Communication Online
Instant Messaging
Real time communication voer the internet between two or more people that enables a 'virtual' conversation. IM is in Real Time
ADVANTAGES
- Quick and easy to communicate in real life time
- People can work collaboratively
- The user online can see a conversation and decide whether or not to participate
- Can be accessed through smart phones, PDAs and other portable devices.
DISADVANTAGES
- You need internet access
- Slow connections can cause problems with it being real time and cause latency
- Conversations lack emotion
- Easier to chat than type
- Use of text language can effect English skills.
VolP
Similar to IM but uses sound rather than text - just like a telephone call but over the internet.
ADVANTAGES
- Free if your internet access is unlimited - no phone bill
- Can be used with mobile devices if they have 3G
DISADVANTAGES
- You need internet access
- Slow connections can cause problems with it being real time and cause latency
- Only works over the internet
- No phone number allocated to use with normal telephones
- No geographical number i.e if you call 999 they wont know where you are.
Social Networking
Online communities where people come together and make contact with each other through chat, messaging, video, images etc
ADVANTAGES
- Can connect to many at once
- Can arrange events
- Can share personal information
- Can personalise own space
- Share favourite websites and news.
DISADVANTAGES
- You need internet access
- Privacy issues
Key Words
Definition
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol to make telephone calls over the internet
Latency
The time delay between the moment something is sent or said and the time it takes to be heard or seen
ISP
Internet service provider e.g. virgin, BT etc
Real Time
The actual time that something is happening, there and then
3G
Third generation wireless for mobile data.