1. Devices & smart technology

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) – computer systems that can learn, make decisions and solve problems in a way that seems intelligent.
  Some people worry that AI might replace many jobs in the future.
• gadget – a small, often clever electronic device made for a particular use.
  He loves buying new kitchen gadgets he sees online.
• smart device – an electronic gadget that connects to the internet or other devices and can send or receive data.
  Smart devices let us check messages wherever we are.
• wearable technology – electronic devices you wear on your body, like watches or fitness bands.
  Most wearable technology today is light and comfortable to use.
• VR (virtual reality) headset – a special device you wear over your eyes to experience a 3D virtual world.
  When I put on the VR headset, it felt like I was inside the game.
• VR game – a game you play inside a virtual reality world using a headset.
  VR games are becoming more popular every year.

2. Internet, software & security

• freeware – software you can download and use without paying for it.
  This photo editor is freeware, so it’s completely free.
• internet provider – a company that gives you access to the internet at home or at work.
  We changed our internet provider because the connection was too slow.
• search engine – a website that helps you find information on the internet.
  I usually use one main search engine for my homework.
• web browser – a program, like Chrome or Safari, that you use to visit websites.
  I opened the link in a different web browser.
• server – a powerful computer that stores website data and sends it to users.
  Our videos are saved on a fast server with lots of space.
• cybersecurity – protecting computers, accounts and networks from online attacks.
  With more online crime, good cybersecurity is very important.

3. Apps, social media & connection

• app – a program on your phone, tablet or computer that does a specific job.
  I installed a new app to track my sleep.
• social network – a website or app where you connect with people, share photos and send messages.
  She uses social networks to stay in touch with friends abroad.
• social media – all the online platforms where people post, share and comment on content.
  Many companies advertise their products on social media.
• WiFi hotspot – a place or device that gives you a wireless internet connection.
  We used the café’s WiFi hotspot to send some files.
• screenshot – an image that shows exactly what is on your screen at a moment in time.
  He sent me a screenshot of the error message.

Social media is the general idea; social networks are one type of social media platform.

4. People & tech adjectives

• computer nerd / computer buff – someone who is extremely interested in computers.
  My brother is a real computer nerd; he spends hours building PCs.
• techie – a person who loves technology and keeps up with new devices and software.
  Our office techie always knows which gadget to buy.
• technophobe – someone who is afraid of or doesn’t trust modern technology.
  My grandfather is a bit of a technophobe and avoids smartphones.
• software developer – a professional who designs, builds and improves computer programs.
  As a software developer, she writes code every day.
• user-friendly – easy to learn and simple to use.
  The new app is very user-friendly, even for beginners.
• cutting-edge – using the very latest and most advanced technology.
  The studio uses cutting-edge sound technology.
• high-tech – full of modern, advanced electronic equipment.
  Their office is full of high-tech devices and screens.
• obsolete – old and no longer useful because there is a newer version.
  Most of this computer equipment is now obsolete.

5. Verbs: using the internet

• go online – to connect to the internet.
  I usually go online in the morning to check my emails.
• browse – to search or look through information on the internet.
  She spent an hour browsing travel websites.
• upload – to send files from your device to the internet or another device.
  Please upload the photos to the shared folder.
• download – to copy files from the internet or another device to your own device.
  I downloaded a film to watch on the plane.
• sign in – to enter your username and password to access an account.
  You need to sign in before you can see your messages.
• sign up – to register and create a new account on a website or app.
  You must sign up to the platform before using it.
• attach – to add a file or photo to an email or message.
  I’ve attached the report to this email.

6. Verbs: maintenance & communication

• back up – to make a copy of data and save it in another place.
  Remember to back up your files regularly.
• crash – when a computer or program suddenly stops working.
  My computer crashed and I lost my document.
• upgrade – to replace a device or program with a better, newer version.
  He upgraded his phone to the latest model.
• update – to install a more recent version of software or files.
  The app needs to update before you can use it.
• video call / video chat – an online call where you can see the other person on your screen.
  We had a video call to discuss the project.
• video conference – a larger online meeting where many people can see and talk to each other.
  Over fifty people joined the video conference.