The Tech Glossary. Real Definitions. Plain English.

Technology has a language problem. This glossary exists to fix that.

Every definition here is written for real people — no assumptions, no unnecessary complexity, no jargon explaining jargon. If a term has a perfect analogy to explain it, you'll find it here. If a term connects to something else worth understanding, you'll find that link too.

Browse by category, search the page, or look up exactly what you need. This is your reference — use it however it helps.

¿Prefieres leer en español? Algunas definiciones incluyen notas en español para que nada se pierda en la traducción.

🖥️ IT Fundamentals

The building blocks. If you're new to tech, start here.

Algorithm

What it is: A set of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a specific problem or complete a specific task.

Think of it like this: A recipe is an algorithm. It tells you exactly what to do, in what order, to get a result.

Related terms: Programming, Function, AI

Application (App)

What it is: Software designed to help a user perform specific tasks.

Think of it like this: If the operating system is the kitchen, an application is one of the appliances.

Related terms: Operating System, Software, Web Application

Binary

What it is: The fundamental language of computers — 0s and 1s.

Think of it like this: A light switch: off (0) or on (1).

Related terms: Data, CPU, Programming

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

What it is: The "brain" of the computer.

Think of it like this: The CPU is the chef in a restaurant.

Related terms: RAM, Operating System, Hardware

Hardware

What it is: The physical components of a computer.

Think of it like this: Hardware is the body; software is the mind.

Related terms: Software, CPU, RAM, Operating System

Operating System (OS)

What it is: The core software that manages hardware and runs applications.

Think of it like this: The OS is the building manager.

Related terms: Linux, Software, Hardware, Command Line

RAM (Random Access Memory)

What it is: Short-term memory for active tasks.

Think of it like this: RAM is your desk; storage is your filing cabinet.

Related terms: CPU, Hardware, Storage

Software

What it is: Programs and operating systems.

Think of it like this: Hardware is the instrument; software is the music.

Related terms: Hardware, Application, Operating System, Programming

Command Line (CLI)

What it is: A text-based interface for controlling a computer.

Think of it like this: The GUI is automatic transmission; the CLI is manual.

El "command line" o terminal es una de esas cosas que al principio da miedo, pero cuando le agarras el modo, no querrás volver al mouse para todo.

Related terms: Linux, Operating System, Terminal

Virtualization

What it is: Running virtual computers inside a physical computer.

Think of it like this: A full second computer running inside a window.

Related terms: Cloud Computing, Operating System, Linux

🌐 Networking

How computers talk to each other — and why it matters for everything.

Bandwidth

What it is: Maximum data transfer capacity.

Think of it like this: Bandwidth is the width of a pipe.

Related terms: Latency, IP Address, Protocol

DNS (Domain Name System)

What it is: Translates domain names into IP addresses.

Think of it like this: DNS is the internet's contact book.

Related terms: IP Address, HTTP, Domain

Firewall

What it is: A system that monitors and controls network traffic.

Think of it like this: A firewall is a security guard.

Related terms: Cybersecurity, Network, VPN, Protocol

IP Address

What it is: A unique identifier for devices on a network.

Think of it like this: An IP address is a home address for your device.

Related terms: DNS, Protocol, Router, Network

Latency

What it is: The time it takes for data to travel.

Think of it like this: Latency is the delay between asking and receiving.

Related terms: Bandwidth, Network, Protocol

OSI Model

What it is: A 7-layer model describing network communication.

Think of it like this: Like shipping a package through multiple steps.

Related terms: Protocol, IP Address, Networking, TCP/IP

Protocol

What it is: Rules for data transmission.

Think of it like this: A shared language with grammar rules.

Related terms: TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, Networking

Router

What it is: A device that forwards data between networks.

Think of it like this: A traffic dispatcher at an intersection.

Related terms: IP Address, Network, Firewall, Protocol

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

What it is: A secure, encrypted connection.

Think of it like this: A VPN is like sealing a postcard in an envelope.

Related terms: Encryption, Firewall, Cybersecurity, Protocol

🔐 Cybersecurity

The language of protecting systems, data, and people.

Authentication

What it is: Verifying identity before granting access.

Think of it like this: Showing your ID at the door.

Related terms: Authorization, MFA, Encryption, Password

CIA Triad

What it is: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.

Think of it like this: The three pillars of information security.

Related terms: Encryption, Authentication, Cybersecurity

DDoS Attack

What it is: Flooding a server with traffic to make it unavailable.

Think of it like this: Thousands of people calling the same number to jam the line.

Related terms: Botnet, Firewall, Network, Cybersecurity

Encryption

What it is: Converting readable data into unreadable ciphertext.

Think of it like this: A locked box only the keyholder can open.

Related terms: HTTPS, VPN, Authentication, CIA Triad

Malware

What it is: Malicious software designed to harm systems.

Think of it like this: A digital parasite.

Related terms: Phishing, Ransomware, Firewall, Antivirus

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

What it is: Using multiple verification methods.

Think of it like this: Adding extra locks to your door.

Si todavía no tienes activado el doble factor de autenticación — hazlo hoy.

Related terms: Authentication, Password, Encryption, Cybersecurity

Penetration Testing

What it is: Authorized simulated attacks to find vulnerabilities.

Think of it like this: Hiring someone to try to break in legally.

Related terms: Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability, Cybersecurity, Network

Phishing

What it is: Tricking people into revealing sensitive information.

Think of it like this: Digital fishing with fake bait.

Related terms: Social Engineering, Malware, MFA, Cybersecurity

Social Engineering

What it is: Manipulating people to gain access.

Think of it like this: Convincing someone inside to open the door.

Related terms: Phishing, Malware, Cybersecurity, Authentication

Vulnerability

What it is: A weakness that could be exploited.

Think of it like this: An unlocked window in a secure building.

Related terms: Penetration Testing, Patch, Exploit, Cybersecurity

💻 Web Development

The vocabulary of building things for the internet.

API (Application Programming Interface)

What it is: Rules for communication between software systems.

Think of it like this: The waiter delivering your order to the kitchen.

Related terms: HTTP, JSON, REST, Web Development

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

What it is: Controls the visual presentation of a webpage.

Think of it like this: HTML is the skeleton; CSS is the style.

Related terms: HTML, JavaScript, Responsive Design, Front-End Development

Front-End vs. Back-End

What it is: The user-facing side vs. the server side.

Think of it like this: Dining room vs. kitchen in a restaurant.

Related terms: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Database, API

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

What it is: The structure of a webpage.

Think of it like this: HTML is the skeleton.

Related terms: CSS, JavaScript, Web Development, DOM

HTTPS

What it is: Secure version of HTTP.

Think of it like this: HTTPS is a sealed envelope instead of a postcard.

Related terms: Encryption, TLS, Protocol, Cybersecurity

JavaScript

What it is: The programming language of the web.

Think of it like this: HTML is bones, CSS is appearance, JavaScript is behavior.

Related terms: HTML, CSS, Front-End Development, Node.js

Responsive Design

What it is: Websites adapting to different screen sizes.

Think of it like this: Like water taking the shape of its container.

Related terms: CSS, Front-End Development, HTML, UX

☁️ Cloud Computing

The infrastructure that powers the modern internet.

IaaS / PaaS / SaaS

What it is: Three cloud service models.

Think of it like this:

  • IaaS = renting an empty building
  • PaaS = renting a furnished office
  • SaaS = renting a desk in a fully running company

Related terms: Cloud Computing, AWS, Azure, GCP

Cloud Storage

What it is: Storing data on remote servers.

Think of it like this: A secure warehouse you can access from anywhere. Check out remote resources for hosted solutions.

Related terms: IaaS, SaaS, AWS, Backup

Scalability

What it is: Ability to handle increased demand.

Think of it like this: A rubber band that stretches when needed.

Related terms: Cloud Computing, IaaS, Load Balancing, AWS

Serverless Computing

What it is: Running code without managing servers.

Think of it like this: Turning on a tap without knowing the plumbing.

Related terms: Cloud Computing, IaaS, PaaS, AWS Lambda

🐍 Programming & Python

The vocabulary of writing code.

Boolean

What it is: A True/False data type.

Think of it like this: A yes/no question for the computer.

Related terms: Conditional, Variable, Function, Python

Bug

What it is: An error in code.

Think of it like this: A typo in a recipe.

Related terms: Debugging, Function, Programming

Function

What it is: A reusable block of code.

Think of it like this: A vending machine: input → process → output.

Related terms: Variable, Loop, Programming, Python

Loop

What it is: Repeating code until a condition is met.

Think of it like this: Checking items on a shopping list one by one.

Related terms: Function, Conditional, Boolean, Python

Variable

What it is: A named container for storing values.

Think of it like this: A labeled box that can hold different things.

Related terms: Function, Data Type, Boolean, Python

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

Understanding the technology that's reshaping everything.

Algorithm (AI Context)

What it is: A mathematical procedure for learning from data.

Think of it like this: AI algorithms learn from examples instead of following fixed rules.

Related terms: Machine Learning, Model, Training Data, Neural Network

Large Language Model (LLM)

What it is: An AI model trained on massive amounts of text.

Think of it like this: An LLM has read a huge portion of human text and learned patterns.

Related terms: AI, Machine Learning, Neural Network, Prompt

Machine Learning

What it is: Systems learning from data to improve performance.

Think of it like this: Showing thousands of examples until the system learns patterns.

Related terms: AI, Neural Network, Training Data, LLM

Neural Network

What it is: A system inspired by the human brain.

Think of it like this: Teaching a child to recognize a cat through examples.

Related terms: Machine Learning, AI, LLM, Deep Learning

Prompt

What it is: The instruction given to an AI model.

Think of it like this: Briefing a very literal assistant.

Related terms: LLM, AI, Machine Learning

⚙️ DevOps

Where development and operations meet.

CI/CD

What it is: Automated testing and deployment of code changes.

Think of it like this: An assembly line that tests every component as it's added and automatically ships the final product the moment it passes inspection.

Related terms: DevOps, Version Control, Docker, Automation

Container

What it is: A lightweight, portable package that includes an application and everything it needs to run — libraries, configuration, runtime.

Think of it like this: A shipping container that keeps its contents identical no matter where it travels — truck, train, or ship. Containers ensure software deployment runs the same everywhere.

Related terms: Docker, DevOps, CI/CD, Cloud Computing

Version Control

What it is: A system that tracks changes to code over time.

Think of it like this: Like "track changes" in a document — but built for teams of developers working on the same project simultaneously.

Related terms: Git, GitHub, CI/CD, DevOps

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