Emerging reference
A growing technology glossary.
A small, emerging reference for recurring terms used in Friendly Geek guides. Definitions also appear in context where they are most useful.
Available terms
Backup
An additional copy of important files, kept somewhere separate from the original, so a loss, deletion or device failure doesn't mean losing them for good.
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BSB
Bank State Branch number: a six-digit number that identifies the specific bank and branch behind an Australian bank account, used alongside the account number for a payment.
Also known as BSB
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DNS
The system that translates a domain name, like example.com.au, into the technical address computers use to find the right website or email service.
Also known as DNS
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Domain name
The address people type to reach a website, such as a business name ending in .com.au, registered through a domain registrar.
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Malware
A general term for software created to harm a device, steal information, or give someone unauthorised access or control.
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Password manager
An app or service that stores your passwords in a protected vault and can create long, unique passwords for each account.
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Phishing
A scam message, usually an email or text, that pretends to be from a real organisation to trick you into sharing information or acting quickly.
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Router
The device that creates your home Wi-Fi signal and shares your internet connection between your phones, computers and other devices.
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Two-factor authentication
A sign-in method that requires two different forms of verification.
Also known as 2FA
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Wi-Fi
The wireless signal, created by your router, that connects your phone, computer, tablet and other devices without a cable.
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