For curious humans

Words to Know

A friendly A–Z dictionary of tech, internet, AI, and online-safety words, explained simply. Tap any word to read the full lesson.

#

0 and 1
The two choices a bit can be, like off and on. Learn more →
2D
Flat, with two dimensions: height and width. Learn more →
2FA / MFA
An extra login step beyond the password. Learn more →
3-2-1 rule
Three copies, on two kinds of storage, one off-site. Learn more →
3D
Solid, with three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Learn more →
3D printer
A machine that builds real objects from a design. Learn more →

A

Access
What someone or an app is allowed to do. Learn more →
Account
A login with its own set of permissions. Learn more →
Account recovery
Getting back into an account you can't access. Learn more →
Accuracy
How often the answers are correct. Learn more →
Action
Something the AI actually does, like sending a message. Learn more →
Address bar
The box at the top where you type a web address. Learn more →
AI
Software that can learn, answer, and make choices. Learn more →
AI agent
An AI that can take actions for you. Learn more →
AI assistant
An AI that mostly answers and explains with words. Learn more →
AI safety
The work of making AI helpful and keeping it from causing harm. Learn more →
Alert
A warning that something may be wrong. Learn more →
Algorithm
A set of steps that solves a problem. Learn more →
Allow / Deny
Your choice to grant or refuse access. Learn more →
Anchor tag
The HTML <a> tag that makes a link. Learn more →
Antivirus
Software that finds and removes harmful programs. Learn more →
API
Application Programming Interface, the rules apps use to talk. Learn more →
App
A program you install and open on a device. Learn more →
App store
An official place to download apps safely. Learn more →
Approve
To okay something after checking it. Learn more →
Assign
To put a value into a variable. Learn more →
Attachment
A file sent along with an email or message. Learn more →
Authentication
Proving you are who you say you are. Learn more →
Authenticator app
An app that shows secret login codes. Learn more →
Authorization
Deciding what you're allowed to do. Learn more →
Auto-update
Letting updates install themselves. Learn more →
Automate
Make something happen on its own. Learn more →
Automatic
Doing something on its own. Learn more →
Automatic updates
Letting updates install themselves. Learn more →
Availability
You can get it when you need it. Learn more →

B

Backup
A spare copy of your data, kept somewhere safe. Learn more →
Backup codes
Spare codes saved for emergencies. Learn more →
Bad actor
Someone who tries to cause harm online. Learn more →
Bandwidth
How much data your connection can carry. Learn more →
Base 2
A number system using only 0 and 1. Learn more →
Base64
A way to write data as text using 64 safe characters. Learn more →
Benchmark
A standard set of tests to score against. Learn more →
Bias
When a system makes unfair or lopsided guesses. Learn more →
Binary
The raw 1s and 0s that computers use. Learn more →
Biometric
Using your fingerprint or face to unlock. Learn more →
Biometrics
Using your fingerprint or face to log in. Learn more →
Bit
The smallest piece of computer info: 0 or 1. Learn more →
Bitcoin
A kind of digital money tracked by many computers. Learn more →
Block
To stop someone from contacting you. Learn more →
Blockchain
A shared record that many computers check and update. Learn more →
Blue team
Defenders who protect systems. Learn more →
Bluetooth
A short-range wireless link between nearby devices. Learn more →
Boot
Starting a device up. Learn more →
Boot time
How long a computer takes to start up. Learn more →
Bot
A computer program that acts on its own, sometimes for bad reasons. Learn more →
Box model
The idea that every element is a box with space around it. Learn more →
Browser
The program you use to open websites. Learn more →
Buffer
Extra pieces saved ahead so playback stays smooth. Learn more →
Bug
A mistake in the code that needs fixing. Learn more →
Byte
A group of 8 bits. Learn more →
Bytecode
The in-between code Java turns into. Learn more →

C

Cache
Fast storage for frequently used data. Learn more →
Cache hit
The data was already in the cache, fast! Learn more →
Cache miss
Not in cache, fetch it from main storage. Learn more →
Call
To run a function by its name. Learn more →
CAPTCHA
A quick test that checks if you are a real person. Learn more →
Carrier
The picture or file that hides the message. Learn more →
Certificate
Proof that a website really is who it says it is. Learn more →
Certificate authority
A trusted group that issues certificates. Learn more →
Chatbot
A computer helper you can talk to using words. Learn more →
ChatGPT
An AI assistant made by OpenAI. Learn more →
Chipset
Helper chips that move data around. Learn more →
Chrome
An example of a web browser. Learn more →
Chunk
One small piece of the video. Learn more →
Ciphertext
The scrambled, unreadable version. Learn more →
Circuit
A path that lets electricity flow in a loop. Learn more →
Claude
An AI assistant made by Anthropic. Learn more →
Claude Code
The version of Claude made for coding tasks. Learn more →
Claude Desktop
The Claude app you run on your computer. Learn more →
Click
Pressing a mouse button to choose something. Learn more →
Client
The device that asks, like your browser or phone. Learn more →
Cliff sensor
A sensor that spots a drop, like stairs. Learn more →
Clipboard
Temporary storage for copied or cut items. Learn more →
Clue
A detail that helps the AI answer. Learn more →
Code
The instructions that make software work. Learn more →
Code editor
The app used to write code. Learn more →
Codex
An AI helper focused on writing and fixing code. Learn more →
Coding
Writing instructions in a computer language. Learn more →
Color mixing
Combining red, green, and blue light to make colors. Learn more →
Commit
A saved snapshot of a change to the code. Learn more →
Common sense
Everyday judgment that AI can lack. Learn more →
Community
The people who build a project together. Learn more →
Computer virus
Malware that copies itself onto files or programs. Learn more →
Confidentiality
Only the right people can see it. Learn more →
Connect
Linking up over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the internet. Learn more →
Connection
Traffic going to or from your device. Learn more →
Consent
Saying yes (or no) to how your info is used. Learn more →
Content
Web pages, emails, files, anything an AI might read. Learn more →
Context
All the tokens the AI can keep in mind at once. Learn more →
Contribute
To help improve a shared project. Learn more →
Conversation
The back-and-forth the AI remembers. Learn more →
Cookie
A small piece of data a website stores in your browser. Learn more →
Cooling
Keeping the equipment from overheating. Learn more →
Copilot
Microsoft's AI assistant for its apps and work. Learn more →
Copy
Make a duplicate and keep the original. Learn more →
Core
One worker inside a chip. Learn more →
CPU
The main thinker, a few powerful workers. Learn more →
Crash
When a program suddenly stops working. Learn more →
Crawl
Bots visiting and reading web pages. Learn more →
Credentials
Logins that attackers try to steal. Learn more →
Cryptography
Protecting information by turning it into secret code. Learn more →
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets, the style of a web page. Learn more →
Cursor
The arrow on the screen that the mouse moves. Learn more →
Cut
Move something from one place to another. Learn more →
Cyberbullying
Using technology to be mean, hurtful, or unfair. Learn more →
Cybercriminal
Someone who attacks without permission. Learn more →
Cybersecurity
Protecting devices and information from harm. Learn more →
Cybersecurity job
A role that keeps people and computers safe. Learn more →

D

Data
Information like photos, files, and clicks. Learn more →
Data center
A building full of computers that store and share data. Learn more →
Data exfiltration
Stealing data and sending it out without permission. Learn more →
Database
An organized place where data is stored and managed. Learn more →
Date
When something was written; old news can be out of date. Learn more →
Debugging
Finding and fixing bugs in code. Learn more →
Default password
The starter password a new device comes with. Learn more →
Default settings
Starter settings, change the password. Learn more →
Defender
The people who protect and fix software. Learn more →
Defense
Keeping systems and people safe. Learn more →
Delay
The wait while a signal travels a long way. Learn more →
Delete
Removing a file, note, or message. Learn more →
Depth
The third dimension that makes something solid. Learn more →
Design
A digital model that tells the printer what to make. Learn more →
Detail
Extra information that helps the AI answer well. Learn more →
Dev
Building, coding, and improving the app. Learn more →
Device
A computer, phone, printer, or console on the network. Learn more →
Device privacy
Controlling how devices use your data. Learn more →
DevOps
Developers and operations working together as one team. Learn more →
DHCP
The helper that auto-assigns network settings. Learn more →
Digital footprint
The trail of data you leave online. Learn more →
Dimension
A way to measure size, like height or width. Learn more →
Directory
Another word for a folder. Learn more →
Disaster recovery
Plans to recover if something fails. Learn more →
Discoverable
Visible to other devices for pairing. Learn more →
Disguise
Looking harmless to trick you. Learn more →
Diverse examples
A wide, balanced mix of training data. Learn more →
DM
A direct (private) message inside an app. Learn more →
DNS
The internet's address book. It finds a website by its name. Learn more →
DOM
The page seen as objects that JavaScript can change. Learn more →
Domain
Your site's name, points to the host. Learn more →
Domain name
The robotexplains.ai part. It says which website you are on. Learn more →
Double-check
Confirming an answer is really true. Learn more →
Download
Getting something from the internet onto your device. Learn more →
Downloads folder
Where saved files usually go. Learn more →

E

Element
A piece of a page made by a tag. Learn more →
Email
A message sent to an email address. Learn more →
Empty Trash
Removing the bin's contents for good. Learn more →
Encoding
Changing data into a different format, like text. Learn more →
Encrypted
Scrambled so only the right side can read it. Learn more →
Encrypted tunnel
A scrambled path your data travels through. Learn more →
Encryption
Scrambling data so only the right person can read it. Different from Base64! Learn more →
End-of-life (EOL)
When software stops getting updates and support. Learn more →
Engineering
Designing and building solutions. Learn more →
Entanglement
Linked qubits that share information. Learn more →
Essential cookie
A cookie a site needs to work, like keeping you logged in. Learn more →
Ethernet
A wired way to connect devices on a network. Learn more →
Ethernet cable
The cable that carries the data. Learn more →
Ethical hacker
A helper who tests systems with permission. Learn more →
Evaluation
Testing how well an AI works. Learn more →
Event
Something that happens, like a click, that code can react to. Learn more →
Evidence
Proof that backs up a claim. Learn more →
Example
One practice item for the special job. Learn more →
Expired
Past its valid date, so the browser warns you. Learn more →
Exploit
Using a weak spot to cause harm. Learn more →
Extension
A small add-on that gives the browser extra powers. Learn more →

F

Fact-check
To confirm something is true before believing it. Learn more →
Factory reset
Wiping a device back to its new state. Learn more →
Fairness
Treating people equally and without bias. Learn more →
Filament
The plastic string the printer melts. Learn more →
File
Stored information, made of many bytes. Learn more →
File size
How much space a file takes up. Learn more →
File type
What kind of file it is, like PDF, DOCX, or JPG. Learn more →
Fine-tuning
Extra training to make an AI better at a specific task. Learn more →
Firewall
A guard that watches connections in and out. Learn more →
Firmware
Built-in software that tells a device how to work. Learn more →
Firmware update
A new version that fixes or improves it. Learn more →
Fix
The change that makes the code work right. Learn more →
Flash memory
Chips that store data using electricity. Learn more →
Folder
A container that holds files. Learn more →
Follow-up
A next question that builds on the answer. Learn more →
Forward
Send data to the right device. Learn more →
Free Wi-Fi
Public internet you can use in shared places. Learn more →
Freeze
When a computer stops responding for a while. Learn more →
Full
When storage runs out of space. Learn more →
Function
A named set of steps that performs a task. Learn more →

G

Game design
Planning what kind of game it will be. Learn more →
Gateway
The way out to the rest of the network. Learn more →
General learning
The broad knowledge an AI starts with. Learn more →
Gift card scam
Asking for gift cards because they are hard to trace. Learn more →
Gigabyte (GB)
A much bigger amount, about 1,000 MB. Learn more →
Git
A popular version control tool. Learn more →
GitHub
A website for storing and sharing code projects. Learn more →
Google
An example of a search engine. Learn more →
GPS
Global Positioning System, which helps find where you are. Learn more →
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit: many small parallel workers. Learn more →
Grounded
An answer based on real, found facts. Learn more →
Guardrails
Rules and filters that keep an AI's answers safe. Learn more →
Guest Wi-Fi
A separate visitor network from your router. Learn more →

H

Hacker
Someone skilled at understanding technology. Learn more →
Hallucination
When an AI confidently gives a wrong or made-up answer. Learn more →
Hard drive
An older part that stores data and can be magnet-sensitive. Learn more →
Hardware
The physical parts the OS controls. Learn more →
Hash
A scrambled, one-way version of a password that sites store. Learn more →
Hashing
Turning info into a fixed-size fingerprint. Learn more →
Header
Address and control info on a packet. Learn more →
Hidden instruction
A sneaky note meant for the AI, not the user. Learn more →
Hidden message
A secret tucked inside a normal file. Learn more →
Hijack
Taking control of what the AI does. Learn more →
History
The list of pages your browser usually remembers. Learn more →
Home Wi-Fi
Your family's private, password-protected internet. Learn more →
Host
The real computer the VMs run on. Learn more →
Hosting server
The computer that holds and serves your site. Learn more →
href
The part of a link that holds the destination URL. Learn more →
HTML
HyperText Markup Language, the structure of a web page. Learn more →
HTTP
A way a browser and website talk, not protected. Learn more →
HTTPS
The safer version of HTTP that protects information. Learn more →
Human in the loop
A person checking and guiding the agent. Learn more →
Human review
People checking an AI's work to keep it safe. Learn more →
Hyperlink
A clickable link to another place or resource. Learn more →
Hypervisor
Software that runs and manages VMs. Learn more →

I

Identity
The info that proves who you are. Learn more →
Identity theft
Stealing personal info to impersonate someone. Learn more →
Inbound / outbound
Traffic coming in versus going out. Learn more →
Incident
A security problem that needs a response. Learn more →
Incident responder
Someone who acts fast to fix problems. Learn more →
Incognito
Chrome's name for private browsing. Learn more →
Index
The search engine's giant library of pages. Learn more →
Indirect prompt injection
Hiding instructions in content to trick an AI that reads it. Learn more →
Infected file
A file carrying a virus. Learn more →
Information
Facts and details that mean something. Learn more →
Information security
Protecting information from harm or loss. Learn more →
Input / output
What goes in, and the result that comes out. Learn more →
Install
To add an app onto your device. Learn more →
Instruction
A step the CPU is told to do. Learn more →
Integrity
Checking that data hasn't changed. Learn more →
Internet
The network the file travels across. Learn more →
Internet access
The ability to go online. Learn more →
Interpreted
Code that runs line by line, no separate build. Learn more →
Invention
A new tool someone creates. Learn more →
IoT
Internet of Things: connected everyday objects. Learn more →
IP address
The address used to travel the internet. Learn more →
IPv4 and IPv6
Two styles of IP address. IPv6 is newer and has room for many more. Learn more →
Isolated
Kept separate from the host and other VMs. Learn more →
Isolation
Keeping segments separate for safety. Learn more →
ISP
The provider that helps run a WAN link. Learn more →

J

Jailbreaking
Trying to trick an AI into ignoring its safety rules. Learn more →
Java
A popular, widely used programming language. Learn more →
JavaScript
The programming language that makes web pages interactive. Learn more →
JSON
A simple, tidy text format that apps use to share data. Learn more →
Junk mail
Spam in your email inbox. Learn more →
JVM
Java Virtual Machine, runs Java anywhere. Learn more →

K

Key
The secret that locks and unlocks the code. Learn more →

L

Label
The correct answer attached to an example. Learn more →
Lag
Delay; Ethernet usually has less of it. Learn more →
LAN
Local Area Network, devices in one place. Learn more →
Latency
The delay before data makes its round trip. Learn more →
Layer
One thin line of material stacked to build the shape. Learn more →
Least access
Giving only what's truly needed. Learn more →
Least privilege
Giving only the access truly needed. Learn more →
Library
Ready-made code you can reuse. Learn more →
License
The rules for how shared code can be used. Learn more →
Link
The web address the code opens. Learn more →
Linux
An open-source OS, free and made by many people. Learn more →
LLM
Large Language Model: a word-predicting AI. Learn more →
Local network
The devices connected in one place. Learn more →
Location
The exact place where something is. Learn more →
Location sharing
Letting an app use where you are. Learn more →
Lock icon
A small lock that shows the connection is protected. Learn more →
Log
A record of what a program did, useful for finding bugs. Learn more →
Login
Proving who you are to get into your account. Learn more →
Lookalike site
A fake site with a name close to a real one. Learn more →
Lookup
When DNS searches for the number address that matches a name. Learn more →
Loop
A complete path that goes all the way around. Learn more →

M

MAC address
A device's ID for its network connection. Learn more →
Machine
A physical device you can see and touch. Learn more →
Machine learning
Teaching computers by example instead of fixed rules. Learn more →
macOS
Apple's OS, used on Mac computers. Learn more →
Macro
A mini-program inside a file that can be risky. Learn more →
Magnet
An object that can pull on certain metals and parts. Learn more →
Magnetism
How a hard drive writes and reads data. Learn more →
Main network
Where your own devices connect. Learn more →
Malware
Harmful software, like viruses. Learn more →
Map
A plan of your home the robot remembers. Learn more →
Master password
The one strong password that unlocks your manager. Learn more →
Math
Patterns, numbers, shapes, and measuring. Learn more →
Mbps
Megabits per second, a common speed unit. Learn more →
Megabyte (MB)
A medium amount of storage, good for small files. Learn more →
Memory
The short-term working space used right now. Learn more →
Message
Words you send to someone. Learn more →
MFA
A second login step for extra safety. Learn more →
MFA / 2FA
Multi-Factor (or Two-Factor) Authentication: an extra login step. Learn more →
Millisecond
A thousandth of a second; latency's unit. Learn more →
Miner
A computer that helps check and add new records. Learn more →
Misinformation
Wrong or misleading information that spreads. Learn more →
Model
A pattern-finding system trained from examples. Learn more →
Modem
Connects your network to your internet provider. Learn more →
Modulate
Turn data into signals that can travel far. Learn more →
Monitor
Watching systems for trouble. Learn more →
Motherboard
The main board that connects a computer's parts. Learn more →
Motion sensor
Notices movement nearby. Learn more →
Mouse
A hand tool that controls the arrow on screen. Learn more →
Multitasking
Running several things at once. Learn more →

N

Name
The label used to find the variable. Learn more →
NAT
Network Address Translation, shares one public IP. Learn more →
Network
Devices connected so they can share. Learn more →
Network adapter
The part of a device that connects to a network. Learn more →
Network isolation
Keeping guests away from your devices. Learn more →
Network segmentation
Dividing a network into smaller parts. Learn more →
Nonprofit
A group that works for good, not for profit. Learn more →

O

On / off
1 means on, 0 means off. Learn more →
One-way
You can't reverse a hash back to the input. Learn more →
Open source
Software whose code is free to read and share. Learn more →
Operating system
The main software that runs a device. Learn more →
Ops
Running, watching, and keeping it working. Learn more →
Opt out
Choosing to say no, or to stop. Learn more →
Order
The sequence steps happen in; it matters. Learn more →
Organize
Putting things in a tidy, findable order. Learn more →
Original
The first version of the file or text. Learn more →
OSI model
A 7-layer map of how networks communicate. Learn more →
Override
To replace the AI's real rules or task. Learn more →
Oversight
People watching over and guiding AI. Learn more →
OWASP
Open Worldwide Application Security Project. Learn more →

P

Packet
A small piece of data sent over a network. Learn more →
Padlock
The lock icon that shows the connection is protected. Learn more →
Padlock icon
The lock in the address bar showing a secure connection. Learn more →
Page source
The text, pictures, styles, and code that make up a web page. Learn more →
Pair
Linking two devices so they can connect. Learn more →
Pairing
Connecting two devices over Bluetooth. Learn more →
Parallel
Doing many jobs at the same time. Learn more →
Parameter
Information you pass in to a function. Learn more →
Passcode
A short number code that unlocks a device. Learn more →
Passkey
A passwordless, phishing-resistant sign-in. Learn more →
Passphrase
A few words used together as a long, strong password. Learn more →
Password
A secret you use to prove who you are. Learn more →
Password manager
An app that creates and remembers strong passwords for you. Learn more →
Paste
Put the copied or cut thing in its new spot. Learn more →
Patch
A small update that fixes a specific problem. Learn more →
Path
The /start-here part. It says which page on that website. Learn more →
Pattern
A repeating clue the model learns. Learn more →
Payload
The actual data inside a packet. Learn more →
Permanent
Hard to fully erase once it is out there. Learn more →
Permission
Letting the AI do something, decided by a grown-up. Learn more →
Permissions
What an app is allowed to access. Learn more →
Personal information
Details that identify you. Learn more →
Phishing
A scam that tricks you into giving up private information. Learn more →
Phishing-resistant
Hard for fake sites to trick. Learn more →
PIN
A secret number, like for a card or phone. Learn more →
Pixel
One tiny dot of the picture you make. Learn more →
Plaintext
The readable message before encryption. Learn more →
Plan
The steps an agent decides to take. Learn more →
Platter
A spinning disk inside a hard drive. Learn more →
Plug
The end of the cable you push in. Learn more →
Pop-up
A window that jumps up, sometimes fake or tricky. Learn more →
Port
A door that connects to the outside world. Learn more →
Portable
Runs on many kinds of computers. Learn more →
Power source
Where the electricity comes from, like a battery. Learn more →
Precise location
Your exact spot, vs a general area. Learn more →
Predict
To guess the most likely next word. Learn more →
Prediction
The model's best guess at an answer. Learn more →
Preferences
Saved choices like your language or dark mode. Learn more →
Pressure
How hard you press, which can change the line. Learn more →
Pretexting
Pretending to be someone you trust. Learn more →
Privacy
Keeping control of your information. Learn more →
Privacy filter
A guardrail that protects private information. Learn more →
Privacy settings
Controls for who can see the camera. Learn more →
Private
Information that is just for you and trusted people. Learn more →
Private browsing
A browser window that doesn't save history on your device. Learn more →
Private IP
An address used just inside your home or school network. Learn more →
Private network
A network your family controls. Learn more →
Process
To work through instructions and data. Learn more →
Program
A set of code that does a job, like a game or app. Learn more →
Programmer
A person who writes code. Learn more →
Programming
Planning and building a whole software project. Learn more →
Programming language
How we write instructions for computers. Learn more →
Project
The full thing being built, like a game or app. Learn more →
Prompt
The question or message you give it. Learn more →
Prompt injection
Tricky instructions that try to override the AI. Learn more →
Property
A thing you can change, like color or size. Learn more →
Protocol
The https:// part. It says how to talk, and https means it is private. Learn more →
Public IP
The address your network uses out on the wider internet. Learn more →
Public network
A network many strangers share. Learn more →
Public Wi-Fi
Shared networks where extra protection helps. Learn more →
Pull request
A request to add your changes to a project. Learn more →
Python
A popular, easy-to-read programming language. Learn more →

Q

QR code
A square code that links to information. Learn more →
Quantum computer
A computer that uses the rules of tiny particles. Learn more →
Quarantine
Moving a risky file to a safe, locked place. Learn more →
Qubit
A quantum bit that can be 0, 1, or a blend. Learn more →
Query
The words you type to search. Learn more →

R

Radio waves
Invisible waves that carry information very fast. Learn more →
RAG
Retrieval-Augmented Generation, or look it up, then answer. Learn more →
RAM
Fast memory the CPU works with. Learn more →
Ransom
The money attackers demand. Learn more →
Ransomware
Malware that locks files; backups defeat it. Learn more →
Reassemble
Putting the packets back in order. Learn more →
Record
A single row in a table, like one person's info. Learn more →
Recovery email
A backup email used to verify it's you. Learn more →
Recycle Bin
A holding spot for files before they're fully removed. Learn more →
Red flag
A warning sign that a message might be a scam. Learn more →
Red teaming
Friendly testing that hunts for weak spots. Learn more →
Red-teaming
Safety testing where experts try to break the rules on purpose. Learn more →
Refresh
How the screen updates the picture many times a second. Learn more →
Refusal
When an AI says no to an unsafe request. Learn more →
Release
Putting a new version out for people to use. Learn more →
Report
To tell the app or a grown-up about it. Learn more →
Repository (repo)
A project folder of code and files. Learn more →
Reputation
How others see you, online included. Learn more →
Request
A message asking the server for something. Learn more →
Response
The answer the chatbot sends back. Learn more →
Responsible AI
Building and using AI in ways that help people and avoid harm. Learn more →
Restart
Turning the computer off and on for a fresh start. Learn more →
Restore
Getting something back from the Trash. Learn more →
Retrieval
Searching for useful facts. Learn more →
Reuse
Using the same function many times. Learn more →
Robot
A machine that can move, sense, or act. Learn more →
Robot vacuum
A small machine that cleans floors by itself. Learn more →
Role
A set of permissions (like admin or viewer). Learn more →
Round trip
Data going out and coming back. Learn more →
Router
The box that sends out the Wi-Fi signal. Learn more →
Rover
A robot that drives and explores on another world. Learn more →
Rule
An instruction that allows or blocks certain traffic. Learn more →
Rumor
An unchecked claim passed person to person. Learn more →

S

Safe sharing
Sharing the right things with the right people. Learn more →
Safety filter
A tool that catches unsafe or sneaky input. Learn more →
Safety rule
A limit that stops an AI from causing harm. Learn more →
Safety rules
The limits that keep an AI from causing harm. Learn more →
Satellite
A helper in space that circles the Earth. Learn more →
Save
Update the file you're already working on. Learn more →
Save As
Make a new file from what you have. Learn more →
Scam
A trick to get your money, information, or trust. Learn more →
Scan
Pointing your camera at a code to read it. Learn more →
Science
Learning how the world works. Learn more →
Scramble
Mixing up a message so it can't be read. Learn more →
Screen
The display made of many pixels. Learn more →
Screen time
Time spent on devices; balance helps. Learn more →
Scroll
Moving up or down a page, often with a wheel. Learn more →
Search engine
A tool that helps you find things online. Learn more →
Second step
An extra check after your password. Learn more →
Secure erase
Carefully wiping data so it can't be recovered. Learn more →
Secure website
A site that protects the information you send. Learn more →
Secure Wi-Fi
A protected home network (WPA2/WPA3). Learn more →
Security certificate
A digital ID that proves a website's identity. Learn more →
Security engineer
Someone who builds defenses and tools. Learn more →
Security hole
A weak spot a patch closes. Learn more →
Security key
A small device you tap to prove it is you. Learn more →
Security questions
Questions only you should know. Learn more →
Security scan
A check that looks for malware on a device. Learn more →
Security update
A fix EOL software no longer gets. Learn more →
Selector
How CSS picks which parts to style. Learn more →
Sense
Noticing things like sound, light, or movement. Learn more →
Sensitive information
Private details that need extra protection. Learn more →
Sensor
A part that helps the robot notice the world around it. Learn more →
Server
A computer that stores a website and sends it when asked. Learn more →
Session / token
A temporary pass that keeps you logged in. Learn more →
Setup
When you first turn a device on, change it then. Learn more →
Shared device
A computer or phone more than one person uses. Learn more →
Shortcut
A quick way to get somewhere. Learn more →
Shred
Destroy papers with personal info on them. Learn more →
Sign in
Proving it's really you so you can get into an account. Learn more →
Signal
A message sent from a satellite to your device. Learn more →
Smart camera
A camera that connects to the internet or an app. Learn more →
Smart device
An everyday gadget with a tiny computer inside. Learn more →
Smart home
A home with connected, controllable devices. Learn more →
Smishing
Phishing by text message. Learn more →
Snapshot
A saved version at one point in time. Learn more →
SOC
Security Operations Center, a defense team. Learn more →
SOC analyst
Someone who watches for and responds to threats. Learn more →
Social engineering
Tricking a person into doing something unsafe. Learn more →
Software
Instructions that run inside a computer. Learn more →
Software update
A new version that fixes or improves a program. Learn more →
Source
A trusted place a fact comes from. Learn more →
Source code
The written instructions that make software work. Learn more →
Spam
Unwanted messages sent to many people. Learn more →
Specialist
An AI that is extra good at one thing. Learn more →
Specific
Clear about exactly what you want. Learn more →
SSD
Solid State Drive: fast storage with no moving parts. Learn more →
SSL / TLS
The technology that encrypts the connection between you and a site. Learn more →
SSO
Single sign-on: using one trusted account to log into others. Learn more →
Stack
The 7 layers working together. Learn more →
Stale data
Cached data that's now out of date. Learn more →
Standard
A shared rule that helps all the parts work together. Learn more →
Static IP
A fixed address set by hand. Learn more →
Steganography
Hiding a message inside ordinary-looking things. Learn more →
Step
One instruction in the algorithm. Learn more →
Storage
Space a device uses to keep files. Learn more →
Stream
To watch or listen without downloading the whole file. Learn more →
Streaming
Playing a video as it arrives, piece by piece. Learn more →
Strong password
Long, unique, and hard to guess. Learn more →
Stylus
A special pen for drawing or tapping on a screen. Learn more →
Subfolder
A folder inside another folder. Learn more →
Subnet
A smaller group inside a bigger network. Learn more →
Subnet mask
A rule marking the network part of an IP. Learn more →
Superposition
Being in many states at once until measured. Learn more →
Support
Help and fixes from the maker. Learn more →
Suspicious
Something that seems off or unsafe. Learn more →
Switch
A part that opens or closes the path. Learn more →

T

Tab
One open page. You can have many tabs at once. Learn more →
Table
A set of data arranged in rows and columns. Learn more →
Tag
A label like a heading or paragraph that marks content. Learn more →
Team
The group of people who build the game together. Learn more →
Technology
Tools people make and use. Learn more →
Test
Trying a program out to find problems. Learn more →
Testing
Playing to find bugs and check it's fun. Learn more →
Text
A quick message sent phone to phone. Learn more →
The cloud
Computers elsewhere that store and run things over the internet. Learn more →
The web
Websites and pages that ride on the internet. Learn more →
Think before you post
Pausing to ask if something is safe to share. Learn more →
Third-party cookie
A cookie set by a different site, often used for tracking. Learn more →
Token
A small chunk of text an AI processes. Learn more →
Tokenization
Breaking text into tokens. Learn more →
Tool
Something an agent uses, like search or a calendar. Learn more →
Top 10
OWASP's list of the most important risks. Learn more →
Touchscreen
A screen that senses where you touch it. Learn more →
Tracking
Following what you do across apps or sites. Learn more →
Training
Teaching a model by showing it examples. Learn more →
Training data
The examples an AI studies before it can help. Learn more →
Trash
A holding bin for deleted things (also Recycle Bin). Learn more →
Trojan
Malware disguised as something safe. Learn more →
Trust
Believing an AI will be helpful and honest. Learn more →
Trusted adult
A safe grown-up who can help. Learn more →
Trusted grown-up
A safe adult who can help you fix it. Learn more →
Trusted person
A safe grown-up or helper you can rely on. Learn more →
Trusted place
A safe, real website or person. Learn more →

U

Uncertainty
Not being sure. Good AI says so. Learn more →
Uneven examples
Training data that leaves some groups out. Learn more →
Unique
A different password for every account. Learn more →
Unsupported
No longer cared for by the maker. Learn more →
Update
Installing the patch on your device. Learn more →
Upload
Sending something from your device to the internet. Learn more →
Uptime
How often your site stays online. Learn more →
Urgency
A fake rush meant to make you act fast. Learn more →
URL
The web address a link points to. Learn more →
USB
Universal Serial Bus, a common way to connect devices. Learn more →

V

Value
The information stored inside. Learn more →
Variable
A named place that stores a value. Learn more →
Vault
The safe place a manager keeps your passwords. Learn more →
Verify
To check that something is really real. Learn more →
Version
One saved copy of your work at a point in time. Learn more →
Version control
Saving work in versions you can return to. Learn more →
Virtual machine (VM)
A software-based computer inside a real one. Learn more →
Vishing
Phishing by phone call. Learn more →
VLAN
A Virtual Local Area Network, a logical segment. Learn more →
Voice control
Telling a device what to do out loud. Learn more →
VPN
Virtual Private Network: a secure, encrypted tunnel. Learn more →
Vulnerability
A weakness that an update can close. Learn more →

W

WAF
A web application firewall that protects websites. Learn more →
Wallet
A place that holds your bitcoin and has an address. Learn more →
WAN
Wide Area Network, networks across distances. Learn more →
Warning sign
A clue that something might be a scam. Learn more →
Weak spot
A gap or flaw that could be misused. Learn more →
Web app
An app that runs in your browser. Learn more →
Web browser
The app you use to open and view websites. Learn more →
Web hosting
A service that stores your website online. Learn more →
Web server
A computer that stores and serves websites. Learn more →
Website
A page you visit in a web browser. Learn more →
Wi-Fi
A wireless way to reach your router and the internet. Learn more →
Windows
Microsoft's OS, used on many computer brands. Learn more →
Wipe
Erasing the data on a device. Learn more →
Wired
Connected by a cable, not wireless. Learn more →
Wireless
Working without cables. Learn more →
Worm
Malware that spreads across networks on its own. Learn more →

Z

Zero-day
A weakness used before a fix is ready. Learn more →

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