user’s device. The file contains small pieces of data provided by the website. Every time the user re-visits the website, the site can access that cookie to identify you and add to that information. Websites also use cookies to tailor your web browsing experience.
Front End
In layman’s terms, the front end is the exact opposite of what the back end is. So, the front end includes everything that is a part of the user interface. So, every aspect of a website, application, or software that a user sees and interacts with is included in the front end.
For example, pages, graphics, buttons, and menus on a web page or an app are a part of the front end.
Machine Learning or ML
Machine Learning is a subset or an integral part of Artificial Intelligence. It refers to the usage of smart algorithms that enable machines to “learn” new information and perform certain actions without the need to be programmed.
So, instead of programming the machines to perform in a specific way, developers enable them to learn from past experiences by observing data points. Image recognition, translation of speech into text, recommendation engines are all real-world examples of Machine Learning technology.
Natural Language Processing or NLP
Falling within the umbrella of AI, Natural Language Processing allows machines to understand and process human language. With the help of NLP, computers can understand human commands, that is, spoken words as well as written texts.
The common examples or applications of natural language processing include functionalities like Autocorrect, Spell check, and digital assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Quality Assurance Testing or QA Testing
QA Testing is a process that includes all the activities undertaken to ensure that a service or product meets its initial quality expectations. QA testing is performed before a product or service is launched for public use.
It helps businesses reduce problems and defects in their products and services and enhance the user experience of their customers.
Search Engine Optimization or SEO
Search engine optimization or SEO refers to the practices used to boost a website’s online visibility organically. It refers to all the activities performed to make a website appear in the top position of a search engine’s ranking list.
SEO is a fundamental part of a company’s online marketing efforts. It is the process of enhancing the quality and quantity of a website’s organic traffic and making it more visible and relevant to the target audience.
It includes designing a user-friendly website, writing compelling content, using keywords and backlinks, writing informative meta descriptions, etc.
Software as a Service or SaaS
SaaS is a part of cloud computing. Basically, it is a software licensing and delivery model. It provides subscription-based software for users over the internet. Typically, these software are purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis from a vendor.
Software like Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, Slack, etc., are all popular examples of Software as a service.
Spoofing
Spoofing is a type of scam or cyberattack where an intruder disguises as a known and trusted source and tries to gain unauthorized access to a user’s device or information.
The main aim of spoofing is to trick a user and make them release confidential information that the intruder can use to steal personal information, money, or spread malware. Spoofing can occur through emails, phone calls, websites, tests, and so on.
User Experience (UX)
Generally, user experience refers to the way a user interacts with a service or a product. However, in tech terms, user experience or UX is the process of designing technology in such a way that it is easy to use and provides a meaningful experience to the users. It focuses on improving the accessibility and usability of an application, website, or software and making it more user-friendly and intuitive.
In other words, UX is the art of planning the design of a product so that it generates a positive response from the customers.
So, there you go! These were our top fifteen common tech terms that everyone should know. As our lives become more and more dependent on technology, it is a good idea to be aware of the common tech words and phrases so that you can communicate better and never feel clueless during a conversation.
We hope you found this piece helpful. Feel free to come back and re-visit this site whenever you want to brush up on your tech lingo!
