Is cyber-jargon getting you down? Understand these terms and you're well on your way.

Broadband: Is a type of high-speed data transmission.

3G: Refers to third generation of wireless technology. Allows faster transfer of voice data and non-voice data (e.g. downloading email and website information).

EDGE: Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution. An advanced GSM that enables faster delivery of complex mobile services like multimedia messaging.

GPRS: General Packet Radio Service. Lets you connect to the internet via your cellphone, to download games, pictures and sound files.

GSM: Stands for Global System for Mobile Communication. An international cellular network that facilitates the functioning of international roaming.

HSDPA: High-Speed Downlink Packet Access. Facilitates fast downloading of information on your phone. Currently, it's the fastest available technology in SA.

HSUPA: High-Speed Uplink Packet Access. Enables high-speed symmetrical data communications, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and interactive multimedia, using better data rates and shorter delays.

BlackBerry™: A wireless, hand-held device that supports push email, as well as other wireless information services.

CBU: MTN's Corporate Business Unit, a team specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of MTN's corporate and government clients.

Fixed-Line: A landline phone that's physically connected to a specific point.

ICT: This acronym stands for Information and Communication Technology and refers to the management and processing of information within a company.

IMT-2000: International Mobile Telecommunications-2000. The global standard for 3G wireless communications, as defined by the International Telecommunication Union.

Infrared: A close-range wireless network that connects between cellphones, laptops and other portable devices.

Bluetooth: on the other hand, is a broader wireless connection, extending to a maximum of 10 metres.

ISP: Internet Service Provider. Refers to the company that connects you to the internet.

Megapixels: The dots that make up a digital photograph. The more dots there are in the picture, the higher the resolution and the clearer the image.

Memory Card: A detachable memory stick that increases cellular storage space.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP): A new service that allows you to change your network or service provider without having to change your cellphone number.

MPLS: Multi Protocol Label Switching. Refers to a data-carrying mechanism that emulates some properties of a circuit-switched network over a packet-switched network. A network standard for tagging IP packets, aiming to provide better bandwidth management and prioritisation, and enabling a finer quality of service, which is essential for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other time-dependent traffic.

PDA: Personal Digital Assistant. Refers to a hand-held electronic device that includes some of the functionality of a computer, a cellphone, a music player and a camera.

POP: Point Of Presence. An artificial interface point between communications entities. A POP is a physical location where an ISP or network service provider houses their core routers and aggregates their client access links.

Push Email: An email service that "pushes" emails directly into your inbox the moment they arrive at your server, instead of waiting for you to dial up and "send and receive".

PTT: Revolutionary Push-To-Talk allows users to coordinate their workforce from anywhere in the country at the touch of a button. Companies can get instant and secure communication with individuals or groups on a PTT capable phone.

Video Streaming: Allows you to play a video as it's being downloaded, instead of viewing it once downloading is complete.

VPN: Virtual Private Network. A shared private communications network used by companies or organisations who want to communicate confidentially over a public network.

Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity. An area in which a wireless connection is available (also called a Wireless Hotspot). Found in airports, as well as certain restaurants and hotels.

WiMax: The Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Refers to a standards-based technology that facilitates the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL.

Published courtesy of Strictly Business, published by Touchline Media.