How do we communicate
Over the internet
Emails
POP3
WHO?
This would be good for people who don't rely upon or use their emails too often. Also they are for people who have small bandwidth or limited internet access and data. IMAP4 would use all this up.
WHY?
It does not push emails forward instead you have to go and 'collect' them. This means that they would not be good for people who would need important emails pushed onto their phone etc.
IMAP4
WHO?
It pushes emails onto you phone so would be ideal for those who need to instant message and have unlimited internet access.
WHY?
It tells you that you have mail as you get it so if there is something important you will know.
Other Devices
VOIP
ADVANTAGES
Free if your internet access is unlimited
Also it can be used on mobiles
Quicker than IM
DISADVANTAGES
You need internet access.
Slow connections can cause problems with it being real time and cause latency
You can't contact people through normal telephones.
It doesn't have a geographical number i.e. if you call 999 they wont know where you are.
IM
IM or Instant Messaging is a real time communication over 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 time.
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
Conversations lack emotions.
Overuse can cause less face-to-face contact
Slow connections can cause problems with it being real time and cause latency
Use of text language might effect peoples English skills
Easier to chat than type.
Social Networking
Online communities where people come together and make contact with each other through chat, messaging, video, images etc.
ADVANTAGES
You can connect to many people at once.
You can arrange event and invite specific people.
Also you can make these events private or public.
You can personalise your own page and share you favourite websites and photos etc.
DISADVANTAGES
You need internet access
There are problems with privacy.