METHODS

Wiki is a web application which allows people to freely change, add or delete content from a web page. The main method of wiki is Wikipedia us a internet based free encyclopaedia. This project is supported by the Wikimedia foundation. Wikipedia was launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Wikipedia is an open site meaning anyone can change it and because of that there has been concerns on the accuracy of information.

Advantages of wiki’s are that you can find information and news on pretty much anything and it is free however disadvantages are that there is an argument of how accurate the information is seen as anybody can change it.

WIKI

Electronic mail referred to as Email is the method of exchanging digital messages from one person to another. The newer form of email operate over the internet or over computer networks. In the early days of email both the author and recipient both had to be online at the same time for email a lot like what we know as instant message now.

They are loads of different email services, Gmail is one of the most popular ones which offer one gigabyte of storage which is almost five hundred times more than Microsoft's Hotmail.

EMAIL

INSTANT MESSAGE

Instant messaging is a method of chat where both users have to be online at the same time. MSN was one of the first instant messaging services developed by allowing people to communicate on a web based programme it is also one of the most used instant messaging services across the world. Disadvantages to MSN is that it can only be accessed on the internet meaning through laptops and computers only where as other services such as WhatsApp which provide the same instant chat has been created for smart phone use mainly.

SMS

Short message service (sms) is a text messaging service. It uses communication protocols to set up fixed line or mobile device applications to exchange short messages.

Some of the different server providers are; o2, Orange, Vodafone and 3.

Advantages to SMS are that they can be cheap if provided with a good deal, Its also very easy to send a text message and takes very little effort.

Disadvantages to SMS is that if networks are down or facing problems then it will effect you being able to send sms. Where sometimes price can be an advantage as you can get good deals if you don’t you could be looking at a very expensive bill.

MMS

Multimedia messaging service(mms) allows you to send multimedia; images and videos to and from mobile devices.

Advantages to mms is that you can share images and videos with people with out being with them. It is also quick and easy to use.

Disadvantages are that it can be very expensive and mobile services even when on contracts normal apply an additional standard charge. That is one of the main reason Apple products such as iphones and ipads are popular is because they let you send multimedia free over imessage with out additional charges.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is a method that allows people who are not together have a live video and audio transmission conversation over the internet. You can use video conferencing on moobile phones, ipads, computers etc as long as they have a webcam and microphone. One of the main ways for this is Skype, it is a free video conferencing provider that also allows you to use as SMS.

Advantages of video conferencing is that meetings can be set from all over to save time, travel and money. You can talk and see friends and family from around the world free of cost.

Disadvantages are that if the network is down it can disturb plans of meetings and that if it is for work purposes you may need to be with one and other in person for different documents.

Virtual Communities

Virtual communities are a group of individuals who share similar interests or have similar opinions via social media to form online communities.

An example of this is the game ‘animal crossing’ where you can join different groups who are playing around the world and interact and speak to them and create a village.

Advantages to virtual communities are that you can interact with people from all over who share the same interests as you and you can find people that you have a lot in common with.

Disadvantages to this are that you don’t know for definite who you are talking to there fore it can become dangerous.

Virtual learning environments are e-learning education systems set up in schools, colleges and other education environments to provide virtual access to classes, tests, homework and other class content for students to access it. They also have social spaces where students and teachers can talk if needed to about class work.

An example of this is Moodle, Gateshead college use this allowing all their students to have a personal log in details and have their own space on the site where they can access all the resources they need and talk to any lectures they need to regarding work.

Advantages are that students can access work from anywhere when needed as long as they have a log in and internet access. Disadvantages are that it relies on you having internet and can be a bit complicated to work.

Virtual Learning Environments

Forums

An internet forum is an online chat for people to have conversations online or ask business’ questions about something. An example of this is Apple’s forum that is set up on their website where their customers can ask any questions requiring their products or if there having problems and need help.

The advantages to forums like Apple is that you can see everyone’s questions so if someone's already asked something you wanted to know its an easy way of finding answers. Its accessible from anywhere so you can ask for help anytime. It’s a way of brand sharing updates and information with their customers.

The disadvantages to forums are that it may take a while for the other side to respond if its not checked regular and some badly set up forums don’t even give responses at all. You also need internet to access the forums so if not connected they are useless to you.

Weblogs

Weblogs are informational sites or discussions that are published on the web through posts normally displayed in reverse chronological order. Multi-author blogs are where posts are written and shared by authors and are normally professionally edited. More recently micro blogging has became huge where people post things that become part of a social news stream. Twitter is an example of a micro blog where you can share things with people who follow you and you can interact by ‘retweeting’ and favourite’ other peoples posts.

Advantages to weblogs are that you can interact with other people who are share similar opinions and also get your idea and opinions viewed by other people. You can also share work with colleges and other people who may be interested.

Disadvantages are that once posted it is out their for anyone to see so privacy is very limited although with most of these sites there is an option to make things private. You need access to the internet to use weblogs there for with out it they are useless to you.

Communication Protocols

HTTPHypertext transfer protocol

Hypertext is the structure text that uses hyperlinks between nodes containing text. HHTP is the protocol used to exchange or transfer hypertext. http://gmail.com/ is an example where the http connects you to the following thing in the link.

Http is what is used as the communication for the world wide web(www) www. google.com.

WAPWireless access protocol

WAP is the term used for getting information over a mobile wireless network. A WAP browsers is a web browser what mobile devices use. WAP will allow wireless devices connect to a network using WIFI.

Networks are usually set up in call centre places or educational places such as universities and collages this is used through a router.

GSMGlobal system for mobile

GSM is a standard developed by European Telecommunications Standards Institute created for the second generation(2G) digital cellular network for mobile phones. It was created as a digital replacement for 1G.

This is a diagram of the network structure where its separated into a number of little sections:- Base Station Subsystem, the base stations

and their controllers explained- Network and Switching Subsystem, the

part of the network most similar to a fixed network, sometimes just called the "core network“

- GPRS Core Network, The optional part which allows packet-based Internet connections

- Operations support system(OSS), network maintenance

3G3rd generation protocol

3G is the third generation of the mobile telecommunications technology. It provides service for devices that share information transfer at a rate of at least 200 kbit/s.

3G uses applications such as facetime, Imessage and wireless internet.

A new generation of the cellular standards has appeared around every tenth year since 1G was introduced in 1982 each generation is made with new frequency bands, higher data rates and non backward compatible transmission technology.

4G4th generation protocol

4G is the fourth generation of the mobile telecommunications technology it is much faster than any of the exceeding all generations before.

3G uses applications such as Facetime, Imessage and wireless internet.

A new generation of the cellular standards has appeared around every tenth year since 1G was introduced in 1982 each generation is made with new frequency bands, higher data rates and non backward compatible transmission technology. Mobile companies such as Orange and EE are currently at the centre of using 4g where as other telecommunication companies are still testing the new generation with their customers.

GPRSGeneral packet radio service

GPRS is a mobile data service on the 2G and 3G cellular communication systems global system for mobile communicatio ns. Its charged based on the volume of data transferred contrasting with circuit switched data, this is normally billed by the minute of connection time. Usage above the bundle cap is either charge by megabyte or disallowed.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that’s used for exchanging data over small distances using short wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz from mobile devices and personal area networks such as computer and cars.

Bluetooth is built into and supported by a lot of things these days such as laptops, mobile phones, cars and headphones.

Broadband(ADSL)

Broadband is the wide bandwidth characteristics of a transmission medium and its ability to transport multiple signals and traffic types.

A splitter or DSL filter for your router allows a single telephone connection to be used for ADSL service and calls at the same time. ADSL normally is only distributed over a small distance from the telephone exchange, less than 2 miles. So you can have your home phone line link to the modem and your house phone and you will still have a clear and fast connection.

VoIPVoice over internet protocol

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is the delivery of voice communications and multimedia over the internet. VoIP is part of most smartphones, computers and other advanced media products.

Examples of where VoIP is used is Skype through the internet or face time and phone calls and a mobile device.