Glossary: Common Online Platform Terms (2025–2026)

Your identity on a platform—usually defined by a username or email. An account stores settings, access permissions, and often a login history.

Android Package Kit. The file format used to install apps on Android devices. Installing APKs manually means you install an app outside the Play Store’s normal flow.

The process of proving you are the correct user—usually via username and password, sometimes with extra verification steps.

Stored files (like images and scripts) saved by your browser to load pages faster. A corrupted or outdated cache can cause broken layouts or repeated login loops.

A small file stored in your browser that helps platforms remember settings and login state. Clearing cookies often logs you out and resets site behavior.

Domain Name System. It translates website names into server addresses. DNS issues can cause slow loading, wrong page versions, or redirects to unexpected routes.

The readable name of a website (example: a-site.ph). Platforms sometimes use multiple domains for routing, load management, or regional access.

A method of protecting data by turning it into unreadable text unless you have the correct key. Platforms often encrypt passwords and sensitive communication.

A browser add-on that changes how websites behave (ad blockers, privacy tools, etc.). Some extensions can accidentally break login pages or verification checks.

A browser mode that starts with a clean temporary session (limited stored cookies and cache). Useful for testing whether login problems are caused by stored browser data.

Internet Service Provider. Network routing and stability can vary by ISP, location, and time of day—especially during peak hours in the Philippines.

The delay between your device and a server. High latency can make pages feel slow, cause timeouts, and interrupt login attempts.

A method platforms use to distribute traffic across multiple servers. This can cause redirects between different server routes, especially during high traffic.

A period when a platform updates servers, security, or features. During maintenance, login failures or slow loading can happen even if the user is doing everything correctly.

A temporary verification code used to confirm identity. OTPs often fail when device time is incorrect or when networks are unstable.

A request from an app to access parts of your phone (storage, camera, contacts, etc.). Grant permissions only when they match what the app needs.

When a website sends you to another URL automatically. Redirects can be normal (routing, security checks), but repeated redirects may signal session conflicts or cached issues.

Platforms may route users differently depending on location. This can affect loading speed, language, or which server cluster your device connects to.

A temporary “logged-in state” after authentication. Sessions can expire or break due to inactivity, network switching, or cookie conflicts.

A system where one login can access multiple connected services. SSO can reduce password reuse, but it also means account security becomes even more important.

A piece of data used to confirm authentication without constantly re-entering a password. Tokens are often stored in sessions and can expire or become invalid after system updates.

A method that adds an extra verification step beyond password. It reduces risk from password leaks, but can fail if device time or network is unstable.

A tool that changes your network route. VPNs can improve privacy in some cases, but they can also trigger security checks or cause location-based access differences.