Tech explainers

Read in-depth guides to the most important technologies affecting organizations and individuals.

What is AI in networking?

AI in networking involves the application of artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning, deep learning and advanced data analytics, to automate, optimize and secure network operations.
The history of semiconductors and the chip-making industry

Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern technology and are essential for innovation in the modern age.
Semiconductor chip materials: What and where to source them

Semiconductor chips are predominantly made from silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide. Production is limited and mostly based in China, which could create future supply issues.
How U.S. tariffs are reshaping the tech landscape

The Trump Administration's tariffs levy a minimum 10% tax on global imports, heavily affecting tech industry supply chains.
What is infrastructure automation?

Infrastructure automation uses software tools to automate processes related to IT infrastructure provisioning, management and monitoring.
An explanation of cyberattacks and their different forms

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to breach computer systems. Types include phishing, ransomware and SQL injection. Prevention requires training, monitoring and encryption.
10 core steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process

Semiconductors bridge conductors and insulators, enabling precise control of electrical flow. This complex process creates the foundation of modern electronics.
Four tech companies increasing manufacturing in the U.S.

Tech companies are pledging to increase U.S. manufacturing by building new or expanding existing facilities as well as investing in research and development.
Finfluencers: A guide to personal financial content creators

Finfluencers create personal finance content on social media, often appealing to Gen Z and retail investors, but the lack of regulation means there are risks involved.
An explanation of customer relationship management (CRM)

CRM systems combine data, strategies and technology to manage customer interactions. Features include automation, lead tracking, and analytics to improve service and drive sales.
Meta Llama 4 explained: Everything you need to know

Meta released Llama 4 -- a multimodal LLM that analyzes and understands text, images, and video data. There are three primary versions of Llama 4 -- Scout, Maverick and Behemoth.
An explanation of pen testing

Pen testing uses six steps to test systems for vulnerabilities so organizations can remediate any problems and strengthen their cybersecurity against potential attacks.
What is quantum error mitigation?

Quantum error mitigation is a process used to reduce the impact of errors in quantum computing.
Google Gemini 2.5 Pro explained: Everything you need to know

Google's latest multimodal model – Gemini 2.5 Pro – entered the AI race with enhanced reasoning and improved performance across coding, math and science benchmarks.
An explanation of neural networks

Neural networks are a type of machine learning model that mimic the human brain. With three different layers of processors, these networks are used in various industries.
An explanation of SAP ERP, ECC and S/4HANA

SAP's enterprise resource management products under SAP ERP include ECC and S/4HANA. They are designed for enterprises across all business aspects, but are costly to implement.
An explanation of data science and data scientist jobs

Data science uses advanced analytics techniques to gain insights, especially for business use cases.
GPT-4.1 explained: Everything you need to know

OpenAI released a new family of general-purpose models on April 14, 2025. The GPT-4.1 series includes three models with a developer focus – GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-4.1 nano.
How do cybercriminals steal credit card information?

Cybercriminals have various methods at their disposal to hack and exploit credit card information. Learn what they are, how to prevent them and what to do when hacked.
Google antitrust case explained: What's next?

A U.S. judge ruled Google violated antitrust laws with an illegal monopoly over online searches -- a landmark decision with major implications for Big Tech and consumer choices.
OpenAI o3 and o4 explained: Everything you need to know

OpenAI o3 and o4-mini are successors to the o1 model and are releases from the OpenAI reasoning model branch. These models became widely available on April 16, 2025.
What is quantum error correction?

Quantum error correction detects and fixes fragile qubit errors caused by interference and decoherence, enabling fault-tolerant, reliable and scalable quantum computing systems.
The top 5 most secure encrypted messaging apps

Secure messaging uses end-to-end encryption, decentralized servers and open source code. The most secure messaging apps, such as Signal and Sessions, combine these features.
The rise of digital detox apps

Digital detox apps are gaining popularity as they help users reduce screen time, fight digital addiction and improve mental well-being.
An explanation of cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to criminal activity that uses a computer, networked device or network. Its many forms, from extortion to identity theft, can cause real damage to organizations.
RTO mandates: Why they're happening and the possible outcomes

After years of remote work, some companies are making employees return to the office. Experts predict good and bad results with mentorship opportunities or employee turnover.
16 TikTok alternatives to check out in 2025

TikTok wasn't the first of its kind, and it won't be the last. Check out these alternatives if you're looking for a new platform with similar features.
Grok 3 model explained: Everything you need to know

XAI introduced and expanded its large language model to the newest version -- Grok 3, which offers features such as advanced reasoning, knowledge retrieval and text summarization.
Cybercrime-as-a-service explained: What you need to know

Cybercrime-as-a-service is quickly evolving, offering easy access to hacking tools for criminals. Learn how it works and steps to protect your organization from attacks.
The 6 different types of quantum computing technology

Technology providers offer several paths to the promised land of quantum advantage, but customers must navigate the engineering tradeoffs among the varied types of qubits.
An explanation of personally identifiable information

Everyone has personally identifiable information -- some of it sensitive and some of it not. Keeping PII safe is important, since bad actors can use it for malicious ends.
An explanation of software-as-a-service (SaaS)

Software-as-a-service is a way for organizations to rent cloud computing services rather than buy and own applications. It has both advantages and disadvantages.
APM best practices: 9 strategies to adopt

Teams responsible for APM must develop a clear strategy to identify performance risks, reduce APM costs and secure sensitive data collected as part of their initiatives.
What is Gemma? Google's open sourced AI model explained

Gemma is a collection of lightweight open source generative AI models designed mainly for developers and researchers.
Application performance monitoring vs. management

Explore the nuances between application performance monitoring and application performance management, especially in enhancing application efficiency and the user experience.
8 IT process automation platforms to explore in 2025

Selecting an IT process automation platform requires organizations to evaluate processes, skill level and integration issues. These popular products are good options.
5 ways to tell if an app is safe before downloading

Before downloading an app, users should verify the publisher, look at reviews and consult the privacy policy to determine whether it is safe to install.
7 U.S. tech policies to watch in 2025

The Trump administration is already enacting new tech policies, seeking to establish the U.S. as a global leader in AI development and innovation while reducing red tape on Big Tech.
Treasury Department hacked: Explaining how it happened

Another major cyberattack hit the U.S. Treasury, allegedly by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. Exploiting BeyondTrust software, they accessed sensitive unclassified documents.
GPT-4.5 explained: Everything you need to know

GPT-4.5, OpenAI's latest model, enhances natural conversation and emotional intelligence. It supports content generation, multilingual proficiency and more.
AI fatigue explained: What it is and how to combat it

With the rapid development of AI and the onset of generative AI, AI fatigue is becoming more common across businesses and negatively affecting the employee experience.
Six major tech lawsuits to keep tabs on in 2025

Tech giants will head to court to address antitrust cases, data privacy, content moderation and copyright. These cases may set key legal precedents for the future of tech.
Stargate AI explained: What's in the $500 billion project

Co-led by OpenAI and Softbank, Stargate AI aims to invest $500 billion in new AI data centers and infrastructure to help U.S.-based AI innovation, but it has raised concerns.
Google Gemini 2.0 explained: Everything you need to know

Google Gemini 2.0, announced in December 2024, will enhance generative AI with multimodal capabilities and agentic AI features, integrating across Google services.
What we can learn from 2024's top 5 healthcare cyberattacks

2024's top healthcare cyberattacks each affected millions of patients, revealing vulnerabilities and showing how critical a strong cybersecurity system is to secure patient data.
ChatGPT search vs. Google: How do they differ?

ChatGPT brings a fresh take on internet search with conversational AI, but Google retains key advantages. Discover how these two platforms stack up and differ.
TikTok bans explained: Everything you need to know

The United States government takes aim at the viral video sharing application TikTok.
How has generative AI affected cybersecurity?

Generative AI helps security teams defend against threats, but it also lets bad actors infiltrate organizations. Learn about how each side is tapping into GenAI to gain an edge.
The history of cloud computing explained

Get a clear view of cloud's historical milestones, how it evolved into the juggernaut it is today and transformed the commercial and working worlds for businesses and consumers.
Pig butchering scam explained: Everything you need to know

People wanting to make money on the cryptocurrency market are becoming targets for scammers. Scammers are even looking for their next victim through dating and social media apps.
What is prompt engineering?

Prompt engineering is an artificial intelligence (AI) engineering technique that refines large language models (LLMs), with specific prompts and recommended outputs. It also is part of the process of refining input to various generative AI (GenAI) services to generate text or images.
35 cybersecurity statistics to lose sleep over in 2025

Here are 35 eye-opening cybersecurity stats -- on cybercrime, vulnerabilities, costs, careers and other trends -- to consider while evaluating your 2025 security plan.
11 ways to spot disinformation on social media

Social media disinformation is meant to be deceptive and can spread quickly. Here are some ways to spot it.
Intel's rise and fall: A timeline of what went wrong

Intel's dramatic decline highlights its struggle to compete in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, as its market value lags giants such as Nvidia and AMD.
Apple lawsuit history explained

In March 2024, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging its smartphone market monopoly. However, this isn't the first time Apple has seen legal action.
FTX scam explained: Everything you need to know

Cryptocurrency values rose in 2021 but started to decline in 2022, causing some exchange platforms to fold. FTX appeared to stay strong -- until news broke of an elaborate scam.
Rise of the subscription economy: What it is and how it works

The subscription economy is reshaping consumer habits, offering flexible access over ownership. It drives convenience, loyalty and predictable revenue.
What is PSTN (public switched telephone network)?

PSTN (public switched telephone network) is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks via traditional circuit-switched networks.
5 ways solar flares affect technology

Solar flares are intense sun explosions that can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids and electronics.
ChatGPT search: Details about OpenAI's search engine

ChatGPT search is a generative AI search engine that ingests information in real time.
Diffusion of innovations theory: Definition and examples

Discover how the diffusion of innovations theory unravels the journey of ideas and tech, from bold innovators to cautious laggards, shaping adoption trends across industries today.
Passkey vs. password: What is the difference?

Companies are turning to passkeys as a secure login for consumers. Passkeys make it more difficult for thieves to steal information, and they are also more convenient for users.
What is a support vector machine (SVM)?

A support vector machine (SVM) is a type of supervised learning algorithm used in machine learning to solve classification and regression tasks.
Conversational AI vs. generative AI: What's the difference?

As AI continues to evolve, understanding the differences and collaborative potential of conversational AI and generative AI is vital to their role in shaping the digital landscape.
7 examples of augmented analytics in the enterprise

Augmented analytics uses machine learning, AI and natural language processing to help business users interpret complex data sets. Explore use cases across industries.
Hardware vs. software explained

If you can touch it, it's hardware. If it's an application you can't touch, it's software.
Data engineers, data scientists and data analysts explained

Understanding the differences in the roles of data scientists, analysts and engineers can boost productivity and efficiency in a business.
What is identity governance and administration (IGA)?

Identity governance and administration (IGA) is the collection of processes and practices used to manage user digital identities and their access throughout the enterprise.
An explanation of ransomware

Ransomware encrypts data and demands payment for release. Protect yourself by backing up data, updating software and avoiding suspicious links.
What's going on with Nvidia stock and the booming AI market?

Nvidia's market value surpassed $3 trillion in 2024, fueled by the generative AI boom, rebounding tech sector and 154% stock growth in 2024. However, there are questions if AI will sustain the hype cycle.
An explanation of RFID

RFID -- often an alternative to barcode systems -- uses electromagnetic frequencies to uniquely identify a person, object or animal.
Coffee badging explained: Why businesses are cracking down

Companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates, and employees aren't thrilled. Boosting morale with perks and flexibility can ease the transition.
7 common social media privacy issues

Social media usage continues to grow as people share posts, videos and photos. However, there are data privacy issues and risks with sharing on social media.
CrowdStrike outage explained: What caused it and what’s next

A CrowdStrike update caused a massive IT outage, crashing millions of Windows systems. Critical services and business operations were disrupted, revealing tech reliance risks.
What is cloud compliance and why is it important?

Cloud compliance ensures the safe and secure use and storage of data through strict adherence to existing cloud computing rules and guidelines, including applicable federal or international laws and regulatory compliance, as well as industry frameworks and best practices.
What is cloud architecture? Design and implementation

Cloud architecture is how infrastructure components are connected and configured to create a suitable cloud computing environment for the performance, reliability and scalability needed to host user workloads and data.
What is mixed reality?

Mixed reality refers to advanced technology that combines both virtual reality (VR), a fully immersive computer-generated experience, and augmented reality (AR), which integrates digital elements into the physical world.
How to opt out of AI training across social media platforms

Whether they are aware of it or not, businesses are increasingly using people's social media posts -- written content and images -- for their training AI systems.
How Hurricane Helene may cause semiconductor chip shortages

The hurricane disrupted quartz mining essential for semiconductors. While some operations resumed, delays may affect chip supply chains and global industries.
What is cloud networking?

Cloud networking is a type of IT infrastructure in which the cloud hosts some or all of an organization's networking resources.
The American Water cyberattack: Explaining how it happened

A cyberattack on American Water disrupted customer systems. While water operations were unaffected, the incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Visa antitrust lawsuit explained: What happens next

The DOJ has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, alleging it has unlawfully monopolized the U.S. debit card market, limiting competition and charging exorbitant fees.
How AI speech recognition shows bias toward different accents

AI speech recognition systems often struggle to understand certain accents and dialects due to insufficient training data.
What is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)?

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that is responsible for identifying network devices and routing traffic across the internet.
What is cloud consulting? Everything you should know

Cloud consulting assists organizations with the complexity of cloud computing including building, deploying, managing and securing applications and infrastructure in the cloud.
What is AI inference?

AI inference is the process during which a trained AI model applies its understanding to generate original output in real time.
How to spot a fake review online

AI is making fake reviews harder to spot, as they become more convincing. The FTC's new rules target deceptive practices, helping consumers trust reviews before making a purchase.
What is a large action model (LAM)?

A large action model (LAM) is an AI system that understands queries and responds by taking action.
What is cloud economics?

Cloud economics analyzes the total cost of ownership, benefits of cloud services and the overall computing costs in an enterprise environment, focusing on the economic principles driving these factors.
8 largest IT outages in history

IT outages can be caused by cyberattacks, hardware failure, natural disasters and human error. Learn about some of the biggest outages here.
What is quishing (QR code phishing)?

QR code phishing, or 'quishing,' is a social engineering phishing attack that intentionally deceives its recipient into scanning a QR code, redirecting the person to a bogus website.
What is skill-based routing (SBR)?

Skill-based routing (SBR) is a strategy within customer service and contact centers to distribute incoming interactions -- phone calls, chats or emails -- based on the specific skills of the agents.
What is secure multiparty computation (SMPC)?

Secure multiparty computation (SMPC) is a form of confidential computing that protects the privacy and security of systems and data sources, while maintaining the data's integrity.
GPUs vs. TPUs vs. NPUs: Comparing AI hardware options

Traditional CPUs struggle with complex ML and AI tasks, leading to today's specialized processors -- GPUs, TPUs and NPUs, each tailored to handle specific functions efficiently.
An explanation of Apple Intelligence

Core features of Apple's generative AI tool include natural language understanding, custom image generation and automatic transcription.
An explanation of configuration management

Configuration management has four key benefits -- compliance, consistency, service delivery and security.
Fibonacci sequence use cases in technology

The Fibonacci sequence has key applications in code testing, cryptography and quantum computing.
An explanation of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity protects internet-connected systems from attacks, covering hardware, software and data.
Explaining an AI bubble burst and what it could mean

As stock market turbulence sparks speculation of an AI bubble burst, the tech industry faces a critical shift, with inflated expectations turning to a review of AI's potential.
An explanation of subnets

Subnets make networking manageable and ensure efficient communication. Without subnetting, sending emails, texts and documents would be significantly slower.