Internet

IM Popular IM tools include: MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger AOL Instant Messenger Typically choosing a supported application involved looking at functionality, cost, support, security, ..

Main benefits of instant messaging (IM) like: real-time communication, knowing whether contacts are online, low cost, ability to transfer files.

IM Functionality (1) MSN Messenger provides groupware & IM functionality: Sharing desktop applications File transfer Webcams Games Warning – this could be a virus

IM Functionality (2) Yahoo Messenger is integrated with My.Yahoo: Calender (which can be synced with Outlook) Personalised new, weather, etc.

Risks associated with online activity like: unintentional disclosure of personal information, bullying or harassment, targeting of users by predators. Technologies

Blogs Technologies Blogging: cult fashion or significant developing in publishing / communications? A more sustainable approach is likely when used as part of a course. This example also provides shared experiences Student's learning diary. Created by student and hosted on remote Blogger Web site. No longer maintained?

Wikis Wiki: An open shared space for collaborative editing QUB provide an environment for IT & Society students to collectively edit Web pages. Wikipedia – a example of shared encyclopaedia. Yes, trust is an issue!

Wikis (2) example: Wikipedia

SMS Short message service allows short text messages between mobile phones

Creating Online Communities Social Networks

MSN Hi5

Open Source Software Challenges Many Web/Internet -based tools described (Wikis, Blogs, Jabber, …): Are available as open source software (OSS) Act as demonstrators of emerging new open standards Options for an institutional OSS strategy: Replace MS Office products by Open Office Deploy new services using open source applications

Electronic Mail (Email)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Voice communication over IP Not expensive etc.