15 Information Technology Vocabulary Words for English Learners

Information technology, or IT (the use of computers and related technology to handle information), is all around us. It's in our hands, our homes, and our workplaces, which is why knowing the language of IT is so important.

The words on this list can have multiple meanings, but we will focus only on their definitions within the IT context. Learn these 15 information technology vocabulary terms so you can use them in everyday life and business communication.

1. Monitor

As a noun, monitor refers to the video screen used to display information from your computer.

I work on the computer for much of the day. I've found that using a larger monitor helps reduce (lessen) the strain on my eyes.

The technical support team will monitor my computer for a while to identify the cause of this problem.

2. Connect

The verb to connect describes the action of establishing (making) communication with the Internet or with another device (a piece of computer equipment) like a monitor or modem.

Could you please show me how to connect my laptop to the main office printer?

The noun connection refers to the communication link between two or more computer devices, or a link to the Internet.

According to Techspot, Speedtest has published a report on the speed of Internet connections throughout the US.

3. Install

The verb to install means to set up a computer or an application (a software program) and prepare it for use.

On my first day at work, my supervisor asked the technical support team to install a new computer for me.

Consequently, the noun installation refers to the process of installing a computer or application.

Infoworld has a comprehensive guide to Windows 10 installation that can answer any questions you may have.

4. Network

Did you know the computer at your workplace is likely part of an office network?

The noun network refers to a system of interconnected computers and other devices, like printers, that share data with one another.

A private office network is known as an intranet.

Before we begin operations, I must have my office computer network set up and tested.

Networked, the adjective form of this word, describes this type of environment (situation).

In a networked system, an issue with one computer can impact all the other computers on the network.

5. Boot

The verb to boot has a specific meaning in IT. It is often used in the phrasal verb to boot up, which means to turn on a computer and prepare it for use. You could also say “start up” or “power up.”

There appears to be an issue with my laptop. It wouldn't boot up this morning.

Boot up is a separable phrasal verb that can be used with a pronoun. You can use “start up” and “power up” in the same manner. This means the preposition “up” can be placed later in the sentence; it doesn't have to come directly after “boot.”

There appears to be an issue with my laptop. I couldn’t boot it up this morning.

Adding the prefix “re-” gives us the word reboot. “Re-” often indicates doing something again. The verb to reboot means to restart your computer.

If you continue to see errors on your computer, you might want to reboot it.

Reboot can also function as a noun.

If you continue to see errors on your computer, a reboot might resolve the issue.

6. Access

In IT, the verb to access means to enter and use a computer, website, or application.

This is a shared computer reserved for our department. You can get the password from me if you need to access it.

The noun access refers to the act of accessing a computer. It is commonly used with the verb “grant” to mean “give permission to use.”

I'm afraid we cannot grant anyone access to our department’s computers.

7. Log in

Some websites and applications require you to log in before you can enter and use them. To log in refers to the process of entering specific information to gain access to a website or application.

I've forgotten my password, so I can’t log in to Gmail anymore.

The opposite of “log in” is “log out,” which is what you should do to exit a site or application.

Don’t forget to log out before you leave, particularly if you are using a shared computer.

Sometimes the terms sign in and sign out are used as well.

8. Download

To download is a verb frequently used in IT to describe transferring data or information from a primary computer source to another device.

I need to download the photos from my business trip to my computer for today’s presentation.

The noun download refers to the information or application that has been downloaded.

I found a download on this website containing the most popular technology articles published last year.

9. Upgrade

It's common to hear this word in a rapidly evolving field like IT. The verb to upgrade means to update your computer (or other device) with the latest hardware or software.

Our management is confident that upgrading to the latest computer equipment will improve our business.

The noun upgrade simply means an update to a higher (newer) version. You may have heard the common phrase “get an upgrade.”

According to Infoworld, IT managers have been anticipating the upgrade to Windows 10.

10. Analyze

The verb to analyze is frequently used in IT when there is a need to examine data, information, or a technical problem closely. For example, you might analyze product trends or an issue with your communications network.

This isn't a problem with a simple fix. We need time to analyze why your laptop won't boot up.

The noun form analysis refers to both the process and the results of examining the data or problem.

Based on the technical support team’s analysis, purchasing a new laptop is a better option than attempting to repair this one.

11. Browse

In IT, the verb to browse means to look over information casually without going into great detail.

Before the meeting, please browse online to gather some ideas about current trends in office furniture.

The noun browser, as you probably know, refers to the program on your computer that lets you open and use websites on the Internet.

If your browser isn't working, try closing it and reopening it.

12. File

In IT, the noun file refers to a collection of data or information organized under a specific name and stored in a computer folder.

Please save each year's sales data in a separate file for easy reference.

File is also commonly used in terms related to it, such as file name, file size, etc.

What filename did you use to save last year's sales data?

13. Blog

Do you have a blog? The noun blog refers to a website where you write about personal experiences, opinions, and interests.

Our company’s blog provides a wealth of useful information and tips on using our products in various ways.

The verb to blog simply means to write for a blog.

Since everyone in our department is too busy to blog for the company, management has hired some part-time staff to handle the task.

14. Back up

The phrasal verb back up is often used in IT to mean making a copy of data and files to protect them from accidental loss.

It’s always wise to back up your computer on a regular basis.

Back up is a separable phrasal verb that can be used with a pronoun.

My laptop has been turning itself on and off. I think I should back it up after work tonight.

Backup, when written as one word, is a noun referring to the copy of files and data you have created.

The system administrator performs a full backup of the system every weekend.

15. Perform

In IT, we are often concerned with how a computer system performs. The verb to perform refers to how quickly a computer can process information.

Are you certain that upgrading my RAM (computer memory) will make my computer perform better?

The noun performance is used to discuss the speed and capacity (workload) of a computer.

Upgrade your RAM, and you will have no reason to complain about your computer's performance.

With this information technology vocabulary at your disposal, you are prepared to speak confidently and stay current with the latest IT developments.

Remember, practice makes perfect. So, log into your computer and start learning!