Talk the Tech Talk

DSL vs. Broadband Don't believe all the hype. Both DSL and broadband are perfectly good options for high-speed Internet access, and are five to 50 times faster than standard dialup service. It's a little-known fact that both cost about three to five times more in the United States than they do in Europe and Asia.

WiFi This wireless-networking protocol provides Internet access and file sharing without having to run wires throughout your house. If you need to share large files, like videos, make sure you choose the faster "G" or "N" options. Otherwise, don't worry about the letters; even the slowest speed is twice as fast as the fastest high-speed Internet connection.

Bluetooth Commonly confused with WiFi, Bluetooth is a wireless technology made mainly to replace the cords that go from your computer to your printer, mouse, keyboard, and other devices. But remember, the only power source that works wirelessly is a battery, so keep extras handy if you use Bluetooth devices.

VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol takes an "old-school" function - telephone service - and combines it with a "new-school" delivery system - the Internet. The benefit? Low cost and high flexibility. Since your voice travels over the Internet rather than phone lines, long-distance and international calling are a fraction of the cost. You can bring a VOIP adapter or phone with you when you travel, and since you're using the Internet to talk, you don't have to worry about pricey roaming charges, and you get to keep your 617 (or whichever) area code, even when you're in 212, 415, or the ever-popular +44 20 zones.

PDA The term "PDA," for Personal Digital Assistant, was once synonymous with Palm Pilot. Basic PDAs that handle addresses, notes, and appointments are still available, but newer PDAs are miniature computers, often integrated with phones or decorated like fashion accessories. PDAs were forecast as the next must-have device, but portable MP3 players like the iPod have become more popular. Which would you rather have with you at all times: all of your music, or the addresses and phone numbers of dozens of people you may not need - or want - to catch up with?

Compiled by Michael Oh, founder of Tech Superpowers, a Boston technology-consulting firm.