Magic is usually defined as a method of obtaining an effect without working through a technological intermediary. Rather than killing a person by pointing a gun at them all you would need to do is point a finger at them and say something or perform a ritual of some sort. In some systems this action would be all that is needed - there is no corresponding effect on the person casting the magic. In others, something is lost from the caster - either energy or a 'quality of soul' depending on the type of action (Star Wars is a reasonable example of one's actions in the Force affecting your moral standing). David Eddings' Sorcerers in the 'Belgariad' and its sequels have to off-set energy used by energy brought in from the surrounding environment. This energetically limits certain acts and can lead to energy exhaustion.
Another thing that needs pointing out is the famous quote usually known as 'Clarke's Law' - any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Just because your technology can not explain how a cloud can change one thing to something else, it does not mean that their nanotechnology could not!
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