1. Electronics & Gadgets

Glossary

Technology is ever-changing. As it does, new terms are coined. Here's a simple explanation for some of the terms, acronyms, and jargon you need to know.

AvantGo

A free mobile application that synchronizes offline versions of websites to your PDA. AvantGo also provides access to travel information, games, and RSS feeds.

Backlight

The light behind a PDA's screen that makes it possible to view information in the dark. Backlights illuminate the display and can be adjusted for brightness.

Beam

To send information between PDAs or other devices using infrared ports on both devices.

Bluetooth

A standard for short-range wireless communications that allows you to connect two devices, such as a PDA and a keyboard without wires. Bluetooth supports a range of about 30 feet.

CF (CompactFlash) memory card

CompactFlash (CF) is a type of flash memory card used in portable electronic devices....

Cradle

A device that holds a handheld while synchronizing data with a PC. A cradle can also be used to recharge a PDA's battery.

Graffiti

A definition of Graffiti.

Hard Reset

A hard reset will restore your PDA to factory conditions, just as it was when you first bought it. As a result of a hard reset, you will lose any programs you have installed, and all documents and settings will be erased.

Hot Spot

A definition of a hot spot.

Hot Zone

A definition of a hot zone.

iPAQ

The iPAQ is an HP-branded PDA that runs...

microSD (micro Secure Digital) memory card

The microSD flash memory card is the smallest memory card available on the market today...

microSDHC (micro Secure Digital High Capacity)

microSDHC memory cards are flash memory cards that can be…

miniSD (mini Secure Digital) memory card

The miniSD flash memory card is a small and portable memory format designed for use...

Palm OS

Palm OS is the operating system that was initially developed by Palm for use on handheld devices…

Palm

Palm, Inc. is the company that makes Palm-branded PDAs and smartphones. Popular Palm PDAs include...

palmOne

palmOne is the former name of the company now known as Palm…

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant

Screen Shot

A screen shot is an image taken by the PDA that records visible items displayed on the screen...

SDHC memory card

SDHC memory cards are a type of SD memory card...

SDXC memory card

SDXC memory cards are a type of SD memory card...

Secure Digital (SD) memory card

Secure Digital, or SD, is a non-volatile memory card format that is often used in portable devices...

smartphone

A smartphone is a converged device that...

Soft Reset

A soft reset will reboot the PDA, leaving all of your data, programs, and other files intact.

SSID

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier. The SSID is a unique name given to...

stylus

A stylus is an accessory commonly used by PDAs as an input tool...

WEP

WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. WEP is a standard technology used for...

Wi-Fi

A definition of Wi-Fi

WiMAX

WiMAX is a standard used for long-range wireless networking. WiMAX is based on the...

Windows Mobile Device Center

Windows Mobile Device Center, or WMDC, replaced Microsoft ActiveSync...

WPA

WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA is a security technology that is used for...

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