what dose sms mean
SMS, also known as Short Message Service, is a form of communication that has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. It allows us to send short text messages from one mobile phone to another, without the need of an internet connection. This service has become extremely popular in recent years, with billions of SMS messages being sent every day. In this article, we will explore the history of SMS, its uses, and its impact on our daily lives.
The concept of SMS was first developed in the early 1980s by Friedhelm Hillebrand, a German engineer who worked for the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Hillebrand was tasked with creating a standard for text messaging that would be compatible with the existing mobile phone networks. He conducted a study on the average length of postcards and found that it was around 160 characters. This became the basis for the maximum length of an SMS message.
In 1992, the first SMS message was sent by engineer Neil Papworth, who worked for Sema Group Telecoms. He sent the message “Merry Christmas” to his colleague Richard Jarvis, who received it on his Orbitel 901 handset. At the time, SMS was not available for commercial use, and it was only used by network engineers to test the reliability of the system.
It wasn’t until 1993 that SMS was commercially introduced, initially as a value-added service by Vodafone. The service was slow to catch on, with customers not understanding its purpose or how to use it. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that SMS really took off, with the introduction of prepaid mobile phone plans and the availability of cheaper text messaging rates.
The popularity of SMS skyrocketed in the early 2000s with the introduction of mobile phones with full keyboards, such as the popular Nokia 3310. This made it easier and faster for users to type out messages, and the cost of text messaging continued to decrease, making it a more affordable means of communication.
Today, SMS is the most widely used data application in the world, with over 8.3 trillion messages sent in 2015 alone. It has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, allowing us to stay connected with our friends, family, and colleagues at any time and from any place.
So, what exactly does SMS mean and how does it work? SMS stands for Short Message Service, and it is a form of communication that uses the cellular network to transmit text messages. The process begins when a user types out a message on their mobile phone, which is then transmitted to a nearby cell tower. The cell tower then relays the message to the recipient’s cell tower, and it is finally delivered to their mobile phone.
One of the main reasons for SMS’s popularity is its simplicity and convenience. Unlike other forms of communication, such as email or instant messaging, SMS does not require an internet connection. This makes it a reliable means of communication, even in areas with poor network coverage. Additionally, SMS messages are typically delivered within seconds, making it an efficient way to communicate important information.
Another advantage of SMS is its universality. Unlike other messaging apps, which require both parties to have the same app installed, anyone with a mobile phone and a cellular connection can send and receive SMS messages. This makes it a great option for businesses, as they can use SMS to reach a wide audience without having to worry about which messaging app their customers are using.
SMS is also a cost-effective means of communication. Most mobile phone plans offer a certain number of free text messages per month, and additional messages are usually charged at a minimal rate. This is especially beneficial for businesses that need to communicate with a large number of customers without incurring high costs.
SMS also allows for a certain level of privacy, as messages are only visible to the sender and recipient. Unlike social media or messaging apps, there is no need to worry about other people seeing your messages or having your private conversations being shared with others.
One of the most significant uses of SMS is in the field of marketing. Businesses can use SMS to send promotional messages, discount codes, or notifications to their customers. This form of marketing has proven to be extremely effective, with studies showing that 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes of being received. This makes SMS a powerful tool for businesses to reach their target audience quickly and effectively.
SMS has also been utilized in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. It allows for quick communication between authorities and civilians, providing vital information and updates. During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, SMS was the only form of communication that remained functional, as the network infrastructure and internet were severely damaged.
In recent years, SMS has faced competition from other forms of messaging, such as instant messaging apps and social media platforms. However, it continues to hold its own due to its reliability, universality, and simplicity. Additionally, with the rise of smartphones, SMS has evolved to support multimedia messaging, allowing users to send not only text but also images, videos, and audio files.
In conclusion, SMS has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 1990s. It has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to stay connected with our loved ones and providing businesses with an efficient means of communication. Its simplicity, convenience, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for individuals and organizations alike. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how SMS evolves and adapts to meet the changing needs of its users.
how to hide apps on iphone settings
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. With the advancement in technology, smartphones have become more than just a device for communication. They now serve as a personal assistant, entertainment hub, and even a virtual office. With the increasing use of smartphones, the need for privacy and security has also become crucial. One way to ensure privacy on your iPhone is by hiding apps in the settings. In this article, we will discuss how to hide apps on iPhone settings and why it is essential.
Why hide apps on iPhone settings?
There can be various reasons why you may want to hide apps on your iPhone settings. Here are some of the common reasons:
1. Privacy: In today’s world, privacy has become a significant concern. We store a lot of personal and sensitive information on our smartphones, and we don’t want anyone else to access it. By hiding apps on your iPhone settings, you can keep your personal information safe from prying eyes.
2. Parental Control: If you have kids who use your iPhone, you may want to restrict their access to certain apps. By hiding these apps, you can control what your kids can and cannot access on your phone.
3. Clean and Organized Home Screen: With hundreds of apps available on the App Store, our home screen can quickly become cluttered. By hiding apps that you don’t use frequently, you can keep your home screen clean and organized.
4. Avoid Distractions: Sometimes, we install apps that can be a distraction, such as social media or gaming apps. By hiding these apps, you can reduce distractions and increase productivity.
Now that we have discussed the reasons why you may want to hide apps on your iPhone settings let’s dive into how to do it.
How to hide apps on iPhone settings?
There are two ways to hide apps on your iPhone settings – using the Screen Time feature and by creating a folder. Let’s look at both methods in detail.
1. Using the Screen Time feature:
The Screen Time feature was introduced in iOS 12, and it allows users to monitor and control their device usage. Here’s how you can use this feature to hide apps on your iPhone settings:
Step 1: Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone and tap on ‘Screen Time.’
Step 2: If you have not set up Screen Time before, tap on ‘Turn On Screen Time’ and follow the instructions. If you have already set it up, skip to the next step.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions.’
Step 4: Toggle on the switch next to ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions.’
Step 5: Tap on ‘Allowed Apps.’
Step 6: You will see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone. Toggle off the switch next to the apps that you want to hide.
Step 7: Once you have toggled off the switches for all the apps, go back to the home screen, and you will see that the apps you have hidden are no longer visible.
2. Creating a folder:
Another way to hide apps on your iPhone settings is by creating a folder and hiding the apps in it. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Tap and hold the app you want to hide until it starts shaking.
Step 2: Drag the app on top of another app to create a folder.
Step 3: Tap on the folder, and it will open.
Step 4: Tap on the app you want to hide and hold it until it starts shaking.
Step 5: Drag the app to the right side of the folder, and it will be hidden.
Step 6: Once you have hidden all the apps, press the home button, and the folder will disappear.
Please note that this method does not entirely hide the app, as the app will still be visible in the App Library. However, it will not be visible on the home screen, and therefore, it can be considered as a way to hide apps on your iPhone settings.
Hiding apps on older versions of iOS:
If you have an older version of iOS on your iPhone, you may not have the Screen Time feature. In that case, you can use the restrictions feature to hide apps. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the ‘Settings’ app and go to ‘General.’
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on ‘Restrictions.’
Step 3: If you have not set up restrictions before, tap on ‘Enable Restrictions’ and set a passcode. If you have already set it up, enter your passcode.
Step 4: Scroll down and toggle off the switch next to the apps you want to hide.
Step 5: Go back to the home screen, and you will see that the apps are no longer visible.
Hiding apps on iPhone using third-party apps:
Apart from the methods mentioned above, there are also third-party apps available on the App Store that can help you hide apps on your iPhone. These apps offer additional features such as pattern lock, fingerprint lock, and decoy passwords for added security. Some popular apps in this category are ‘Hidden Apps,’ ‘Secret Folder,’ and ‘App Hider.’
However, it is essential to be cautious while using third-party apps, as they may not be as secure as the built-in features on your iPhone.
How to unhide apps on iPhone settings?
If you have hidden apps on your iPhone settings and want to unhide them, you can follow the same steps mentioned above and toggle on the switches next to the apps you want to make visible again. If you have hidden apps in a folder, you can move them back to the home screen by tapping and holding the app until it starts shaking, and then moving it out of the folder.
In conclusion, hiding apps on your iPhone settings can help you protect your privacy, control your kids’ access, and keep your home screen organized. With the various methods available, you can choose the one that works best for you. However, it is essential to remember that these methods only hide the apps and do not delete them. You can access the hidden apps by searching for them in the App Library or by using the search feature on your iPhone.
how do you screenshot on hp laptop
HP laptops are popular among users for their sleek design, powerful performance, and user-friendly features. One such feature is the ability to take screenshots, which can be useful for various purposes such as capturing important information, saving images from the web, or sharing content with others. If you are a new HP laptop user and wondering how to take a screenshot, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the different methods of taking a screenshot on an HP laptop.
Before we dive into the details, it is essential to note that there are several ways to take a screenshot on an HP laptop, and the method may vary depending on the model and operating system of your laptop. So, if one method does not work for you, don’t worry, we have listed multiple methods to cater to different scenarios. Let’s get started!
Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) key
The easiest and most common method to take a screenshot on an HP laptop is by using the Print Screen key. This key is usually located at the top right corner of the keyboard, marked as “PrtScn” or “Print Scr.” To take a screenshot using this method, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the screen or page that you want to capture.
Step 2: Press the “PrtScn” key on your keyboard. You will not see any visual indication that the screenshot has been taken.
Step 3: Open the Paint application on your laptop. You can do this by typing “Paint” in the search bar and clicking on the app.
Step 4: Once the Paint app is open, press “Ctrl + V” on your keyboard to paste the screenshot.
Step 5: Click on the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save the screenshot to your desired location.
Method 2: Using the Windows Snipping Tool
Windows Snipping Tool is a built-in tool in Windows operating systems that allows users to capture a specific area of the screen. This method is useful when you want to capture a specific part of the screen rather than the entire screen. Here’s how you can use the Snipping Tool to take a screenshot on your HP laptop:
Step 1: Open the screen that you want to capture.
Step 2: Type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar and click on the app to open it.
Step 3: Click on “New” in the Snipping Tool window.
Step 4: Use your mouse to drag and select the area of the screen that you want to capture.
Step 5: Once you release the mouse, the selected area will appear in the Snipping Tool window.
Step 6: Click on the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save the screenshot to your desired location.
Method 3: Using the Windows Game Bar
If you are using an HP laptop with Windows 10, you can also use the Windows Game Bar to take a screenshot. This method is particularly helpful when you are playing games or watching videos in full-screen mode. Here’s how you can use the Windows Game Bar to take a screenshot:
Step 1: Press the “Windows + G” keys on your keyboard to open the Windows Game Bar.
Step 2: Click on the camera icon in the Game Bar to take a screenshot.
Step 3: The screenshot will be saved in the “Captures” folder in your “Videos” library.
Method 4: Using the PrtScn + Windows key combination
If you are using an HP laptop with Windows 8 or 8.1, you can use the PrtScn + Windows key combination to take a screenshot. This method is similar to the first method, but instead of just pressing the “PrtScn” key, you need to press the “PrtScn + Windows” keys together. Here’s how you can use this method:
Step 1: Open the screen or page that you want to capture.
Step 2: Press the “PrtScn + Windows” keys together.
Step 3: Open the Paint application on your laptop.
Step 4: Press “Ctrl + V” to paste the screenshot.
Step 5: Click on the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save the screenshot to your desired location.
Method 5: Using the HP Support Assistant
Another way to take a screenshot on an HP laptop is by using the HP Support Assistant. This method is helpful when you need to capture an error or issue on your laptop to share it with technical support. Here’s how you can use the HP Support Assistant to take a screenshot:
Step 1: Open the HP Support Assistant application on your laptop.
Step 2: Click on the “Troubleshoot” tab at the top.
Step 3: Click on “Capture an error” under the “Troubleshoot” section.
Step 4: Click on the “Capture” button to take a screenshot.
Step 5: The screenshot will be saved in the “Screenshots” folder in the “Documents” library.
Method 6: Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools
If you are not satisfied with the built-in screenshot methods on your HP laptop, you can also use third-party screenshot tools. These tools offer more advanced features, such as editing options and the ability to capture scrolling screens. Some popular third-party screenshot tools for Windows include Snagit, Lightshot, and Greenshot.
In conclusion, taking a screenshot on an HP laptop is a simple and straightforward process, and there are various methods to choose from. We have listed the most commonly used methods, but if you are using a different model or operating system, you can refer to the user manual or search for specific instructions online. With these methods at your disposal, you can easily capture and save important information, images, or content on your HP laptop.