Phrasal Verbs for Technology and Computers

Phrasal Verb Meanings Example

log in v. connect to a computer using a To begin, log in to your

sign in username and password desktop system.
n. page or act of registering
permission to use a program

hook up to connect wires from machines Would you please help

to a power source or other me hook up the Internet
machines cable?

power up provide power to a machine Press the red button

turn on to power up your tablet.

boot up begin running a computer Wait a second, my

start up system computer is booting up.

set up v. to install a new computer This application took a long

program or assemble a computer time to set up.
system

n. the process of adding

information using a computer
program

pull down v. choose from a menu of Look for the file menu
pulldown options in a computer and pull down to “Save
 application extending down from As…”
the action bar like a window
blind
n. a menu of options

click on move a mouse over an item and Click on the start menu to
press to select begin.

scroll up to move slowly to the top or The news story was so long I
bottom of a text had to scroll down a lot to
scroll down read it all.

run out of exhaust a supply of something You will run out of disk

space if you save copies of all
your emails.

back up v. make an extra copy of a file Be sure you back up your

files before you change
backup n. an extra copy of a file systems.

print out v. send an electronic document I have to print out the

to a printer directions before I leave
printout home.
n. a printed document

hack into enter a computer or network Someone hacked into my

illegally bank and stole millions of
dollars.

go down stop operating properly I cannot send any emails

because the
server went down.
wipe out completely erase or delete files Before you donate your
computer, be sure
you wipe out the hard drive.

pop up v. to appear suddenly If you do not want to see the

n. an advertisement that appears ads, turn on your pop
popup suddenly on a computer screen up blocker.

plug in v. insert a cord into an outlet or Plug in your laptop over

port there.
plug-in
n. an addition to a software
program that performs a certain
task

sign up register with a service She signed up for an online

dating service.

key in type or enter characters using a It takes too much time to key
keyboard in that long password.

opt in / out choose to receive advertising or The company asked me

messages to opt in to get special offers
by email.

filter out remove unwanted email Can we filter out all the

messages spam on this account?

turn off end a session on the computer by I’m tired, so I’m going
closing an application or to shut down the computer
shut down removing power for today.
power down

go to use the Internet / not use the I will send you that
online/offline Internet information as soon as I
can go online.