Cell Phone Technology: Facts About Viruses, Services and More

We use cell phones every day without much of a second thought. But do you ever wonder about the inner workings of your cell phone or what would happen to your information if your cell phone was lost or stolen? Here are a few questions regarding cell phone technology that may help you out at some point in the future.

What is the difference between GSM and CDMA cell phones?

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications and CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. CDMA technology is considered the dominant service in North America. There are a number of differences between the two network technologies, but the main differences are 1) the coverage areas; some geographic locations will only get cell phone service from either GSM or CDMA phones and 2) the fact that GSM phones use SIM cards while CDMA phones do not. Cingular and T-Mobile have been known to use GSM phones while Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology.

Can I get a virus on my cell phone?

In this advanced technological age, many people are worried about getting a virus on their cell phone. Most phones are like little computers now, so what would stop someone from being able to download a virus on their cell phone? The answer to this question is yes, you can get a virus on certain types of cell phones, namely Blackberrys and other computer-like phones. The viruses can cause your phone to freeze, run up high bills, delete information, or the cell phone virus can just steal your information. Cell phone experts encourage you to buy anti-virus programs to download to your phone to protect yourself from getting a virus on your phone.

I lost my cell phone. When I deactivate the SIM card will my numbers be erased ?

When you fully deactivate your SIM card, you are unable to access the data on the SIM card when you place it inside of an appropriate code. Your old numbers are probably still there, but they would have to be pulled up by a cell phone company employee for a fee. So if you lost your phone, and the numbers were only saved to your SIM card, don't worry about someone having your phone numbers once the SIM is deactivated.

Now if you saved the numbers to the phone itself as a backup they will obviously still be on the phone. Don't worry your head off about it ---- most people who steal phones won't ever call anyone on your list or even care about the numbers on it, they just want the phone itself.

Sources:

"What is the Difference Between GSM and CDMA?" http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-gsm-and-cdma.htm

"What is a SIM card?" http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sim-card.htm

Julia Layton "How Cell-phone Viruses Work" http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-virus.htm