Glossary

Browser & Privacy Terms

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Ad Blocker

Software that prevents advertisements from being displayed on web pages.

Chromium

An open-source browser project that provides the foundation for many browsers, including Google Chrome and Macro Browser.

dApp (Decentralized Application)

An application that runs on a decentralized network (typically a blockchain) rather than on centralized servers.

De-Googled

The process of removing Google services, APIs, and tracking components from Chromium-based software.

DNS (Domain Name System)

The system that translates human-readable domain names (like macrobrowser.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other.

Electron

A framework for building cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).

Fingerprinting

A technique used to identify and track users based on their browser configuration, system settings, and behavior.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

A secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between a browser and the website it's connected to, with encryption provided by SSL/TLS.

Incognito Mode / Private Browsing

A browsing mode that doesn't save browsing history, cookies, or form data after the session ends.

Renderer Process

In browser architecture, the process responsible for rendering web content (parsing HTML, CSS, and executing JavaScript).

Tracker

Software that collects data about users' online activities, often for advertising purposes.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A service that protects your internet connection by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.

Crypto & Web3 Terms

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ABI (Application Binary Interface)

The standard way to interact with contracts in the Ethereum ecosystem, both from outside the blockchain and for contract-to-contract interactions.

Blockchain

A distributed, immutable ledger that records transactions across many computers.

DeFi (Decentralized Finance)

Financial services and products built on blockchain technology, operating without centralized intermediaries.

EIP (Ethereum Improvement Proposal)

Documents proposing new features or processes for Ethereum and its related components.

ERC (Ethereum Request for Comment)

Technical standards used for smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, such as ERC-20 for fungible tokens and ERC-721 for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Gas

The fee required to execute operations on the Ethereum network, paid in Ether.

Layer 1

The main blockchain architecture, like Ethereum or Bitcoin.

Layer 2

Scaling solutions built on top of Layer 1 blockchains to improve transaction speed and reduce costs.

Metamask

A popular browser extension and mobile app that serves as an Ethereum wallet and gateway to blockchain applications.

NFT (Non-Fungible Token)

A cryptographic token that represents ownership of a unique item or piece of content.

P2P (Peer-to-Peer)

A decentralized network where computers can communicate directly without requiring a central server.

Private Key

A secret number that allows cryptocurrency transactions to be signed and authorized.

RPC (Remote Procedure Call)

A protocol that one program can use to request a service from a program located on another computer on a network.

Smart Contract

Self-executing code that runs on a blockchain and automatically enforces the terms of an agreement.

Web3

The concept of a decentralized web, built on blockchain technology, where users have control over their data and digital assets.

Wallet

Software or hardware that stores private keys and allows users to interact with blockchain networks.

Technical Implementation Terms

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API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.

CPU Process

A process that performs computational tasks using the computer's central processing unit.

GPU Process

A process that utilizes the graphics processing unit for rendering and computational tasks.

IPC (Inter-Process Communication)

The mechanisms an operating system provides to allow processes to manage shared data.

React

A JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications.

Sandbox

A security mechanism that provides a separated environment for running applications with limited access to system resources.

TypeScript

A programming language that adds static types to JavaScript, enhancing code quality and understandability.

UI (User Interface)

The visual elements and interactive components through which users interact with software.

WireGuard

A modern VPN protocol focused on simplicity and performance.