A Primer On Computer Terminology
- Tara Grey
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
[Printed in Third Wave / Senior News Winter 2025 issue - NJ Senior Council Newspaper]
For those born in the forties, fifties, and even the sixties, it seems that every day presents a different challenge in using technology. Every website is unique. Programs and apps do not operate the same and the directions for usage are confusing. And, it seems that once you become familiar with a particular website, program or app, it gets updated. Can it be more frustrating?
Technology is not going away, but using technology requires patience and a willingness to learn something new. Understanding the terminology often feels like learning a foreign language. With so many terms to understand, let’s start with a few basics:
Website
A place you visit on the internet to obtain information (think of a book). Each website consists of several web pages (like the pages in a book).
Browser
The program that you use to view websites on the Internet. Some examples are: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari. You may have more than one browser on your computer or mobile device. They each have different features and styles but they all have the same main purpose. Choosing a browser is based on user preference.
Search Engine
The specific website you use to search and find information on the Internet such as: Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo. All of these search engines are available to use on all of the browsers since a search engine is basically just a website that lists search results.
Home Page
The very first website you see when you open your browser. This can be set to any website you want. Many people set theirs to one of the search engines.
Operating System
The most important software that makes all the parts of a computer work - all the physical parts and non-physical parts. Microsoft calls its computer operating system “Windows”. Apple calls it “MacOS”. Google makes its own computer called the ChromeBook and calls its operating system “Chrome OS”. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have their own operating systems such as Android and iOS.
Download
A computer file (document, photo, song) that can be retrieved from the Internet and then saved onto your computer. The word Download can be a noun, meaning the actual file you are retrieving, or a verb, meaning the act of performing the download.
URL
This is the address of a website such as: nj.gov, njseniorcouncil.com. You type the URL into the address bar of your browser to view it.
Address Bar
The horizontal bar at the top of your browser where you will see the URL of the website you are viewing. You can type another URL into the address bar to access a different website.
Icon
A graphic symbol on your computer’s screen that represents a program or option. You can click on the icon to select it.
Tool Bar
A row of icons, usually at the top of the screen, that gives you several options of things you can do such as “Print”, “Save”, or “Go back to previous page”.
Scroll Bar
A long, thin bar on the right side of your screen that enables you to move the content of your screen up and down. This can be done by clicking the “up” arrow or “down” arrow on the bar or by using the scroll wheel on a mouse.
Link
Underlined text (usually in blue) that you can click on to go to another website or page. Links can also be images that you can click on.
IP Number or IP Address
A series of numbers that identifies a computer or device that’s connected to the internet.
Cloud
A storage space on the Internet, rather than your device’s hard drive, where you can save files such as pictures and documents. It is accessible through the account you have with your cloud service. This allows you to use the information on any device once you are signed in. Examples of cloud services are Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive and iCloud.
Many people think that going on a “website” is the same as signing up for an “app.” But there is a difference. When you go to a website, such as ucnj.org, you are simply accessing that site through your web browser, either on your computer or mobile device. However, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. It also was designed to make the website easier to view on a mobile device. In order to make all the options more accessible the layout and design of the app may be different. Many websites have their own app which can be downloaded onto your device. If you have an account on a website, you can use the same account in the app to sign in.
Almost all websites and apps have icons for “help” and “search” (a magnifying glass). Some also allow for a “talk” with a representative through a “chat box.” Don’t be afraid to use it. “Chatting” with an agent can be quicker than trying to connect with a phone representative. There is a good chance that online assistance may resolve your issue.
And, what is a QR code? You’ve seen them everywhere. It’s those weird looking squares with squiggly lines. You see them at the bottom of an ad or on a poster. Some restaurants use them. The waiter will tell you to “scan the QR code” to access the menu. But how does it work?
A QR code is basically a link that takes you to some information on the internet using your smart device. In order to see the information via the link, you must use the camera on your smartphone. You are not going to actually snap a picture of the QR code. Rather, you need to position your camera’s lens on the QR code. A notification will then pop up on your screen. Just tap it. It will connect you to the information contained through the QR code’s link!
Since we did not grow up with technology, it is not intuitive. It is going to take trial and error to learn how to use a device, whether it is a computer, smartphone or tablet. But don’t give up. And, if you do get “stuck” you can always turn your device off and then back on…and then start again!