[Electronics-talk] Trying to Understand Data Plans

[Christine Szostak]

Hi All,
  Since we are on the topic of data plans and how they can be used, as a current non-smart phone user, who is finally confident enough with the iPod that I am considering an iPhone for my next phone, I have been trying to understand exactly what "data" is. Thus, I was wondering if anyone can help explain the following. Sorry for what will likely sound like very silly and obvious questions:

1)  What exactly is data?

2(  If your data plan has say 2 gigs of data, what exactly does that mean. In other words, how much of your data is used up each minute or if easier to explain, each hour...?

3)  Does your data continue to be used if you come in contact with a wifi connection that you are permitted to use (e.g., your own home's wifi or say an internet cafe where you can connect)? If not, does it automatically stop using up data when it comes in contact with a wifi hotspot or do you have to turn the data off?

4)  Are there limitations to what you can access with data (e.g., streaming, downloading, YouTube, basic internet searching...)?

5)  Somewhat related to 4 are there certain things that take up more or less data (e.g., GPS, YouTube, streaming, basic internet searches...)?

  Any other information that you can give me would also be really appreciated:)!
Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!
Chris
Christine M. Szostak, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Shorter University
Rome, Georgia
szostak.1 at osu.edu

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