Wireless

There is lots of talk these days about personal Wireless devices, but they aren't actually that new. They first came into use in WW II. That's when U.S. soldiers started to use something that became known as the walkie-talkie. As the saying goes, times have changed. Folks in the Wireless world say if it all works out, devices as small as a credit card will be used in every corner of the world bringing the user voice, data, games and perhaps even video.

The most familiar technology in Wireless is the cell phone. The next device that has infiltrated the workplace is the Palm Pilot and its digital descendents. This is a small computer that fits into the palm of your hand. The first version was a simply a sophisticated date book and scheduler, now they do much more. Somewhere in the middle are the latest generation of pagers, like the Blackberry from Canada's Research In Motion. It has a tiny keyboard that allows users to send and receive e-mail essentially in real time.

This is a rapidly changing world that is the home turf of people who love technology. They've come up with a number of acronyms that can leave most people very confused. Here's a brief guide to just some of the terminology.

Wireless technology is a new way of networking computers together without the traditional limitations and costs of a wired network. With Wireless technology, you have the freedom to access your e-mail, the Internet - even your company network - anywhere you have access to a Wireless network. And you can stay connected in public places like airports, hotels and restaurants. Where Wireless access is available. Additional access charges apply in some locations.

Wireless Messaging is the "pushing" of information to and from mobile devices, allowing users to receive and send time-sensitive notifications and maintain important contacts while on the move. It includes SMS (Short Message Service), EMS (Enhanced Message Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service).