Did you know the meaning of these tech terms?

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Commonly used tech-terms

Did you know the meaning of these tech terms?

Technology is evolving… and it’s happening fast! From Ethernet cords to QWERTY keyboards, the “tech jargon” required to communicate about these new advances are changing quicker than you can ask Siri or Cortana, What an “accelerometer” is! With this in mind, we’ve composed the list below of some of the more obscure lingo you need to know in order to be considered a true gadget guru. So quit “Face-Timing” and enjoy!

1.     112

The Emergency Phone number in Europe and many parts of the world. The equivalent of 911 in the U.S.

2.     3G

Third Generation: 3G is loosely defined, but generally includes high data speeds, always on data access, and greater voice capacity (more simultaneous calls per tower.)

3.     4G

Fourth Generation: Used to describe wireless mobile radio technologies that offer faster data rates than current 3G (third generation) technologies.

A

4.     A2DP

A Bluetooth profile (mode) for streaming audio, such as music from a phone to headphones.

5.     Accelerometer

An electronic component that measures tilt and motion.

6.     Airplane Mode

Some phones and other wireless devices have a special mode that turns off just the wireless radio parts of the device, for safe use on an airplane where radio transmitters are not allowed.

7.     AMOLED

Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode: Another display technology, like LED or OLED, used in mobile devices and televisions.

8.     Android

An open source mobile operating system developed by Google that utilizes Linux Kernel and GNU software.

9.     API

Application Programming Interface: A documented set of commands that specifies how software components interact with each other.

10.  App

An App, short for application, is a small specialized program that can be installed and run on your device.

11.  App-Store

An online service for Apple device users which allows them to browse, purchase or download application for the iPhone, iPad or iPod.

12.  Attentuation

The decrease in signal strength as a result of absorption and scattering of energy by objects such as buildings, trees, people, etc.

13.  AWS

Advanced Wireless Service: A specific band of radio frequencies (spectrum) intended to be used for 3G and 4G wireless phone and broadband services.

14.  Avatar

An image or character created to represent a user to help distinguish one user from another on forums and another places where people often identify each other by their usernames.

B

15.  Band

In wireless communication, band refers to a specific range of radio frequencies.

16.  Bandwidth

The width or capacity of a communication channel.

17.  Belt Clip

A clasp that attaches a mobile phone to your belt or pocket.

18.  Bitrate

The number of bits processed per unit of time, so kbps/kbit/s stands for kilobits per second. Not to be confused with KB, which stands for kilobyte. 1B= 8bits, 1KB = 1024 Bytes.

19.  Bittorrent

A peer to peer sharing protocol used to distribute large amounts of data that is transferred between computers and host networks. These large files are broken down into smaller packets and downloaded, or “leached” from other users or “seeders”.

20.  Blue-Ray

An optical disc storage system designed to supersede the DVD format. Blue-Ray disks hold 25 GB of data per layer and can store up to 128 GB on the quad-layer disks.

21.  Bluetooth

A short-range wireless technology used to create PAN’s (Personal Area Networks) among your devices, and with other nearby devices.

22.  Bluetooth Keyboard

A keyboard that uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to a mobile device.

23.  BSI

Back-Side Illumination: A type of camera sensor notable for excellent low-light performance.

24.  Bumper Case

A case for a mobile device that only protects the sides and edges. Typically made of rubber or TPU.

25.  Byte

A unit of digital information that consists of 8 Bits. The Byte is the number of bits used to create a single character of text in a computer which made it the natural smallest addressable unit of memory in many computer architectures.

C

26.  Cache

A memory storage area in the phone or network that stores copies of information that is likely to be needed in the near future, so it can be accessed faster.

27.  Call Waiting

A service whereby a caller is notified of incoming calls and able to place their current call on hold.

28.  Capacitive

Capacitive Touch: Capacitive touch technology works by directly sensing the electrical properties of the human body.

29.  Captcha

Captcha stands for “Completely Automated Public Tuning Test” to tell computers and humans apart. It is used to combat spamming.

30.  Car Charger

A device that plugs into the cigarette lighter receptacle of your car and uses the automobile’s electricity to charge the battery on your phone or tablet.

31.  Carrier

A company that provides wireless telecommunications services in exchange for a monthly or flat fee.

32.  CCD

Charged-Coupled Device: A type of image sensor. In effect, it is the “eye” of a camera phone, digital camera, or video camera.

33.  Charger Case

A case that is capable of charging your phone and extending battery life.

34.  CIF

Common Interface Format: A standard resolution (size) for mobile phones videos and images produced by very low-resolution digital cameras.

35.  CLDC

Connected Limited Device Connection: A standardized “virtual machine” and set of APIs designed to allow a wide range of Java software to run easily across a wide range of mobile devices such as cell phones.

36.  Clock Speed

The frequency at which a CPU is running, measured in Hertz. The higher the clock speed, the faster the experience for the user.

37.  Cloud Storage

Networked storage where data is saved to the user’s hard drive as well as in a pool of virtualized storage which is generally hosted by a third party and can be accessed anywhere from any device.

38.  CMOS

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: A type of image sensor. In effect, it is the “eye” of a camera phone, digital camera, or video camera.

39.  Coverage

The geographical area in which a wireless provider offers its services.

40.  COW

Cell On Wheels: A portable cellular base station used to provide temporary wireless network coverage and/or capacity.

41.  CPU

Central Processing Unit: The “brain” of a device. It’s what handles the instructions of software apps.

42.  Cutouts

Precision holes located in most cellphone and tablet cases that provide access to the device’s speakers, cameras, microphones, and plugs.

D

43.  D-Pad

Direction Pad: A set of four buttons arranged in a circle or diamond that functions as “arrow” keys, allowing the user to move-up, down, left and right within the device’s user interface.

44.  Data Capable

This means that the phone can be used like a modem to connect a separate computer to the internet or other system.

45.  DCS

Also known as “GSM 1800”. DCS is a radio frequency band used in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America for GSM mobile phones.

46.  DCIM

Digital Camera Images: You might find your pictures on your phone or camera located in a folder called DCIM.

47.  Digital TTY/TDO

A feature of some digital cell phones that makes them compatible with a special TTY text device for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

48.  Disk Image

A single file that contains the complete components and structure of a data storage medium such as DVD.

49.  DLNA

Digital Living Network Alliance: The DLNA standard enables easy sharing of music, photos, and videos over an existing home network.

50.  Downlink

The one-way connection going in the direction FROM a network and/or server (such as mobile phone network) TO an end-user device (such as phone).

51.  Download

Computer data from one computer to another.

52.  DSL

Digital Subscriber Line: A family of technologies that serve to provide internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone network.

53.  DTMF

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency: The global standard for audible tones that represent the digit of phone keypad.

54.  Dumbphone

A cellphone that has limited functionality.

55.  DVB-H

Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld: DVB-H is a standard specified by the DVB organization specifically for the broadcasting of TV-like content and data to handheld devices, such as mobile phones.

E

56.  E-911

The wireless enhanced 911 rules seek to improve the effectiveness and reliability of wireless emergency service by providing 911 dispatchers with additional information on wireless 911 calls.

57.  Echo Suppressor

A device in a two say telephone circuit that is designed to eliminate echo signals in one direction caused by signals in the other direction.

58.  EDR

Enhanced Data Rate: An optional part of the Bluetooth specification that provides a faster data rate (speed) and in some cases improved battery life.

59.  EMS

Enhanced Messaging Service: Extends text messaging to include small graphics, melodies, animations and long formatted text messages.

60.  Ethernet

A local network (LAN) architecture that is one of the most widely used LAN standards.

61.  Executable

A file or program that is able to be run by a computer. Executable file use extension “.exe”.

F

62.  Facetime

A video calling software developed by Apple, Inc.

63.  Firewall

A network security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analyzing data packets and determining whether they should be allowed through or not based on a set of rules.

64.  Flash Drive (USB)

A portable data storage device that includes flash memory with a USB interface.

65.  Flip Case

A case for a mobile device that swings (or flips) open, generally from the top.

66.  Folio (folio case)

A case for a mobile device that swings open, generally from the left or right.

G

67.  Geotagging

The practice of adding metadata to a geographic location. For instance, when you bookmark a page in the Google Maps app on your iPhone, you’re geotagging.

68.  GIF

Graphics Interchange Format: Image files that are compressed to reduce transfer time. It can also use multiple images for animated effects (animated GIF’s).

69.  Gloss Finish Case

A case with a coating that reflects light well, giving off a shine effect.

H

70.  Hands Free

A mobile device that can be used without the use of hands.

71.  Hard Shell Case

A sturdy, non-malleable, thick coating that is made out of plastics or other similar materials.

72.  Hashtag

A way for people to search for tweets that have a common topic and to begin a conversation.

73.  Headphone Jack

The audio connector for a mobile device, typically 3.5 mm in diameter.

74.  Heatsink

A heat exchanger that cools a device by dissipating heat into the surrounding air.

75.  Holster

A holder for carrying your mobile device that typically attaches to your person via a belt clip.

76.  Host

A network host is a computer connected to a network, the host usually offers information resources, services and applications to other computers on the network.

J

77.  JPEG

Commonly used image file format for lossy compression of digital photos.

K

78.  Kick Stand

A device on a phone or tablet that allows it to stand on its own in a variety of viewing angles.

L

79.  Lay-On-Table-Design

The raised edges of a phone or tablet case that keeps a device slightly elevated from a flat surface when laying on its face and thus preventing scratches to the screen.

80.  LCD

Liquid Crystal Display: A type of electronic visual display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals to create display.

81.  LED

Light Emitting Diode: A semi-conductor diode that glows when a voltage is applied.

82.  Lighting Charger

An 8-pin plug and socket for Apple devices that replaced its 30-pin predecessor.

83.  Locked or Unlocked

These terms are used to tell whether a cell phone will work with sim cards from different carriers. For example, it the GSM phone is unlocked it will work if you put an active T Mobile or Cingular sim card in it.

M

84.  Matte

A dull or flat finish and has no shine.

85.  Micro USB

A type of USB connector.

86.  Micro Fiber

A fine, soft, synthetic yarn that is used on the inside of cases to prevent scratching. Also used as a cloth to wipe down computer screens.

87.  Mobile Website

A website or application specifically designed to be browsed on a mobile device.

N

88.  Netbook

A small laptop that is smaller than a notebook that’s designed primarily for accessing the internet and web-apps associated with it.

            O

89.  Open Source

A philosophy of development that promotes free, public access to a product’s design or blueprint.

90.  Operating System

The Operating System or “OS” is the software that manages a computer hardware and acts as the major liaison between user input and hardware output.

91.  Optical Drive

A disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves in order to read and write data to or from optical disks.

            P

92.  Packet

A computer networking term for a formatted unit of data carried between computers in a packet mode computer network.

93.  PC

Abbreviation for “Personal Computer”.

94.  Pixel

The smallest, controllable point on a picture on a screen.

95.  Ports

An aperture or opening on a mobile device.

96.  Power Button

A button used to turn a device off and on.

97.  PPI

Pixels Per Inch: In the context of display, this is the number of pixels (dots) per inch, as measured along either the vertical or horizontal linear axis.

98.  Prepaid Phone

A phone plan that has a certain amount of minutes or talk time paid for in advance.

99.  Provider

A company that provides wireless communication services in exchange for a monthly or flat fee.

100.  PTT

Push to Talk: A method of communication via a mobile device with functionality similar to a walkie talkie.

101.  Pwnage

A program for Mac computers used to make custom firmware which after being loaded onto an iPhone or iPod Touch, jailbreaks and/or unlocks the device.

            Q

102.  Quilted Case

A case that is composed of two pieces of fabric with another soft material in between.

103.  QWERTY

A standard layout for letter keys on text keyboards and thumboards.

            R

104.  RAM

Random Access Memory: A form of computer data storage.

105. Recovery Mode

A small separate operating mode where you can reboot your device and recover lost data.

106. Refresh Rate

The amount of images shown on a screen, per second.

107.   Retina Display

Brand name used by Apple that claims to have such high pixel density that the human eye is incapable of detecting pixilation at a normal viewing distance.

108. Ringtone

The sound that a phone makes to indicate an incoming call.

             S

109.  Screen Protector

A transparent plastic film that is used to protect a device’s screen from scratches. Usually applied with an adhesive.

110.  Signal

The strength of a device connection to its network.

111.  SIM card

A card that is inserted into a device and used to hold data.

112. Siri

A voice-activated assistant app built into the iOS that allows users to interact with the iPhone by voice.

113.  Skin

Thin adhesive covers for your device that help prevent scratches. In computer software, skins are color schemes or other customizations made to the GUI of the software.

114. Sleep/Wake Function

A function, usually associated with the press of the power button on many devices that allows them to be put into a suspended mode called “sleep” mode. This allows the user to save battery without having to completely shut down the device.

115.  Smart Cover

A cover for the iPad that connects magnetically and covers the front screen. The smart cover wakes the iPad when the cover is lifted and puts it to sleep when it is covered.

116.  SMS

Short Message Service: Describes how you send text message over your cellular phone.

117.  SSD

Solid State Drive: A data storage device that is built to store data persistently. They have no moving mechanical components unlike their older counterparts, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

118.  Speaker

A device that translates electric energy into sound.

119.   Speakerhone

Allows the phone to be used at a short distance, without the phone being held next to the face (and without using a headset).

120. Speed Dial

A function on some telephones that allows numbers to be entered into a memory and dialed using fewer buttons.

121.  Springboard

The application within the iPhone that manages changes on the iPhone’s home screen.

122.  Stylus

A pointed, pen-like device that is used for entering data into a phone or tablet.

123.   Sync

The coordination of data across multiple devices in order for them to update and perform in unison.

             T

124. Tablet

A one piece, hand-held mobile computer. Tablets often offer a touchscreen with finger (or stylus) gestures acting as the primary means of control.

125.  Terabyte

1,000 Gigabytes.

126.  Touch Screen

An electronic visual display that can be controlled by the user’s touch. Gestures using one or two fingers are the main means of control on these devices.

127.   Tweet

A twitter post.

             U

128. Unlimited Data

A plan for mobile devices that enables the user to download and upload as much data as they’d like for a flat fee.

129.  Upload

The sending of data from a local device to remote device.

130. URL

Universal Resource Locater, the address of a website.

131.USB Port

Commonly used connection ports used for the transfer of electronic power and data.

132.  User Interface

The means by which a user interacts with a computer system.

133. Utility

A system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or otherwise maintain a computer.

             V

134. Vegan Leather

An animal friendly alternative to real leather that can be made using different materials such as Vegetan, PVC, and Lorica.

135. Video Card

An expansion card slot that generates video output to a display.

136. Viewing Angles

The maximum angle at which a screen can be viewed with acceptable visual performance.

137. Voice Mail

An answering service for a phone that allows callers to leave a message for their intended recipients.

138.  VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol: refers to technologies that allow one to engage in voice communication using the internet.

              W

139. Wallet Case

A mobile case with pockets.

140.  Web App

An application that is accessed by users over the internet usually used within a browser.

141. Wi-Fi

A way of connecting a device to the internet by using radio waves transmitted through the air.

              Z

142.    Zip File

An archive file format that supports lossless data compression.

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