11 Tech Terms You May Be Using Incorrectly

Of course you know what these terms mean, but maybe your friends and family don't. Go Further with Ford technology, and access all your favorite apps with voice control using SYNC® AppLink™.

1. The Cloud

Via threedipsoficecream.tumblr.com

What it is: Applications and services provided over the internet via a vast interconnected network of data centers around the world.

What it isn't: Water vapor suspended in the atmosphere; a series of tubes; Wi-Fi; or malevolent sky gremlins.

2. Cookie

Via imgfave.com

What it is: Data from a website that is saved by your web browser so the website can remember information about you.

What it isn't: A sweet baked good; a file upload; a JPEG; a magnetic strip; or the name of the pony that used to come to your grade school.

3. Bandwidth

Via iwhaleventually.tumblr.com

What it is: The maximum amount of data that can be sent over a specific internet connection in a given amount of time.

What it isn't: A large group of musicians; your internet service provider; ethernet; or the sensation that your plane is moving when it's still sitting at the gate.

4. Phishing

Via cheezburger.com

What it is: An attempt by scammers to collect personal information through deceptive emails or web communications.

What it isn't: What your dad does on weekends (well, hopefully not); hacking; cybersquatting; or traveling around the country all summer to watch the band Phish.

5. Dongle

Via imgur.com

What it is: A specialized small cable that connects larger jacks to smaller plugs, usually to provide a function that's not provided by your computer.

What it isn't: A springy doorstop; a cat toy; a body part; any old random cord; or a Scottish coat.

6. Cache

Via gaj0romar1ogifs.tumblr.com

What it is: A part of your computer or device's memory where data is stored so it can be accessed quickly at a later time. On web browsers, this is often data from sites you visit that is stored offline.

What it isn't: Money; the shoe box under your bed; bandwidth; browser extensions; or hair extensions.

7. Java

Ghost Rider / Columbia Pictures / Via gifolas-cage.tumblr.com

What it is: A programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that is popular for designing mobile and web applications.

What it isn't: A caffeinated beverage; high-speed internet; web video; PHP; or a distant land located across many oceans.

8. RAM

Via cheezburger.com

What it is: "Random-access memory" is the main memory of a computer where any byte of data can be accessed with the same speed for the purpose of running programs.

What it isn't: A male sheep; the "motor" of the computer; the "skeleton" of the computer; the "hair" of the computer; or a breed of South American cat.

9. Flash

Via rosehyps.tumblr.com

What it is: A multimedia technology, owned by Adobe, which lets you incorporate animations and interactive content into websites.

What it isn't: A sudden blast of phosphorescent light; web video; a system error; a virus; or what you see when you close your eyes super hard.

10. CPU

Via pierregrassou.tumblr.com

What it is: "Central processing unit," the part of the computer that processes instructions and runs the operating system and applications.

What it isn't: A friendly robot; the Control Panel Upgrade; Central Pennsylvania University; the sound you hear when the computer starts; or the sensation that you are in control of your dreams.

11. Torrent

Via imgfave.com

What it is: A file sent over a series of shared network connections that allows for faster download speeds by breaking the file up into tiny parts and reconfiguring them.

What it isn't: A scenic waterfall; a bitcoin; a gigabyte; an MP4; or the bone inside of a cooked turkey that you can break for good luck.

Ford helps you Go Further and navigate the complicated digital landscape with services like SYNC® AppLink™ and Active Park Assist.