B116 words · Intermediate

Devices & Software vocabulary — B1

Computer and device vocabulary such as memory, storage and shortcut, plus restart, crash and lag. Words for describing how a device works and what goes wrong.

16 questions

Words in this set

memory
/ˈmɛməri/
The part of a computer that keeps information and programs while it is being used.
Example: My laptop is slow because it doesn't have much memory.
restart
/riˈstɑrt/
To turn a computer or machine off and then on again so that it works properly.
Example: Have you tried restarting your laptop?
crash
/kræʃ/
When a computer or program suddenly stops working and closes what you were doing.
Example: The program crashed and I lost an hour of work.
repair
/rɪˈpɛr/
To fix something that is broken so that it works again.
Example: It's cheaper to repair the washing machine than buy a new one.
shortcut
/ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt/
A quick way of doing something on a computer, often using a key combination instead of a menu.
Example: Ctrl+C is a keyboard shortcut for copying text.
format
/ˈfɔrˌmæt/
To prepare a disk or device by erasing everything on it and setting it up to store new files.
Example: You need to format the old drive before using it again.
corrupt
/kərˈʌpt/
Containing an error, so that a file cannot open or work correctly.
Example: The photo file was corrupt and would not open.
compress
/ˈkɑmprɛs/
To make a computer file smaller so that it takes up less space or sends faster.
Example: You can compress the folder into a single zip file.
storage
/ˈstɔrədʒ/
The space on a computer or device where files and data are kept.
Example: This laptop has plenty of storage for photos and videos.
lag
/læɡ/
A short delay between doing something on a device and seeing the result.
Example: The video call had annoying lag during the meeting.
device
/dɪˈvaɪs/
A machine or piece of equipment made for a particular job, often small enough to carry.
Example: I keep all my photos on one small device.
scroll
/skroʊl/
To move the content on a screen up or down so you can see more of it.
Example: I scroll through my phone for hours before bed.
portable
/ˈpɔrtəbəl/
Light and small enough to carry around and use in different places.
Example: We took a portable speaker down to the beach.
charge
/tʃɑrdʒ/
To put electricity into a battery so that a phone or laptop can work again.
Example: I need to charge my phone before we go out.
unlock
/ənˈlɑk/
To open a phone or a door so it can be used, usually with a code or a fingerprint.
Example: I unlock my phone with my face now.
hang up
To end a phone call by pressing the red button or putting the phone down.
Example: Please don't hang up, I'll only be a minute.