Home > Technology > Technology Basics > Tech Terminology for Business Owners


Jennifer Baljko

Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners

Don't get stumped by geek speak – get educated on these friendly Web sites


Uncommonly
Useful
9.0
out of 10

Add Your Comments
 
 
Email Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners to a friend
Save the Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners to My Work.com Favorites
Print the Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners
link to this page
Save to del.icio.us
digg it!


While an assortment of consumer electronics gizmos, hardware devices and software applications have supposedly made life easier, they've also brought with them a whole new language. Here are some tips that will help you keep up:
  1. Learn a few key phrases every week, especially ones that are relevant to your business.
  2. Read technology sections in mainstream magazines and newspapers as they are usually easy to follow.
  3. Talk to IT folks; they work with this stuff everyday and could give you a high-level overview.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sort Out the Hardware Portion


Although we use things like PCs, cell phones, digital cameras and PDAs, often we have no idea what actually makes them work. Learning the ins and outs can give you an edge.

I recommend: It may take a few clicks before you get to the exact page you're looking for, but Whatis.com has a comprehensive listing of terms, phrases and quick links to the most common searches. Jupitermedia Corp.'s Webopedia also has a feature called "Technology Word of the Day" and a link to the top 15 most-used technology terms. CMP's TechWeb has 20,000 IT terms, and it's a good place to go if you already know the word you want defined.

Play the Name Game


As on the hardware side, the Internet has also given birth to its own language.

I recommend: Albion.com's Netdictionary has a listing of Web acronyms and slang, and NetLingo has a "Top 20" list of Web terms parents and tech newbies may find useful, as well as phrases that have morphed into everyday lingo. It also has a dictionary that can be downloaded to a PDA or cell phone.

Test your knowledge


Think you're already up to speed? Let's see what you know.

I recommend: Take a quick technology terminology test. Semiconductor manufacturer AMD developed the test as part of a study on whether tech terminology is turning off tech buyers.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Visit your local library. As libraries update their computer systems, add wireless Internet access and generally tune into technology, library officials may offer classes for tech-newbies or point to online resources they've come across.
  • If all else fails, find a teenager that lives in the neighborhood. Kids grow up with all sorts of gadgets, and they speak the high-tech language everyday. There's a good chance they will not only be able to make sense of the alphabet soup, but show you how something works.

The official source of Tech Terminology for Business Owners is
the Ecommerce Information Resources page at Business.com

Featured Vendors

New Security Standards
Easy policy compliance management. Learn about Symantec Solutions.
www.symantec.com

Payroll Software
Reduce errors and overpayment with payroll processing solutions (in-house or export), integrated with the TimeForce time and attendance system.
www.MyTimeForce.com

Forex Club ® - A Smarter Way to Trade Forex
Zero spreads and zero commissions on non-profitable trades. Get a free demo account today or open a live account and get a $100 bonus.
www.fxclub.com

Accounting Software & ERP Software Consulting
Provider of sales, training, crystal report writing and support for Sage MAS 90/200 and MAS 500 accounting software to companies in NJ, NY, CT & PA.
www.shelko.com/

Subscribe to

Try our free weekly WhatWorks newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.

click here to view a sample issue
 Related Resources from Business.com Back to top 
 Best Sites to Learn MoreBack to top 

Listing of over 20,000 technology terms.

Glossary of tech terms.

Defines and explains technology terms

Dictionary of internet and technical terms

Online dictionary of computer and technology terms.


  Best Blogs and Forums Back to top 

Innovations, trends, and dustups in the world of tech.

Offers buyer's advice, discussions, provider search tools, stories, and access tools.

Small business blogging site for tech innovations.

Posts deal with technology, life, and tips.

Post a question about your technology issue in this forum.

Discusses various aspects of technology, including legal issues, culture, and business opportunities.


  CommentsBack to top 

Loading Comments...


Add Your Comments


Email Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners to a friend
Save the Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners to My Work.com Favorites
Print the Guide to Tech Terminology for Business Owners
link to this page
Save to del.icio.us
digg it!


Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please click here.

Ads by Google







© 2008 Work.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Work.com is a property of Business.com.
Help | About Us | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Community Policy | Community Blog | Advertise on Work.com | Contact Us / Feedback | Work.com Feed