# Devices & Software Upper Intermediate

https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/science-technology-b2-computers-vocab

- CEFR: B2 (Upper-intermediate)
- Theme: Science & Technology
- Words: 20
- Premium: no
- Locked: no

Device and software vocabulary such as hardware, processor and firmware, plus backup, server and database. Words for describing how computers and phones work.

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## Word list

* **hardware** /ˈhɑrˌdwɛr/: The physical parts of a computer that you can touch, such as the screen and drives. — “The problem is the **hardware**, not the program.”
* **backup** /ˈbæˌkʌp/: A second copy of your files kept somewhere safe in case the first is lost. — “Luckily I had a **backup** of the whole project.”
* **processor** /ˈprɑˌsɛsər/: The small chip inside a computer that does the calculations and runs everything. — “This laptop has a much faster **processor** than mine.”
* **firmware** /ˈfɜrmˌwɛr/: Permanent software built into a device's hardware that controls its basic functions. — “The manufacturer released a **firmware** update to fix the camera.”
* **driver** /ˈdraɪvər/: A small program that lets a computer's operating system communicate with a piece of hardware. — “You need to install a new **driver** for the printer to work.”
* **plugin** /ˈplʌɡɪn/: A small piece of software added to a program to give it an extra feature. — “She installed a **plugin** that blocks online adverts.”
* **cache** /kæʃ/: A place where a computer temporarily stores data so it can be found more quickly next time. — “Clearing the browser's **cache** can fix loading problems.”
* **server** /ˈsɜrvər/: A powerful computer that stores information and provides it to other computers over a network. — “The website went offline when the **server** crashed.”
* **database** /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/: An organized collection of information stored on a computer so it can be searched and updated easily. — “Customer details are kept in a secure **database**.”
* **compatibility** /kəmˌpætəˈbɪləˌti/: The ability of two pieces of hardware or software to work together properly. — “Check the **compatibility** of the software before you install it.”
* **wireless** /ˈwaɪrlɪs/: Working by sending invisible waves through the air, with no cable needed. — “The new speaker is **wireless**, so the room stays tidy.”
* **notification** /ˌnoʊtəfəˈkeɪʃən/: A short message a phone shows to tell you something new has arrived. — “I turn off every **notification** while I am working.”
* **screenshot** /ˈskrinˌʃɑt/: A picture you take of whatever your phone or computer is showing at that moment. — “Send me a **screenshot** of the booking page.”
* **upgrade** /əpˈɡreɪd/: To replace a machine or service with a newer and better one. — “I finally **upgraded** my old laptop to a faster model.”
* **battery life**: How long a phone's battery lasts before it needs charging again. — “The new model has much better **battery life**.”
* **responsive** /rɪˈspɑnsɪv/: Reacting quickly and smoothly to touch or commands. — “The new screen feels much more **responsive** than the old one.”
* **resolution** /ˌrɛzəˈluʃən/: The sharpness and clarity of a screen or photo, based on how many pixels it has. — “The camera takes photos in very high **resolution**.”
* **rotate** /ˈroʊˌteɪt/: To turn something, such as a screen's image, so it faces a different direction. — “The screen will **rotate** automatically when you turn the phone.”
* **widget** /ˈwɪdʒɪt/: A small tool on a phone's home screen that shows quick information, like the weather or time. — “She added a weather **widget** to her home screen.”
* **background app**: An app that keeps running on a phone even when you are not actively using it. — “Closing every **background app** can help save battery.”

## Related

- Vocabulary library: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary
- Section guide: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/llms.txt