Here's a breakdown:
What it encompasses:
* Hardware problems: Faulty equipment, broken cables, power outages, etc.
* Software issues: Bugs, crashes, incompatibility, security breaches, etc.
* Network problems: Internet connection issues, slow speeds, server downtimes, etc.
* Human error: Incorrect configuration, accidental deletion, etc.
* Environmental factors: Temperature fluctuations, humidity, etc.
* External factors: Power surges, natural disasters, etc.
What it usually refers to:
* Interruptions in service: For example, a website going down or a live broadcast being delayed.
* Reduced functionality: A program not working properly, a device displaying an error message, etc.
* Inability to access information or resources: For example, a database becoming inaccessible or a file getting corrupted.
The key takeaway is that "technical difficulties" are any problems that prevent a system, device, or process from operating as intended.
The specific cause of the technical difficulty can vary greatly depending on the context.