Dictionary

time division multiple access (TDMA): A method of digital wireless transmission that allows a large number of users to share access to a single radio frequency channel without interference by assigning unique time slots to each user within the channel.

texting: Sending short text messages from one mobile device to another.

universal serial bus (USB): A hardware interface for low-speed peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, printer, telephony devices, etc.

virus: A software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing harm to files or other programs on a computer.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): The technology used to transmit voice conversations over a data network using the Internet Protocol.

virtual private network (VPN): A private data network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure.

wide area network (WAN): A network of computers that covers a large geographical distance.

warchalking: Drawing of symbols in public places to advertise an open Wi-Fi wireless network.

wardriving: Driving around with a Wi-Fi-equipped device in order to detect Wi-Fi wireless networks.

Wi-Fi: Short for "Wireless Fidelity," a radio-frequency technology that allows laptops or handheld computers to access the Web or corporate networks.

WISP: Wireless Internet service provider.

WLAN: Wireless local area network.

WPA: Wi-Fi protected access.

WPA2: An enhanced version of WPA (see above).

yagi: A sharply directional antenna