50 Tech Questions You're Too Afraid to Ask

Question Answer Do I need to turn my computer off every night? Not necessary. Sleep mode is fine for daily use, but restart once a week to keep it running well. What's the difference between Wi-Fi and internet? Internet is the global network; Wi-Fi is the wireless connection that gets you to the internet in your home. Can people see what I'm doing on my phone? Not unless you give them access or they have spyware on your device. Your cellular provider can see data usage but not content. Is it safe to save my passwords in my browser? Generally yes for convenience, but a password manager app is more secure. What does clearing my cache do? It deletes temporary files that websites store, which can fix loading problems and free up space. Why do websites want to use cookies? To remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and track your activity for advertising purposes. Should I click "Accept All Cookies"? It's usually fine, but you can decline if you're concerned about privacy and tracking. What's the cloud and where is it? It's just other people's computers (servers) that store your data. Your files are in data centers, accessible via internet. Will my phone get a virus? It's rare but possible. Stick to official app stores and don't click suspicious links to stay safe. Do I really need antivirus software? Yes for Windows computers. Macs have built-in protection. Phones rarely need it if you're careful. What does "update available" mean? New software is ready to install that fixes problems or adds features. Generally safe to install. Why does my phone say storage is full? Too many photos, videos, or apps. Delete unwanted items or use cloud storage to free up space. What's the difference between 4G and 5G? They're cellular network speeds. 5G is newer and faster than 4G, but 4G works fine for most things. Can I get hacked just by opening an email? Opening is usually safe. Don't click links or download attachments from people you don't know. What does "phishing" mean? Scam messages pretending to be from real companies trying to steal your passwords or personal information. Is public Wi-Fi safe to use? OK for browsing, but avoid banking or entering passwords. Hackers can sometimes see your activity. What's the difference between GB and MB? Both measure data. 1 GB (gigabyte) = 1,000 MB (megabytes). GB is bigger. Why does my device get hot? Running intensive apps uses a lot of power. Normal unless it's very hot or happens constantly. Should I let apps access my location? Only if the app needs it to work (like maps). You can always say no or change it later in settings. What's two-factor authentication? Extra security that requires your password plus a code sent to your phone to log in. Highly recommended. Can I delete pre-installed apps? Some yes, some no. The ones you can't delete are usually core system apps the device needs. What's the difference between sleep and shut down? Sleep saves your work and lets you resume quickly. Shut down closes everything and turns off completely. Why do apps need so many updates? To fix bugs, add features, improve security, and work with new operating system versions. What does "sync" mean? Automatically updating the same information across all your devices so everything matches. Is airplane mode just for airplanes? No, it's useful anytime you want to turn off all wireless connections to save battery or avoid interruptions. What's the difference between a tablet and a laptop? Tablets are touchscreen-only and simpler. Laptops have keyboards and can run more complex programs. Why can't I see my cursor? Move your mouse or trackpad. If still missing, try pressing Escape or restarting the program. What does it mean to reboot or restart? Turning your device completely off and back on. Fixes many common problems. Can deleted photos be recovered? Sometimes from "Recently Deleted" folder for 30 days, or from backups. Otherwise usually gone forever. What's a PDF and why use it? A document format that looks identical on any device and can't be easily edited. Good for sharing final documents. Why does my battery drain so fast? Brightness too high, too many apps running, old battery, or poor signal constantly searching for connection. What's the difference between cellular data and Wi-Fi? Cellular data uses your phone plan and counts toward your limit. Wi-Fi uses your home internet and is usually unlimited. Should I worry about running out of data? Only if you have a limited cellular plan. Check your usage in settings and use Wi-Fi when possible. What does "no signal" mean? Your device can't connect to cellular towers. Usually happens in remote areas or inside thick buildings. Can I use my phone while it's charging? Yes, it's completely safe and won't damage your battery. What's Bluetooth and when should I use it? Wireless connection for nearby devices like headphones, speakers, or car systems. Uses very little battery. Why won't my Bluetooth connect? Make sure both devices are in pairing mode, close enough (within 30 feet), and Bluetooth is turned on. Try restarting both. What's the difference between iPhone and Android? iPhone runs iOS (Apple only). Android runs on many brands (Samsung, Google, etc.). Both work well, just different interfaces. Can I text someone with a different type of phone? Yes, always. Texts between iPhone and Android just won't have special features like reactions. What are those read receipts? Notifications showing when someone has read your message. Can be turned off in settings if you prefer privacy. Why are some text bubbles blue and some green? On iPhone: blue = iMessage (iPhone to iPhone), green = SMS (regular text to any phone). What does it mean to "unmute"? Turning your microphone back on during a call so others can hear you. Why can't people hear me on video calls? Your microphone is muted or the app doesn't have permission. Check the mute button and settings. What's the difference between Reply and Reply All? Reply goes to one person. Reply All sends your response to everyone on the email thread. Should I unsubscribe from emails? Yes, if you don't want them. Legitimate companies must honor unsubscribe requests. Don't unsubscribe from obvious spam. What does forwarding an email mean? Sending an email you received to someone else. It includes the original message. What's CC and BCC in email? CC = carbon copy (everyone sees who got it). BCC = blind carbon copy (recipients hidden from each other). Is it rude to leave someone on "read"? Depends on context and relationship. It just means you saw the message but haven't responded yet. What does "going viral" mean? When content spreads rapidly online with millions of people viewing and sharing it. What's the difference between a post and a story? Posts stay on your profile permanently. Stories disappear after 24 hours. Do I have to respond to every notification? Absolutely not. You can turn off notifications for specific apps or ignore them. You're in control.