Internet services

Real‑time messaging IM (Instant Messaging) and chat Mxit, BBM (BlackBerry Messenger Services) and WhatsApp and online applications such as Google Chat, IM facility in Facebook.

Real‑time messaging Advantages Cost effective. Chat in real‑time with more than one person at a time. Indicate if available to ‘chat’. Some applications can be used on a variety of operating systems.

Real‑time messaging Disadvantages and limitations Leads to anti‑social behaviour. Creates opportunities for cyber‑stalking, cyber‑bullying and identity theft, etc. No control to ensure that people are who they claim to be.

VoIP Protocol that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs, WANs and the Internet. Voice is transmitted on a network in the same way in which data is transmitted. Conference call technology.

VoIP Advantages VoIP calls are cheaper than normal phone calls. The software is generally free. VoIP allows you to transfer files, as well as make video conference calls.

VoIP Disadvantages Need an Internet connection; both users need to use the same software. Need to purchase credits to call phones that are not on the Internet. Call quality may be poor if you have a slow Internet connection. You can quickly use up your data cap, especially when using video.

Good practices when using VoIP software such as Skype Check times zones before calling someone in another country. Only use video when necessary. Use decent headset and microphone. Pay attention to your contact’s status.

Video conferencing Video conferencing is an application that allows two or more people to hold online conferences at different locations using a computer network to transmit audio and video as if they were all in the same room.

Video conferencing Advantages of video conferencing People you are communicating with are visible. Cheaper than normal phone calls or travelling to a meeting. Disadvantages of video conferencing You need a fast Internet connection. You use a lot of data (cap) especially when using video.

Video conferencing Good practices when video conferencing Work in a well-lit location. Make sure what your camera can ‘see’. Test the sound and video before you make the call.

Cloud computing The sharing of resources offered as services over the Internet. The online storage of files The use of programs that run on servers on the Internet (you see the interface to the software in your web browser and use the software as if it is running on your computer)

Cloud computing Examples of online software Amazon Google Drive – access to web-based word processing, etc. Gmail and Yahoo! Mail – web-based e-mail services.

Cloud computing Advantages Software is always up‑to‑date. Don’t have to download or install any software. Can use the software and access your data anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection. Does not take up space on your local computer. Server may be more powerful than your own CPU. Can share documents with other users. Documents automatically get backed up by the system.

Cloud computing Disadvantages and limitations Can only be used effectively if you have a fast, reliable Internet connection. No longer have full control over the security of your data or backup. May have to pay a monthly fee. Software might not have all the features or capabilities of desktop software. Might run slower, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

File sharing – e-mail attchments Inexpensive way to transfer files, relatively fast method. But: not suitable for large files, some e-mail systems block some file extensions, not always secure, restrictions on the number of recipients, have to send to each recipient.

File sharing – File Transfer Protocol (FTP) A protocol used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an Internet connection. Files uploaded to FTP server, users download from FTP server.

File sharing – File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Advantages Large files can be transferred easily. Security can be maintained by using a username and password. Transfer of a file can be scheduled for time when network is not so busy.

File sharing – File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Disadvantages and limitations People do not know how to use FTP. Connections can be interrupted. Not all companies have FTP servers. FTP can be quite technical – people prefer drag and drop facilities.

File sharing – Online storage Keeping your data ‘in the cloud’ Install the (generally) free software Register with the site Upload your files to the site and send the recipient a link and password for the relevant folder

File sharing – Online storage Advantages A a simple, cost‑effective method to share and transfer files. File extensions are not blocked. The system backs up the files. You can save space on your local hard drive. You can use these systems to synchronise (‘sync’) your files.

File sharing – Online storage Disadvantages and limitations The amount of space allocated for saving files is quite small for free usage. The people you have shared folders with or given access to these files can remove the files by mistake.

Grid computing A system whereby the resources of different computers are shared and used at the same time to solve a single problem. Uses distributed processing where the processing that is necessary to solve a problem is distributed amongst computers, which increases the total processing power. Used for scientific or technical applications that require large amounts of data to be processed, or high processing power.

Grid computing Examples A scientist studying scientific concepts has the ability to use an entire network of computers in order to analyse data. A businessman has the ability to access an entire network of computers in order to forecast the growth of particular stock.

Grid computing Advantages Offers a cost‑effective solution and the ability to use many resources. Provides a method to solve problems that need an enormous amount of processing power. Saves both money and resources by utilising the power of ‘idle’ computers.

Grid computing Disadvantages and limitations A fast network connection between the computers and networks is necessary. The computers that are used may not be fast enough or might be slowed down. The computers may be affected by malware infections.

Government Internet services Examples Renewal of television licences & post boxes - online Election information accessed online / SMS. Up-to-date info / forms accessed. UIF & tax details added / updated & payments online. Telephone accounts & call logs – Telkom. Educational publications, guidelines & past papers - Education Department’s website

Government Internet services Advantages Improved communication. Better access to services. No long queues or long travel distances. Immediate feedback. Up-to-date information and documents. Increased efficiency and lower costs. Smartphones can access many sites and services. Need for hard copies is reduced – green computing.

Government Internet services Obstacles The Digital Divide. The initial cost. Concerns about the security, privacy and use of information. You’re at the ‘mercy of technology’. Blame technology for what might actually be human error. Two systems need to be maintained – the traditional ‘manual’ system and the electronic ‘self-service’ system.

Study Internet services Read page 83 – 89 Study Summary on page 91 Complete Written module activity Page 92 – 93 Number 10 – 21

Test and improve your knowledge

‘unshaped connection’ Terms WAN Internet Bandwidth Broadband ‘modem /router’ ISP Wired: ADSL Wireless: 3G/4G Cap ‘shaped connection’ ‘unshaped connection’ WiFi Hotspot Real-time messaging VoIP Video conferencing Cloud computing FTP Online storage Grid computing e-Government

Written module Page 91-93