Tech Terms & Tools
Define router
A device that directs data between computer networks.
What is the purpose of submarine cables?
Carry Internet data as light pulses between continents under the sea.
What does it mean when a search engine indexes pages?
It stores and organizes web pages for quick retrieval.
Define and use in a sentence: ahead of the curve
Meaning: innovative / more advanced than others. Example: “Apple stays ahead of the curve with its new designs.”
Complete: “I didn’t like working with new systems before, but now I ______ to constant updates.” (use the correct form of ‘get/be used to’)
I’m used to constant updates.
What is the function of a packet in data transmission?
The data is broken into small units of and transmitted over a network containing part of the information. Then the units are reassembled.
When and why was the first ARPANET connection made?
October 29 1969 — to share data between university computers (UCLA ↔ Stanford).
What is web crawling?
Automated scanning of sites by bots/spiders to collect data.
Choose the correct collocation:
(1) boost / break / push performance
(2) switch / redirect / reassemble devices
(3) keep / make / break new ground
(1) boost performance
(2) switch devices
(3) break new ground
Correct the error: “I would to use Internet Explorer.”
Remove to: “I would use Internet Explorer.”
What’s the difference between LAN and WAN? Give examples.
LAN = local network in one area (e.g., office). WAN = wide network across regions/countries (e.g., Internet).
Why are fiber-optic cables considered better than satellites?
Faster, lower latency, larger bandwidth, more reliable.
How does ranking affect search results?
Search engine orders results by relevance, authority, freshness, etc.
What’s the difference between digital footprint and user engagement? Give examples.
Digital footprint = all online traces you leave (posts, clicks, data)
User engagement = level of user interaction with content/apps.
Explain and give an example: What’s the difference between “used to work remotely” and “am used to working remotely”?
Used to work = past habit (no longer true); am used to working = familiar with it now.
What is the backbone of the Internet?
The main high-capacity cables and routers that connect major networks globally.
What is a landing station in Internet infrastructure?
Facility where undersea cables connect to land-based networks.
What is SEO and why do businesses invest in it?
Search Engine Optimization: improving a site’s visibility / position in search results.
Use at least two expressions from the list — on the same page, ahead of the curve, break new ground, plug and play — in a short workplace conversation between two IT specialists.
A: We need to stay ahead of the curve on AI tools. B: Agreed, our team’s finally on the same page about it.
Transformation challenge: Combine these sentences correctly using used to / would / have done.
a) I debugged systems every night.
b) I often stayed at the office till midnight.
c) I’m experienced with Linux now.
d) I’ve recently configured a new server.
I used to debug systems every night and would stay at the office till midnight. I’m now used to working with Linux, and I’ve recently configured a new server.
What’s the difference between dial-up and broadband? Give examples.
Dial-up: slow Internet via phone line (e.g., old modems in the 1990s).
Broadband: fast, always-on Internet (e.g., fiber optic, DSL, cable).
Explain the main risks or political issues related to submarine cables today.
Security, ownership, espionage fears (e.g., U.S.–China competition, control of data routes).
Explain what happens (in simple steps) when you type a web address into a browser and press Enter.
Browser sends DNS request → finds server IP → establishes connection → requests page → server sends data → browser renders page.
Replace the words in Italics with unit vocabulary:
The team tried something innovative to increase system speed and motivate users to interact more with the app.
The team broke new ground to boost performance and increase user engagement.
Complete the short text using correct forms of the verbs in brackets.
Use used to / would / be or get used to / past continuous / present perfect where necessary.
When I first started working in IT, I (1) ________ (not / be) working nights.
I (2) ________ (often / stay) at the office until 2 a.m. fixing bugs.
One night, while I (3) ________ (test) a new program, the system crashed.
Since then, I (4) ________ (learn) to back up data regularly.
Now I (5) ________ (be) completely used to working under pressure.
1) wasn’t used to
2) would often stay
3) was testing
4) have learned
5) am