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Jargon buster

Mobile phones and Internet phones have some distinct terminology that may not be familiar to you. Here's a list of some terms used.

3G A newer mobile network with faster connection speeds than GSM or GPRS now covering over 90% of the UK. Lets you make calls using advanced features such as multimedia messaging (MMS) and video calling, and connect to the Internet at higher speeds.
Bluetooth A short-range wireless technology, excellent for connecting your mobile phone to a hands-free kit or sat nav device.
DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. A standard for cordless phones, with a range less than 100m.
GSM Global System for Mobile communications. The normal mobile phone network. Enables you to make voice calls from anywhere where there is coverage, currently over 99% of the UK.
GPRS General Packet Radio Services. A faster data network operating 'alongside' GSM. Enables equipped handsets to connect to the Internet and send emails or surf the web. It’s useful, but slower than broadband.
Internet Phone A phone that uses your broadband connection to make calls rather than the traditional landline network.
Quad-band Allows a mobile phone to make and receive calls worldwide.
SD Memory Card Secure Digital Memory Card. A plug-in 'stick' that increases your phone's memory capacity, letting you store more photos, video clips or music. Common types include Mini-SD, Micro-SD and M2.
Megapixel 1 megapixel (MP) = one million pixels. The more pixels in an image, the higher its resolution. Pictures of 5MP or higher can be enlarged to A4 size.
MMS Multimedia Message Service. A simple method of sending photos and text messages over the mobile network – as easy as SMS, with the added bonus of being able to send photos you've taken on your phone.
PDA Personal Digital Assistant. An electronic diary that lets you keep your calendar, contacts, and task list in your pocket and synchronise the list with your computer. Many phones now have PDA technology built-in.
Skype Service provider who can enable you to make voice and video calls over the Internet. It’s free to call other Skype users and cheaper to call other mobiles and landlines.
SMS Short Message Service. The quick-and-simple method of sending brief text messages between phones, known to all teenagers!
Standby Time The length of time your phone can stay connected to the network, ready to make or receive calls – typically several days. Also see Talk Time.
Talk Time The length of time you can use your phone for actual calls without recharging its battery – typically a few hours. Also see Standby Time.
Top Up How you add credit to your mobile phone. A simple voucher available from thousands of corner shops, Argos stores, and even ATM machines gives you a code to type into your phone, or the amount is credited to a registered ‘top up’ card, after which usable call time (measured in Pounds) is added to your phone.
Tri-band Allows a mobile phone to make and receive calls in the USA and Europe.
VGA Camera Video Graphics Array. This is the entry level camera on mobile phones that displays images at 640 x 480 pixel resolution.
Video Capture Enables the recording and playback of video.
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol. The software that lets you use your Internet phone over your broadband connection, also used to describe Internet phones.
Webcam A video or still camera that connects to a PC and can send images or footage over the Internet.
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