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| Jargon Busting |
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ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is the technology whereby digital information at a high bandwidth is transmitted on existing phone lines. ADSL provides a continuously available, "always on" connection. The term “asymmetric” is used as most of the channel is employed to transmit downstream to the user and only a small part to receive information from the user (typically one will see 2mb/228kb as the ratio). ADSL was specifically designed to manage the most common multimedia communication in which large amounts of information flow toward the user (e.g. music or video downloads and streaming) and only a small amount of interactive control information is required in return.
Attachment
A file 'paper clipped' and sent with an e-mail message.
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Bandwidth
The volume of data that an internet connection can carry every second. The internet's network is often referred to as pipes, so the bigger the pipe the more information that can be squeezed through simultaneously. Bandwidth is measured in bits per second (bps).
BlueJacking
BlueJacking is the practice of sending anonymous messages to mobile users via Bluetooth. Phones that are Bluetooth-enabled can be tweaked to search for other Bluetooth handsets that will accept messages sent to them. However, a user can avoid these messages by setting their device to "invisible" or by turning off Bluetooth when not in use
Bluesnarfing
Bluesnarfing is a security flaw in Bluetooth that could allow an attacker to access and copy information stored on a mobile phone without the user's knowledge. Any information stored on a phone, such as contact lists or e-mail / text messages, are at risk in a Bluesnarfing attack.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth enables compatible devices to connect to each other wirelessly over a short range (typically 10 metres). Devices of different types can be easily connected with no other software required, and the connection can be used to transfer files as well as enable voice communications and multi-player gaming.
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Call Divert
Getting your calls diverted to another number. This number can be for a mobile, landline or simply you voice mail.
CPS (see also LCR)
Carrier Pre Select (or Selection) is the process whereby Isis Telecom manages its customers calls via carriers offering favourable financial terms. Calls are then routed via the most favourable carrier without having to dial a routing prefix or follow any other different procedure to invoke such routing.
CSD
Circuit Switched Data the original form of data transmission developed for the GSM mobile phone system. CSD used a single radio time slot to deliver 9.6 kbit/s data transmission to.
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DDI
Direct Dialling In (DDI) is the provision of a block of telephone numbers for receiving calls into a company's private branch exchange (PBX) system. Using DDI, a company can offer its customers individual phone numbers for each employee or company workstation without requiring a physical line into the PBX for each connection.
Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL)
A family of technologies generically referred to as DSL, or xDSL, capable of transforming ordinary phone lines (also known as "twisted copper pairs") into high-speed digital lines, capable of supporting advanced services such as fast Internet access and video-on-demand. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), HDSL (High data rate Digital Subscriber Line) and VDSL (Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line) are all variants of xDSL.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
Is a measure of the sharpness (that is, the density of illuminated points) on a display screen. The dot pitch determines the absolute limit of the possible dots per inch.
Duplex
In telecommunications, duplex means "two-way" when referring to communications channels. A full-duplex channel is a channel which can carry information in both directions at once.
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Encryption
Putting sensitive or confidential email, data, or documents into secure code to prevent them being read without the appropriate key. Especially used to protect data, such as credit card details, while in transit around the internet.
Extranet
A network similar to the Internet which connects a group of parties to a shared information system using Internet protocols.
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Firewall
A security barrier to prevent unauthorised access to a network or personal computer. All traffic is diverted to a proxy computer, or gatekeeper, for vetting.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol is a standard Internet protocol and the simplest way to exchange files between computers on the Internet. FTP is commonly used to download programs and other files to your computer from other servers.
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Gateway
A facility which adapts signals and messages of one network to the protocols and conventions of another.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Services a mobile data service available to users of GSM mobile phones. It is often described as "2.5G", that is, a technology between the second (2G) and third (3G) generations of mobile telephony. It provides moderate speed data transfer, by using unused TDMA channels in the GSM network. Max connection rate is 56kbps.
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HTML
Hypertext Mark-up Language is the computer language in which web pages are written. This language tells visitors' computers how to draw the page on their screen when they connect to a website.
HTTP
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the set of rules for exchanging files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web.
Hyperlink
One click short cuts to navigate your way round the web or within a website. Links tie the web together and usually take the form of highlighted images or underlined words. Your cursor will mostly change into a pointing finger icon as it passes over a link.
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IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identifier is a 15 digit number that uniquely identifies a mobile phone. The IMEI number is situated on the back of the phone.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol. A new email standard that leaves a copy of your email messages on the email server for a specified time. The big advantage is that you can download email from home and then download it again at work.
Instant Message
(See: SMS)
IP Telephony
(See: Voice Over IP)
ISDN
The Integrated Services Digital Network is a set of CCITT/ITU standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire as well as over other media. Home and business users who install an ISDN adapter (in place of a modem) can transmit and receive high definition graphics swiftly (up to 128 Kbps). ISDN requires adapters at both ends of the transmission so your access provider also needs an ISDN adapter. Typically telephone operators provide two variants: ISDN2 (2 channels of 64K) and ISDN30 (30 channels of 64K)
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Java
Java is a common type of computer programming language used to create applets and applications. Many of today mobile phone games run using Java.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEG, pronounced jay-peg, is a compression technique for colour images and photographs that balances compression against loss of detail in the image.
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LAN
Local Area Network - A network used for the transmission of data between independent computers often provided with a server.
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
The battery technology used in most phones. Li-ion batteries hold more energy than other batteries of the same weight. They do not suffer from the memory effect that can damage other batteries if charged incorrectly.
Lithium polymer
The latest battery technology holds more energy than the lithium ion batteries and is lighter.
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MegaPixel
A megapixel (that is, a million pixels) is a unit of image sensing capacity in a digital camera. (A pixel - a word invented from "picture element" - is the basic unit of programmable color on a computer display or in a computer image.) In general, the more megapixels in a camera, the better the quality when printing an image in a given size. A digital camera with a 1.3 megapixel resolution will print a good quality 4 x 3 inch print at 300 dpi (dots per inch).
MMC (MultiMedia Card)
A MultiMediaCard is a tiny memory card that uses flash memory to make storage portable among various devices, such as car navigation systems, cellular phones, eBooks, PDAs, smartphones, and digital cameras, music players, and video camcorders, and personal computers.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
Multimedia Messaging System is the logical evolution of the Short Message Service SMS, a text-only messaging system for mobile networks. MMS-enabled mobile phones enable subscribers to compose and send messages with one or more multimedia (digital photos, audio, video) parts. Mobile phones with built-in or attached cameras, or with built-in MP3 players are very likely to also have an MMS messaging client -- a software program that interacts with the mobile subscriber to compose, address, send, receive, and view MMS messages.
Modem
Stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The device by which your computer 'talks' to all the other computers on the internet to receive and relay information online.
MP3
MP3 is an increasingly popular way to store audio in electronic format. The MP3 format compresses audio files in such a way that the file size is relatively small, but the song sounds near perfect. You can identify MP3 files because they end in the ".mp3" extension. Typically 1 MB is equal to one minute of music or several minutes for spoken word/audiobooks.
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)
A standard for a digital video & audio compression.
MultiSIM
MultiSIM service gives user's the flexibility of using multiple SIM cards in up to ten mobile devices whilst subscribing to one single mobile phone number. Available for Vodafone users only.
m-Commerce (Mobile Commerce)
m-Commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld devices.
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Network
One of the five companies that puts up mobile phone radio transmitters all over the UK and sends your calls from one handset to another. The five UK networks are 3, Vodafone, O2, Orange and T-Mobile. A new phenomenon, the 'virtual' network, means companies such as Virgin or Sainsbury's, which buy airtime from T-Mobile and O2, can respectively to sell under their own name.
NGN
Non-geographic numbers. Isis Telecom provides a range of non-geographic numbers for marketing, market research, call management, sales and other purposes.
NiCad (Nickel Cadmium)
The NiCad battery is a type of battery commonly used in portable computers, camcorders, portable drills, and other small battery-powered devices, having an effective and even power discharge.
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
The cheaper of the battery technologies available in modern phones. A nickel metal hydride battery should be fully run down and then fully recharged, rather then topped up, or its long-term performance can be harmed. Lithium ion batteries, which are more expensive, can be topped up at any time. If you're considering buying an 'emergency' phone, bear in mind that all batteries degrade over time, even when they're not being used, and need to be run down and recharged at least once a month.
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PBX
Private Branch Exchange (i.e. telephone system).
PC Card
A PC Card (previously known as a PCMCIA card) is a credit card-size memory or I/O device that fits into a personal computer, usually a notebook or laptop computer.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
Personal Digital Assistant are handheld devices that were originally designed as personal organizers, but became much more versatile over the years. A basic PDA usually includes a clock, date book, address book, task list, memo pad, and a simple calculator. One major advantage of using PDAs is their ability to synchronize data with home computers.
Picture Messaging
(See: MMS)
PIN code (Personal Identification Number)
Prevent access to the SIM card. The SIM card will be blocked if three unsuccessful attempts to enter this number are made. You will need a PUK code if the SIM card is blocked, please see PUK code.
(Also see: PUK Code)
POP
Point of Presence. Where your Internet Service Provider physically connects to the main internet network. Also stands for Post Office Protocol, the agreed standard for downloading email messages.
Predictive Text
(See: T9)
PUK code (Personal Unblocking Key)
This code is needed if your SIM card is blocked, this code can be obtained from your service provider. If the incorrect PUK code is enter 3 times your SIM card will be permanently blocked.
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Quad Band
A mobile phone with quad band means that you can use this phone in any country worldwide that has a GSM network (depending on your networks roaming agreements). The 900 & 1800 bands are predominantly used in Europe & Asia. 850 & 1900 are used in North and South America. Please note that no GSM phone will work in Korea and Japan because they use different technologies.
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Roaming
A facility offered by the networks that allows you to use your mobile phone abroad.
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SD
Secure Digital is a flash memory memory card format. It is used in portable devices, including digital cameras and handheld computers. SD cards are based on the older Multi Media Card (MMC) format, but are physically slightly thicker and boast higher data transfer rates, a lock switch on the side to prevent accidental overwriting, and (little-used) DRM features. SD cards measure 32 mm by 24 mm by 2.1 mm.
Service Provider
This is the company that bills you for your calls. Your Service Provider is also responsible for setting services up on your line such as roaming.
SIM card
A small flat electronic chip on a plastic card that holds your phone number and account details.
SMS
Short Message Service is a service available on most digital mobile phones that permits the sending of short messages (also known as SMSes, text messages, messages, or more colloquially texts or even txts) between mobile phones, other handheld devices and even landline telephones.
Standby
When you're not talking on your mobile phone but simply waiting for a call, it's in standby mode. This uses less battery power than talking. When we quote figures for battery performance, we give a maximum figure that assumes you simply leave it on standby without making a call, and another figure that assumes you ring someone and keep talking until the phone gives out. Real-life figures will depend on the way you use the phone, and will come somewhere between the two.
Symbian
A company created by Psion, Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola in 1998 with the aim of developing and standardizing an operating system that enable mobile phones from different manufacturers to exchange information. Normally recognised as the highly popular mobile operating platform also susceptible to virus'.
Sync with PC
This is a function that allows you to synchronies your mobile phone with your PC.
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Talktime
The duration a battery operated device can actively engage with a digital or voice conversation. Usually related to mobile phones the amount of Talktime quoted is based on a full charge to full discharge.
T9, Easy Text, Predictive Text
T9 texting removes the need for individually selecting each letter of the word you are typing. The software predicts the intended word, removing the need to press each key more than once.
Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
A service established by the Direct Marketing Association to help reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls received by customers. Customers contact their telephone company to register and their details are then removed from lists used by many companies engaged in Direct Marketing.
Text Messaging
(See: SMS)
Tri-band
Tri-band means the phone understands the American 1900MHz-frequency band as well as the European 900MHz and 1800MHz. (Also see:dual-band)
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UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service is a third-generation ( 3G ) broadband , packet -based transmission of text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at potential data rates of up to 2 megabits per second.
URL
Uniform/Universal resource locator e.g. www.isistelecom.com
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Voice dial
Allows you to call someone just by saying their name. You have to save a recording of yourself doing it, so the phone has something to recognise. The little recording is called a voice tag.
Voicemail
This is your mobile phone's answer-phone system. When someone has left you a message, you have to dial a number and listen to it. There is usually a button specially programmed to dial your voicemail.
Voice Over IP
A voice message delivered using the Internet Protocol. It is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol.
VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) is a way to use a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organisation’s network.
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WAN
Wide Area Network is a network extending beyond the customers’ premises to link a number of sites.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
"WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is a specification for a set of communication protocol s to standardize the way that wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for Internet connection.
WML
Wireless Markup Language is the primary content format for devices that implement the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) specification based on XML, such as mobile phones.
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3G
(See: UTMS)
4G
Fourth generation WWAN communications systems that are characterized by high-speed data rates at 20+ Mbps, suitable for high-resolution movies and television. Initial deployments are anticipated in 2006-2010.
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