Introduction to the Information Age

ICT in the information age

Life in the information has developed an undeniable amount in the past few years, with things that were unthinkable being able to be done now! If you were to time travel back to the time of the first computer, I doubt you would even know what it was. Traditionally computers were used for computing instead of the main use today which is most likely use of online sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google. Once they discovered a few things to do on a computer, it seemed like an endless trail of things to do kept on coming.

Working Styles

Life in information age has changed the way that people work with it going from people working in an office with no computer and only typewriters to do their work, to many offices now being full of state of the art computers, the difference between around 40 years of technology is overwhelming. It is clear that now days an office would not be able to function without a computer to store data, type things up and use spreadsheets, but not so long ago, nothing was done by a computer, it was mainly done by hand. Storage was simple, with them using filing cabinets instead of a hard drive to store their data. 

It is not hard to see how working styles have moved on, with people usually using computers over paper, as it is more convenient. No one really knows when the first computer was officially made, but it is suggested that in 1910 Henry Babbage finished the project after his father had given him the idea, which he formulated. Computers then developed from there, going from huge to small.

I believe that computers had a huge impact on the way people work in offices because they help make things faster to do. If someone from modern times was to be put in an office from about 40 years ago, it would almost be foreign to them because many businesses and offices are highly dependant on computers, you’re able to store everything you need on a computer, or a laptop which is portable and you can take it anywhere.

Working styles have developed a lot, people are now more dependant than ever on computers in offices. With newer computers like Macs which everyone seems to be beginning to use being able to do so many things which seemed impossible to people before are now easy to do.

Email is a main change within the working world because before computers they would send letters which for a response would take quite a long time, whereas to send an email now you can send it in a matter of minutes and receive it back quickly too. Email has formed the ICT world, it makes it so much easier to communicate with people throughout the world. It allows people to make connections a lot easier as there is not much effort involved, it is also more environmentally friendly because there is no paper used. Another change is presentations, whereas before presentations would have been done by paper and all drawn out, now it can be done by computer making it easier and faster to do. Presentations can now be more fun and entertaining with things such as multimeida clips being added in.

Another example of techology in offices is the different software they have, they have all different software and programmes for offices, this makes it more convenient and easy for the user to use. I personally think that this is an exceptional change because now you have specific programmes for different things you’d have to do.

Overall techonology in working places such as offices has changed a phenominal amount, with the offices back in 1970’s being nearly unrecognisable now. You’re able to do most of the office tasks through a computer making it so much easier to work within this environment.

Online Entertainment

Online Entertainment

Online entertainment has become a world wide phenomenon in the recent years. The entertainment side of the internet is probably the highest within the internet with sites such as Youtube and others becoming increasingly popular. People have begun not just using entertainment on the internet for business or educational purposes, but to enjoy themselves.

Viewing media online

Catch Up services such as 4 on Demand and BBC iPlayer are now becoming a huge as people who cannot always catch it on TV have the chance to do watch it online making it a lot easier for people. Most channels have developed an online website for their programmes to be caught up on. With the numbers up substantially, it is apparent that there is a huge interest in sites that offer you the chance to watch things you’ve missed.

4 on Demand which is a big site was launched in November 2006 and has become bigger and bigger, showing that people are beginning to use the internet for personal entertainment. 4 on Demand have recently had a connection with Youtube, which is one of the main distributors for online entertainment videos, and you’re now able to watch 4 on Demand through Youtube.

Youtube is at the heart of the media world with it reaching over 700 billion playbacks in 2010 alone, meaning with the way its increasing, it is sure to be a lot higher this year. Youtube can offer you a range of things from music videos to something of comical value. You can upload videos too, making your own videos and allowing people to see what you have made, and for upcoming artists it’s a great way to establish yourself as big artists such as Justin Bieber established himself through Youtube as a talent agent saw him through his videos.

Personally I like using these services as they’re entertaining and it means if I miss something or I want to view something funny, I can do it easily.

Advantages;

-          You can catch up on the programmes you’ve missed

-          You can view a wide range of videos online

-          It is entertaining and free, meaning more cost effective

Disadvantages;

-          You may experience buffering/lagging due to bad internet connection

-          You need an internet connection to view them

-          Some things require you have an account

Online Gaming

With technology developing it is no surprise that online gaming has become more and more popular throughout the web. You can go on games throughout the web, with different sites being specifically for gaming. You now have the option of using your games console such as playstation’s or Xboxes to play online with other people. It has developed a lot in the past few years, and many people do get “addicted” to online gaming.

Online gaming includes a range of games, you can play actual classic games such as Tetris or newer games such as Second Life in which you create an avatar and you can live in this second world, games such as this become a huge part of peoples life to the extent of people spending more time online than in the actual world.

Sites that offer these games can make money from it too because in many cases many people are willing to pay for these add-ons even though they’re virtual, many people will give over their details to further their game. This also applies for online gambling, many people become addicted. However in some cases people can make their living through online gambling, or they can just do it for fun. You’re able to play other people online or play against the computer, in both cases you can win or lose money.

Advantages;

-          You can have fun online

-          You can meet new people online

-          In some cases you can make money online

Disadvantages;

-          If you buy things, you’re handing over personal details

-          You can get “addicted” to some games

-          Could download viruses to your computer

 I personally have used these games  and think that they can be quite fun sometimes, however I would not hand over card details online because many of the websites are not well known. However I have used educational games through my revision for my GCSE’s and found the way they were fun but beneficial too.

iTunes

iTunes is really good because you can download a range of different things from the software which is used through the internet. You can download different things such as apps, films, music, podcasts, etc. In some cases they’re free, but most of the time you have to pay because the artist collects money from it. iTunes is good for offering a wide range of choice which you could download meaning you are not limited. However in recent years, many people have begun copying music from iTunes and distributing it illegally, meaning they do not have permission to be giving out the details.

With people illegally downloading, it means the amount of actual downloads have decreased rapidly making less money. In 1997 78 million singles were downloaded, however last year it was just 8.3 millions in the UK. Many people just find it easier to go online and download instead of paying for it, this however is illegal. If you download illegally, you can faces charges through the civil rights or you may be fined huge amounts of money. It also impacts on the artists as less of their music is actually being sold.

Although overall iTunes it is great because you can download the things you need easily and quickly, even if it comes at a price you know it will work.

Advantages;

-          You have a huge range of things you can download

-          You know it will work

-          You can get films, music and other things before they’re released in the shops

Disadvantages;

-          You have to pay a lot for the songs

-          You have to have specific software

I use iTunes and download my music from there, although sometimes it is less cost effective it is legal and I can always find what I want, which is a good copy. I can also download videos etc off of iTunes making it fun.

Download Services

Download services are something which we are able to download via the internet to our computer, you can download a range of different services throughout the net which can make life a lot easier in some cases. Downloading services have become a big part of peoples life,  many computer users are using downloads for a number of reasons whether it is to find a manual, or download something for you entertainment, they’re constantly being used. However, they do carry positives and negatives with these services.

Software downloads

Download services are essential for software downloads because instead of having to arrange for someone to do it for you, or buying a disk to download the software, you’re now able to download the software to your computer through the internet which can save a lot of time. You can download them to a range of devices like; Laptops, computers, iPads, iPhones, Android phones, etc. This obviously makes it a lot easier. Technology has had a massive shift as this task used to only be able to be done in a shop, in which you’d no doubt of had to pay, whereas now you can do it at the click of a button.

Advantages:

-          It is more convenient for people to do it this way

-          You can do it from the comfort of your home

-          You can do it yourself

Disadvantages

-          It may take your computer along time

-          You may have to update a range of things to install other things

I personally have updated by using this and think it is a lot easier as you do not have to do much other than click a button and it does it all for you. It makes it more convenient too, as you can leave your laptop alone to do it most of the time.

Software updates

Software updates are easier to do by downloading the service because it is more convenient as you can either plug your device in or search the device you’re on and you’re then able to update your software when you want to. Apple are known for this, they use the software iTunes to detect an update within the device, it is a great way to get updates quickly! They have now developed it so you can update from your iPhone, it is a great way to do it because it is very quick!

Advantages:

-          It is quick and easy

-          Usually free

-          Don’t have to go to the shop to get it done

Disadvantages:

-          You may become reliant on the internet for your updates

-          You could be tricked into downloading a virus

-          You may not like the new software

I personally like the fact I can download the updates very quickly and easily without having to go to a shop, it makes life a lot easier doing it this way.

PDF

Portable Document Format is a system in which it allows you to download files from the internet which gives you information about most things you need. You can download most things such as Bus timetables, manuals and other information things you may need. They are easier in the way that you do not have to download all the languages in the information pack, you can select the language or select part you want. You can download them to a range of devices which is good because then you don’t just need certain ones to use this format.

Advantages;

-          They’re quick to download

-          Saves paper for the environment

-          You save time as you select what you want

Disadvantages;

-          You need a device, whereas you don’t if you call up

-          Possibility of downloading a virus

-          You need internet connection to download them

I personally find PDF files great because it means I can look at say bus times or train times before I get on the bus/train, meaning I can ensure I am there on time which is a lot easier than waiting around. I have not had any problems with them as in downloading viruses which is helpful.

Downloading Apps

In the past few years there has been a huge increase in the amount of apps being downloaded, with various different devices coming out that offer you the chance to download apps, it is no surprise that the amount of people buying apps has increased. Apps can be used for entertainment, informational and other purposes. Apple have used a tag line “There’s an app for everything”, which at the moment it seems to be proven true!

With Technology making it as easy as a click to download an app to your computer, phone or kindle it is sometimes a shock when someone doesn’t use apps.

Advantages;

-          They’re fun for many reasons, but can give you information too

-          They’re easy to download

-          Many apps do not require payment

-          If it is on your phone, you can access it whenever

-          You can connect both computer and phone apps in one accounts

Disadvantages;

-          Some apps do require you pay

-          You may download something you don’t want to

-          Takes up memory you may not need to be taken up

I think apps are great! I regularly use them and without them I would find it really odd. However some apps do require money and then they’re not so good. But overall I think they’re great!

Angry Birds is a worldwide app which is HUGE!  Click this link

Online Banking

Online banking is quick, fast and convenient! You’re able to do the things that a few years ago, you’d of only been able to do in person, however now you can go online and do what you need to do. To be able to do this online is a clear indicator that technology has progressed a lot in the past few years. Online banking allows you to, clearly, bank online. There are many advantages and a few disadvantages to online banking; the outstanding problem which is yet to be solved is the problem of customers simply not trusting the internet with their personal details over fear that someone will clone their identity.

Online banking is very good for a number of reasons, the most obvious would have to be that it is extremely convenient and saves people a lot of time to do it online. Online banking has proven to make many peoples lives easier, and instead of going to an ATM machine every time you wish to make a payment, or check your balance, you’re able to do this online without leaving the comfort of your home which a few years ago, was not an option. Another advantages of online banking is that by using the internet to look at this, you’re saving paper instead of going and getting a written statement about your current bank balance, which not only saves time but benefits the environment as well, online banking is a more environmentally friendly way to get the information you need.

Online banking is also convenient because you can access your accounts at anytime, whereas with actual premises you have opening and closing times, which for people who work long hours may not be able to conform to. It seems that many banks are going online, most banks such as Halifax, Lloyds TSB and Barclays accommodate for all their customers by using the brick and click concept, however some companies are purely online banks such as; new.egg.com. This is a company which does everything online, you’re able to sort out your finances online but you cannot go to an actual bank as they do not operate in that way, meaning this is for people who trust the internet a lot. They do not however offer banks so you can withdraw, or speak to someone which could be a problem for many users.

It is apparent that banks are trying to change the way they operate because they are trying to make so that internet users receive their statements online, instead of sending out copious amounts of paper which they are, by law, required to do. However it has been argued that this is simply not the answer, that using banks online is unsecure and you can be a victim of fraud.

Security is a huge problem for making online banks bigger, many people do not trust the internet because there are people who are capable of hacking into someone’s account. Security is necessary for any e-commerce site, or people will simply not use the website. Many banks have a long process to access their account online, you have to gather information and put it online, although it takes a long time which could be an annoyance; but it shows the security of the site is substantially high.

Fraud is a common worry for those choosing to use online banking, with many people being victims of fraud throughout the world, and the amount of money taken through fraud; this concern about banking online is only expected.  With the figures, although going down, being worryingly high. There are many cases of groups of people working together to try and take money, and often they can gain a lot from customers and because it is online, it is sometimes harder to track them down.

I personally do use banking online, however I know people who do and they seem to get on with it fine, but they still have issues with security and often ensure that they remove their card details from the site after use. 

BBC coverage on problems with Online Banking