BBC Mobile - Glossary

Browse through the glossary below to find the meaning to some of the most common terms associated with mobile technologies. If you have a question about the BBC's mobile services however, see FAQ.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)

This is a measure of the amount of radio wave energy (radiation) absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone.

Series 60/40

Series 60 is based on the Symbian operating system and is a major platform for smartphones. Series 60 was developed by Nokia for their own smartphones but they also license the platform to other mobile manufacturers. Series 60 mobiles tend to have a large colour display and a large amount of memory for storing content. Series 40 phones tend to have smaller screens and less memory.

SIM card

This is the small card that slots into the back of a mobile phone underneath the battery. The SIM card controls your phone number and the Network that it works on.

SMS (Short Message Service or Text Message)

Short Message Service is a mobile phone feature which enables users to send and/or receive short text messages. The message is limited to 160 characters

Smartphone

A smartphone is like a combination of a standard mobile phone and a PDA. Smartphones have their own complete operating systems but differ from PDAs in that they have a standard phone keyboard for input instead of a touch screen and pen.

Soft Keys

Soft keys can be used for many different functions according to what is displayed on your mobile at any one moment e.g. 'Select' and 'Exit'. They are commonly found right under the display.

Symbian

Symbian is made up of a group of companies (Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, and Psion) who create operating systems for mobiles and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Synchronise

Usually a PDA will be available with a cradle that is plugged into the mains power supply and the desktop computer. When the PDA is put in the cradle the battery is charged and the PDA will swap files with the PC. This may include email, calendar updates and files contained in folders that are shared by both devices.

Synchronised Access

Some companies create a scaled-down version of their website for PDAs. A copy of the site is stored on the PDA and updated each time it is placed in its cradle and synchronised.

bbc.co.uk/mobile