In today’s fast-paced world, we’re surrounded by technology and computers, aren’t we? You might be reading this on a computer or a device that works similarly. As we’ve become increasingly dependent on computers, we’ve also developed a specialized language to discuss them. This language not only helps tech professionals but also aids everyday users to understand and communicate about their digital devices. Imagine how empowering it would be to describe a computer problem accurately or understand the jargon in that manual that came with your new laptop! How? By learning English collocations related to computers! Exciting, right?
Here’s a list of 37 popular and frequently used collocations related to computers:
1. Desktop computer: A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location.
Example: Many offices still rely on desktop computers.
2. Laptop computer: A portable computer that you can carry with you and use in different places.
Example: I prefer using a laptop computer for its mobility.
3. Hardware component: Physical parts of a computer.
Example: The graphics card is an essential hardware component for gamers.
4. Software application: A program or group of programs designed for end-users.
Example: Microsoft Office is a well-known software application.
5. Operating system: The software that supports a computer’s basic functions.
Example: Windows 10 is the latest operating system from Microsoft.
6. Internet connection: The establishment of a link between a computer or a computer network and the internet.
Example: A stable internet connection is necessary for online gaming.
7. Email account: The account that you set up with an email provider.
Example: Google offers free email accounts through Gmail.
8. Hard drive: The part of a computer where data is stored.
Example: I keep all my photos on an external hard drive.
9. Portable device: A small, lightweight, self-powered electronic device.
Example: My smartphone is a powerful portable device.
10. Power cord: The cord that supplies power to an electronic device.
Example: My laptop won’t start, maybe there’s a problem with the power cord.
11. Web browser: A software application used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web.
Example: Google Chrome is a popular web browser.
12. Tech support: Technical assistance in the use of computers and computer software.
Example: If you have any issues, call tech support.
13. Screen resolution: The number of distinct pixels that can be displayed on a device screen.
Example: A high screen resolution makes everything look crisp and clear.
14. Memory card: A small storage device that uses flash memory to store information.
Example: I store extra photos on a memory card.
15. USB port: A standard cable connection interface for personal computers and consumer electronics devices.
Example: I connected the printer to the USB port.
16. Wireless network: A computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes.
Example: Most homes now have a wireless network for internet access.
17. Data backup: The process of copying data to ensure that it can be recovered after a data loss event.
Example: Regular data backup is essential to avoid losing important files.
18. Software update: A free download for an application, operating system, or software suite that provides fixes for features that aren’t working as intended.
Example: You should install the latest software update for security reasons.
19. Keyboard shortcut: A combination of keys that you press to perform a specific task.
Example: Ctrl+C is a commonly used keyboard shortcut for copy.
20. File format: A standard way in which information is encoded for storage in a computer file.
Example: JPEG is a common file format for images.
21. Video conference: A live video connection between people in separate locations for communication.
Example: Due to the pandemic, most meetings are now video conferences.
22. Social network: A platform where people can communicate and share information online.
Example: Facebook and Twitter are popular social networks.
23. Digital content: Content that exists in digital form.
Example: Music streaming services offer access to vast amounts of digital content.
24. Security breach: An incident that results in unauthorized access to data.
Example: Many companies have faced serious security breaches in recent years.
25. Password protection: The practice of securing a system by requiring a user to provide a password.
Example: You should use password protection for all your accounts.
26. User interface: The space where interactions between humans and machines occur.
Example: The user interface of the software is really intuitive.
27. Virtual reality: A computer-generated environment that lets you experience a different reality.
Example: Virtual reality technology has gained popularity in gaming.
28. Online gaming: Playing games over some form of computer network.
Example: Online gaming allows you to play with friends across the globe.
29. Bug fix: The act of correcting a defect in software.
Example: The latest update includes several important bug fixes.
30. Download speed: The speed at which data is transferred from the internet to your computer.
Example: High download speed is essential for streaming movies.
31. Cloud storage: A service where data is remotely maintained, managed, and backed up.
Example: Many people use cloud storage to save their photos and documents.
32. Streaming service: A subscription-based service offering online streaming from a library of films and television series.
Example: Netflix is a well-known streaming service.
33. Artificial intelligence: The capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior.
Example: Siri and Alexa are examples of artificial intelligence.
34. System error: An error that results from a problem with the total system.
Example: The system error caused the computer to crash.
35. Machine learning: A type of artificial intelligence that allows software applications to become more accurate in predicting outcomes without being explicitly programmed.
Example: Machine learning is being used in a wide range of applications.
36. Data privacy: The aspect of information technology that deals with the ability an organization or individual has to determine what data in a computer system can be shared with third parties.
Example: Data privacy has become a major concern in the digital age.
37. Program installation: The act of putting a program onto a computer system so that it can be executed.
Example: The program installation was quick and easy.
As we reach the end of our list, we hope these collocations will help you understand and discuss the world of computers more comfortably. Computers are a significant part of our everyday lives, and understanding their language can be hugely beneficial. Keep practicing these collocations, and you’ll become fluent in computer lingo in no time!
