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Most of us hear these terms all the time, but do you actually know what they mean? Join Sprint today and experience a Network Built for Unlimited!

If You Know 14 Of These 18 Tech Terms You're Basically A Robot

The "G" in terms like "4G" or "[5G](https://techterms.com/definition/4g)" stands for "generation" — as in, "which generation of standards set by the International Telecommunications Union does your smartphone conform to?" Y'know how you're always saying that to your friends.

It literally doesn't stand for [anything](https://boingboing.net/2005/11/08/wifi-isnt-short-for.html). It's nonsense. Sorry if that's kind of a letdown.

Because multiple computers validate, or "block," each record before it's added to a [blockchain](https://techterms.com/definition/blockchain), it's impossible to hack any single device to alter the blockchain. This makes it much more secure than previous data-storage systems. Plus, it just sounds cool to say.

You don't have to plug it in! You can just set it on a [wireless charger](https://www.mobilefun.co.uk/blog/wireless-charging-guide/) thingy.

A virtual private network, or "[VPN](https://skillcrush.com/2015/03/26/99-tech-terms/)," lets you access public internet networks without exposing your data to other people using that network. Without a VPN, other people can see those 10,000 pics of you and your cat.

A terabyte is a [whole lotta gigabytes](https://www.lifewire.com/terabytes-gigabytes-amp-petabytes-how-big-are-they-4125169). As devices get more powerful, you'll start hearing about terabytes more and more!

A [firewall](https://skillcrush.com/2015/03/26/99-tech-terms/) monitors traffic on a network and blocks certain kinds based on filters set up by the network administrator. It's why some of you can't check your social media profiles at work.

"[Quick response](https://techterms.com/definition/qr_code)" codes are the square-shaped things on tickets that can be scanned directly from a screen without printing them out. Which may be why they're called "quick."

Search engine optimization, or "[SEO](https://skillcrush.com/2015/03/26/99-tech-terms/)," is the practice of using algorithms to ensure that your website appears among the first results when someone queries a search engine.

[IP addresses](https://techterms.com/definition/ip_address) help systems recognize and locate individual devices that are connected to a network, sort of like how actual addresses help us locate places IRL.

[MPEG](https://techterms.com/definition/mpeg) stands for "Moving Picture Experts Group," after the organization that invented the compressed-file format. You're probably more familiar with MPEG's other name: "videos of puppers being total derps."

[Bandwidth](https://techterms.com/definition/bandwidth) is how much data your internet connection can transfer within a given unit of time (usually measured in seconds). The higher the transfer rate on your bandwidth, the faster you can upload your memes!

A "[GPU](https://techterms.com/definition/gpu)" is a graphics processing unit. GPUs primarily handle the rendering of 3D graphics using polygons. These bad boys are why video-game graphics look so good these days.

It stands for [graphics interchange format](https://techterms.com/definition/gif). Don't even get us started on how to pronounce it.

"[Universal serial bus](https://techterms.com/definition/usb)" ports and drives were introduced in 1997 as a faster way to transfer data through a port directly onto a hard drive. Why some people call USB drives "thumb drives" is still anybody's guess.

Anyone who lived through the early aughts knows that the [MP3](https://techterms.com/definition/mp3) is the file format that brought you all those sweet "ripped" ska playlists.

The source of much confusion among certain folks, [cloud computing](https://techterms.com/definition/cloud_computing) is actually pretty simple: Your data lives on the internet instead of in your device, and you can go visit your data any time you want (as long as you have an internet connection).

The [term "4K"](https://www.cnet.com/news/tv-resolution-confusion-1080p-2k-uhd-4k-and-what-they-all-mean/) refers to image resolution — or how many pixels your display uses to make up a single image. For example, 4K TVs display roughly 8 million pixels.

Okay, you know a few tech terms. You might even be part robot, but it's probably a small part. Maybe just a hand? Don't worry, though. It's okay not to be a tech expert, because [Sprint](https://www.sprint.com/en/home.html) has the experts to sign you on to a Network Built for Unlimited!

You're, like, one small part robot.

Your tech-term knowledge indicates the beginnings of some bona fide robot-ness. Keep at it! Thankfully the tech experts at [Sprint](https://www.sprint.com/en/home.html) are here to give you their awesome Network Built for Unlimited in the meantime! Your inner robot just got an upgrade!

You have some robot-esque qualities.

Nice work on the tech terms! You are one with all things tech, and that means you're pretty much a robot. Get the most out of your tech by signing on to [Sprint's](https://www.sprint.com/en/home.html) Network Built for Unlimited today! Robot status confirmed!

You're pretty much a robot.

Well hellooooo, robot! Whether your excellence is powered by artificial intelligence or good old-fashioned human intelligence, you've clearly got a lot of it. So you know that [Sprint](https://www.sprint.com/en/home.html) gives you a Network Built for Unlimited. Of course you know that. You're a 100% state-of-the-art robot.

You're totally a robot.

All Images Courtesy of Getty.

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If You Know 14 Of These 18 Tech Terms You're Basically A Robot

Whether you're clueless about tech or a 100%-certified robot, Sprint has a Network Built for Unlimited. Here's to a brighter future!

If You Know 14 Of These 18 Tech Terms You're Basically A Robot

Whether you're clueless about tech or a 100%-certified robot, Sprint has a Network Built for Unlimited. Here's to a brighter future!

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