Unit 6: A2 Vocabulary—Technology and Communication
Smartphone
Definition: A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, internet access, and an operating system capable of running apps.
Example: “I use my smartphone to check my emails and social media.”
Laptop
Definition: A portable computer that you can use on your lap.
Example: “She brings her laptop to the coffee shop to work.”
Tablet
Definition: A small portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device.
Example: “He likes to watch movies on his tablet.”
Desktop
Definition: A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements.
Example: “I prefer using a desktop for gaming because of its powerful performance.”
Definition: Messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network.
Example: “I received an email from my boss this morning.”
Social Media
Definition: Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Example: “She spends a lot of time on social media, sharing photos and updates.”
Texting
Definition: Sending written messages via a mobile phone.
Example: “We were texting each other all night.”
Internet
Definition: A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.
Example: “I use the internet to do my research for school.”
Wi-Fi
Definition: A facility allowing devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
Example: “The cafe offers free Wi-Fi to its customers.”
App (Application)
Definition: A self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; typically used on mobile devices.
Example: “I downloaded a new app to help me learn Spanish.”
Website
Definition: A set of related web pages located under a single domain name, typically produced by a single person or organization.
Example: “I found the information on their official website.”
Blog
Definition: A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
Example: “She writes a travel blog about her adventures around the world.”
Download
Definition: To copy (data) from one computer system to another, typically over the internet.
Example: “I need to download the latest version of the software.”
Upload
Definition: To transfer (data or a program) from one computer to another, typically to one that is larger or remote from the user.
Example: “I uploaded the photos to my cloud storage.”
Browser
Definition: A software application used to locate, retrieve, and display content on the World Wide Web, including web pages, images, and video.
Example: “I use a web browser to access the internet.”
Search Engine
Definition: A program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding particular sites on the World Wide Web.
Example: “Google is the most popular search engine.”
Password
Definition: A secret word or phrase that must be used to gain admission to a place or service.
Example: “Make sure to choose a strong password to protect your account.”
Profile
Definition: A user’s personal information and settings on a social media platform or other online service.
Example: “She updated her profile picture on Facebook.”
Message
Definition: A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be contacted directly.
Example: “He left me a message to call him back.”
Notification
Definition: A message or alert that is sent to inform you about something, typically on a mobile device or computer.
Example: “I received a notification about a new comment on my post.”
Video Call
Definition: A phone call in which participants can see each other via video screens.
Example: “We had a video call to discuss the project details.”
Podcast
Definition: A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series.
Example: “I listen to podcasts during my commute to work.”
Stream
Definition: To transmit or receive data (especially video and audio material) over the internet as a continuous flow.
Example: “We streamed the movie online instead of downloading it.”
Cloud Storage
Definition: A model of data storage where digital data is stored in logical pools, the physical storage spans multiple servers, and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.
Example: “I save my important documents in cloud storage.”
Cybersecurity
Definition: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
Example: “Good cybersecurity practices are essential to protect your personal information online.”