Post by Firefox on Dec 3, 2012 5:33:11 GMT
Here's our mini Jargon Buster. If you have another definition or there is something you want explained, post below and we'll add it to the index
Android An operating system (OS) developed by Google which is suited to mobile devices. (Like windows or DOS it runs your computer)
App Application . A small program which gives your mobile device better functionality. Typically it could be arranged to do something completely new like play a game of chess or it could be to do something better like browse facebook or email and get over the limitations of using them with a small screen on your smart phone.
Blue Tooth - Wireless technology using short wave radio to exchange data between typically two mobile devices. The range is less than WIFI: 100m for a class 1 device, 10m for class 2, and 1m for class 1.
Dongle From dangle- a device which attaches to your PC commonly from a USB port. They can be used as software locks but in mobile communications it refers to a data modem usually 3G which acts like a mobile phone to pick up a signal and transfer data to your computer.
3G/4G/GSM - Global system for communications. The G numbers refer to various improved standards. This is a radio network which is operated mainly off large masts and operates your mobile phone, but can also be used for data (internet). Also known a cell phone or cell network, the masts have a range of many miles typically 10 depending on terrain.
GPS Global positioning system. Using satellite signals your mobile device can work out your location similar to a Sat Nav system (uses quite a bit of battery power)
Hotspot Since MIFI and WIFI have a limited range, this just refers to the area in which a signal from the network can be picked up. Typically for a pub or restaurant, this is often only inside the premises or you may be lucky and pick up a signal in certain places in the car park.
MIFI - "My WIFI" - An idea that combines GSM and WIFI. You use a mobile phone or dongle to pick up a GSM signal from phone masts and then create a local WIFI hotspot which your other devices can then access. Eg A family or friends could all run their laptops or smart phones from one signal. Also known as "Tethering" your phone to produce a hotspot.
Modem Modulator/Demodulator - Any device which attaches to your PC or phone or is contained inside it which transfers a radio signal or phone signal to data your PC can understand. Could be a dongle modem, a wifi card, or a phone modem. Data on the internet is contained in "packets" little bundles of data which are arranged to the ip or internet protocol standard
Router A device which transfers data. In mobile communications it is often a wireless router, transmitting a WIFI signal over a limited area.
SD (card) Secure Digital. A standard for memory cards originally available in MB capacities they have now been extended so huge capacities like 32GB and 64GB are available on a small card. These cards can be used in computers, cameras, and phones enabling data transfer between them easily. You may also see SDHC or SDXC (High and extended capacities) and for small devices like phones Mini SD and Micro SD cards.
SMS Short Message Service otherwise known as a text. Also the standard for Twitter posts. Using SMS, a short message (160 characters) can be sent to a mobile phone to be displayed there. The message is buffered by the GSM network until the phone becomes active.
SIM - Subscriber Identity Module - The little card which goes in your mobile phone telling the phone about your number and network. Also contains some memory for contacts
WIFI - Wireless Fidelity. A standard for a radio network of limited range typically 100m max. This is often created by a small personal transmitter station known as a router. The radio network carries data signals which can be used to access to internet if you have a wireless card or WIFI capability in your device.
Android An operating system (OS) developed by Google which is suited to mobile devices. (Like windows or DOS it runs your computer)
App Application . A small program which gives your mobile device better functionality. Typically it could be arranged to do something completely new like play a game of chess or it could be to do something better like browse facebook or email and get over the limitations of using them with a small screen on your smart phone.
Blue Tooth - Wireless technology using short wave radio to exchange data between typically two mobile devices. The range is less than WIFI: 100m for a class 1 device, 10m for class 2, and 1m for class 1.
Dongle From dangle- a device which attaches to your PC commonly from a USB port. They can be used as software locks but in mobile communications it refers to a data modem usually 3G which acts like a mobile phone to pick up a signal and transfer data to your computer.
3G/4G/GSM - Global system for communications. The G numbers refer to various improved standards. This is a radio network which is operated mainly off large masts and operates your mobile phone, but can also be used for data (internet). Also known a cell phone or cell network, the masts have a range of many miles typically 10 depending on terrain.
GPS Global positioning system. Using satellite signals your mobile device can work out your location similar to a Sat Nav system (uses quite a bit of battery power)
Hotspot Since MIFI and WIFI have a limited range, this just refers to the area in which a signal from the network can be picked up. Typically for a pub or restaurant, this is often only inside the premises or you may be lucky and pick up a signal in certain places in the car park.
MIFI - "My WIFI" - An idea that combines GSM and WIFI. You use a mobile phone or dongle to pick up a GSM signal from phone masts and then create a local WIFI hotspot which your other devices can then access. Eg A family or friends could all run their laptops or smart phones from one signal. Also known as "Tethering" your phone to produce a hotspot.
Modem Modulator/Demodulator - Any device which attaches to your PC or phone or is contained inside it which transfers a radio signal or phone signal to data your PC can understand. Could be a dongle modem, a wifi card, or a phone modem. Data on the internet is contained in "packets" little bundles of data which are arranged to the ip or internet protocol standard
Router A device which transfers data. In mobile communications it is often a wireless router, transmitting a WIFI signal over a limited area.
SD (card) Secure Digital. A standard for memory cards originally available in MB capacities they have now been extended so huge capacities like 32GB and 64GB are available on a small card. These cards can be used in computers, cameras, and phones enabling data transfer between them easily. You may also see SDHC or SDXC (High and extended capacities) and for small devices like phones Mini SD and Micro SD cards.
SMS Short Message Service otherwise known as a text. Also the standard for Twitter posts. Using SMS, a short message (160 characters) can be sent to a mobile phone to be displayed there. The message is buffered by the GSM network until the phone becomes active.
SIM - Subscriber Identity Module - The little card which goes in your mobile phone telling the phone about your number and network. Also contains some memory for contacts
WIFI - Wireless Fidelity. A standard for a radio network of limited range typically 100m max. This is often created by a small personal transmitter station known as a router. The radio network carries data signals which can be used to access to internet if you have a wireless card or WIFI capability in your device.