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What is artificial intelligence, anyway? 12 tech lingo terms decoded

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As the epicenter of the global tech revolution, Silicon Valley is not only home to some of the world's most influential and innovative companies but also a fertile breeding ground for a distinct lexicon that shapes the language that we use.

Technology fans use a unique dialect full of acronyms, buzzwords, and neologisms. This article sets on a linguistic exploration to decipher the meaning of 12 words that are part of everyday slang not only in Silicon Valley but pretty much everywhere in the world these days.

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Think of a robot who can answer your questions. Simply derived from "chat" and "robot", a chatbot is a virtual agent designed to simulate human conversation, often powered by sophisticated algorithms and natural language processing capabilities.

In an era where instant communication reigns supreme, chatbots have become ubiquitous, seamlessly integrating into websites, messaging apps, and customer service platforms. From virtual assistants to customer support interfaces, chatbots are just about everywhere.

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At the very center of digital infrastructure, the term "database" is a cornerstone of modern technology, as it shapes how information is organized, accessed, and managed. A database is essentially a structured collection of data that software applications use to access and manipulate information in an organized manner.

From customer records to complex business transactions, databases serve as the backbone for storing and retrieving vast amounts of data. The ubiquity of databases spans across diverse sectors, influencing everything from e-commerce platforms to healthcare systems.

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While not an actual cloud, "cloud computing" is most definitely a transformative force, reshaping the landscape of data storage, processing, and accessibility. This term illustrates a shift from traditional physical infrastructure to a dynamic, virtual environment where computing resources are delivered as a service over the internet.

The cloud gives powerful tools to businesses and individuals alike, offering scalable solutions that transcend the limitations of physical hardware. From hosting applications to storing huge amounts of information, cloud computing has become a motor for innovation, providing agility and cost-effectiveness.

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A word derived from the Arabic mathematician Al-Khwarizmi's name, an algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions or rules designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem.

In the context of technology, algorithms are just about everywhere, organizing processes from search engine results to social media content curation to everything you can think of. As the driving force behind artificial intelligence and machine learning, algorithms have become the architects of predictive analytics, personalization, and automation. Their influence extends far beyond code, shaping our daily experiences in the digital age.

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A word that has been thrown around quite a lot in the last few years, "Artificial Intelligence" (AI), is firmly established in the lexicon of technology. This term refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding natural language.

AI can be found in diverse facets of modern life, from voice-activated virtual assistants to complex algorithms powering recommendation engines and autonomous vehicles. The endless pursuit of creating machines that can simulate the human brain has led to breakthroughs in machine learning and deep learning, revolutionizing industries and reshaping the way we interact with technology.

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The term "big data" is used to describe the management and analysis of enormous and complex datasets that exceed the capacity of traditional data-processing systems.

Big data maximizes our ability to extract valuable insights from the sheer volume and variety of information daily generated. From business analytics to scientific research, big data has become the basis upon which innovation and decision-making are based.

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One of those terms that, at least to a certain extent, explain themselves, "machine learning" is the capability of computer systems to improve performance and learn from experience without being explicitly programmed.

The very essence of machine learning lies in algorithms that analyze data, enabling machines to recognize patterns, make decisions, and refine their predictions over time. From recommendation engines that personalize user experiences to autonomous vehicles and everything in between, machine learning is an omnipresent technology.

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If you remember the way Arnold Schwarzenegger saw the world in Terminator 2, with added bits of information about whatever he was looking at, then you were an early witness of "augmented reality".

In the immersive realm of technology, "augmented reality" (AR) refers to the integration of computer-generated elements into the real-time environment, enhancing our perception and interaction with the physical surroundings. AR overlays digital information onto the user's view, combining virtual and tangible experiences.

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"IoT'' or the "Internet of Things," is a concept that illustrates the interconnected web of devices that communicate and share data seamlessly. This term refers to the integration of everyday objects, from household appliances to industrial machinery, with sensors, software, and network connectivity.

The result is a vast network where devices exchange information, offering real-time insights and automation designed not only to simplify our lives but also to help industries like healthcare, transportation, and smart cities.

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"Edge computing" refers to the practice of processing data near its source, at the edge of the network, rather than relying on a centralized cloud server. Edge computing brings computational power closer to where data is generated, speeding up processes and enhancing real-time processing capabilities.

From powering IoT devices to enabling faster response times in critical applications like autonomous vehicles, edge computing is a big shift towards decentralized, efficient data processing.

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Another word that gets thrown around a lot these days -but not as much as the next one on the list- is "encryption". This term refers to the process of converting information into a coded format that only authorized parties can decipher.

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are omnipresent, encryption serves as a shield, safeguarding sensitive information during transmission and storage. From securing online transactions to protecting confidential communications, the ubiquity of encryption technologies is essential to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our private data.

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If tech words had a popularity contest, this one would be on the podium. The term "blockchain" refers to a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers in a secure and transparent manner.

Each block in the chain builds upon the previous, creating a permanent, unalterable record. Beyond its initial association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain finds application in various industries, from supply chain management to healthcare.

AFK? RSVP ASAP!

14 Acronyms And Initialisms That You Might Not Know

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According to the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), initialisms are "sequences of letters that refer to a full expression," such as USA, "United States of America." Acronyms, on the other hand, are initialisms that have become words themselves, such as NASA. In this sense, all acronyms are initialisms, but not all initialisms are acronyms.

Although many acronyms and initialisms have made their way into ordinary English usage and most people know how to use them in their daily lives, many times the exact words that originated them are utterly forgotten. So, if you have been wondering what’s the real meaning behind many of these puzzling abbreviations or just want to refresh your knowledge with a little challenge, here are 14 popular acronyms that you might be getting wrong.

P.S.: Try to guess the meanings before reading the explanation!

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This one has gained more popularity in recent times, with the growth of remote or online work. It is primarily used to tell other members of an online board, chat room, or remote workspace that you won’t be available at your computer for a certain period of time. Although AFK originated in the early days of the internet, being first used in ‘90s chat rooms, it is still commonly displayed in online multiplayer games when someone isn’t playing or is currently unavailable.

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Chances are you already know this one. Party organizers usually add this little initialism to their invitations to make sure everyone contributes to the general happiness of the gathering. By bottle or beverage, of course, most people mean alcoholic drinks, although not necessarily. An alternative might be BYOF, meaning to "bring your own food."

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Another very popular one, especially if you work at an office or in formal party invitations (like a wedding). This is one of the many borrowed expressions from the French language that are still used today by English speakers. However, apparently, RSVP is no longer used in France and is considered to be quite old-fashioned. But, unless you are French, don’t be rude and reply, so the host will know whether to count you for their party or not.

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This one refers to doing crafts, repairs, or decorations at home by yourself, in contrast to hiring someone else to do it (a professional) or buying from the store. If you type "DIY" on a website like YouTube, you will find thousands of tutorials and guides that cover almost everything, from learning how to paint a wall to building your own radio.

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Originally a military term for soldiers who left their post without permission, now it is widely used to mean that someone has temporarily gone missing. When a friend suddenly disappears from the bar without a trace, you can now say that they have "gone AWOL" (although in all likelihood they are probably just sleeping it off).

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Commonly used in online forums and discussion boards to indicate that someone has posted something way too long and wordy. If you don’t like our article you can tell us TL;DR!

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In the last couple of years, you might have heard someone yelling "YOLO!" to no one in particular before doing something incredibly dumb or at least driven by a questionable train of thought. However, it can also be used to encourage someone to live their lives to the fullest, without overthinking things or worrying too much along the way. You can think of the aphorism ‘_Carpe Diem_’ (Latin for ‘seize the day’) as an ancient—and nobler—relative of this acronym.

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Another common workplace acronym, ASAP is used when you want to make it clear to someone that they should reply or do something quickly, or when there is a deadline coming and they should hurry up.

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A device that ‘stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths’, Laser is one of those acronyms that are cleverly hidden within a common use word.

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Bet you didn’t know this one. This initialism is commonly used as a tag in online posts or URLs that open adult content—mostly nudity, but also anything else that might not be suitable to see in the workplace or with children around. You might find it used to label any sort of films, books, or products that contain sexual or explicit content, profanity, violence, and other adult-oriented subjects.

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I’m not going to lie, I found this one surprising. In 1963, the United States Post Office began using the now ubiquitous ZIP Code, replacing an older system that needed improvement in terms of efficiency – hence calling it the "Zone Improvement Plan."

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Do not mistake it for OJ! (orange juice). If, like me, you were baffled by this acronym, very popular now among teenagers, you can join the party and start calling OGs left and right. But as usual, it is not exactly new. OG is an expression that has been used for decades in the rap and hip-hop culture as a way of respecting someone who has had a long experience or been around for a long time in a certain circle or scene. Effectively, it means "cool" and "old-school."

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Unless you are an amateur radio enthusiast or worked in engineering or the military, you probably never even gave a second thought to this word. The term RADAR was originally coined by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s to describe various detection systems that use radio waves to determine the distance, speed, and position of objects.

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It is usually speculated that this acronym (as many others) originated with the telegraph. International communications from the US president in the 1940s were commonly labeled as being sent by POTUS. Now you can see it used in official Twitter accounts and other White House media presence.

If you enjoyed learning the meaning behind words like YOLO or Radar, stay around! We will keep uploading more content like this!