Download Services

There are numerous ways of downloading different types of software. Software such as Microsoft Office, can be bought online and then updating also via online downloads. Another example is anti-virus software. This software is found on the internet and advertised or recommended when without protection.  For a programme such as Norton, a system is used for automatic updates and a firewall update. Updates can therefore be done more frequently and make sure it is up to date.

 

 

Another popular download is of music and videos. Youtube, Itunes and torrent sites being the most popular for these. Itunes is very popular with playing and consuming music but some say it is expensive with the sites available to the user online. Illegal downloads have become ever popular and bit torrent sites are the main ones used as it is simple to search and download mp3 files quickly. With Youtube as popular as it is, lots of Youtube converters are now available, so simple that you only have to copy url of video and it will convert it to mp3 and then download by a click of a button. 

There are all new video sites now too, allowing users to watch brand new films online for free. They are also able to download them but with the size it will take a long time. 

Online Services in Education

Online services has broadened in the aspect of education. There is a lot of information available to students studying in schools and universities. These sites generally are revision sites such as 'BBC Bitesize' and 'MyMaths', created for GCSE and A levels. The websites provide all possible areas of study with exam question and papers.

Other useful websites include examining boards such as OCR and Edexcel. These websites offer, especially Edexcel, chances to do and mark papers online. Other resources on the website include work sheets, lesson plans and a chat room for students to interact with each other. Chat rooms are particularly risky, especially on education websites, as it can allow plagiarism. An example of a website involving this is Wikipedia, as the information generated on there can be edited by anyone making the information not 100% accurate.

A new form, that is being entered into education is by using videoing from online routes. Youtube and the Iplayer are being used more frequently in classrooms to demonstrate a point showing real life examples.
Both these examples also make it quicker and easier for the teachers and it is much more clear to the students with the latest technology.

VLE meaning Virtual learning Environment was designed for students and teachers to track the progress of students watched by teachers and parents if they want to.  An example of a VLE is ‘Frog’.

Entertainment

Entertainment has evolved dramatically since the new technology has been developed. The Apple IPad being top of the range, ranging to, computers, PS3's, Wii's and sat navs. However, the online services has created various ways to listen and consume music, play online games, watch videos and many more.

Listening/ Consuming Music
There are lots of different sites where you can listen to music. Lots of people use Youtube to listen to music but mostly Itunes. You tube is free for all users but they are not always reliable or accessible. Itunes is mainly money orientated based, unless you consume the music elsewhere, for example via a disc.

A fairly new website for listening and consuming music is Spotify. Spotify only allows a certain amount of people to be registered but it offers the chance for you to listen to new songs all the way through on your laptop. To consume it, you will have to pay for it, just like Itunes.

Games

You can get different forms of games available online as well as PC games bought on disc. 

The online games target different ages and audiences. 'Miniclip' offers more fun and strategic games for teens but you've also got children education games such as CBeebies website. The PC games would be more complex such as Fifa, Call of Duty and Warcraft.

Videos

Videos online have become ever so popular with the high quality resolutions on hand now. The videos range from music to sport. Music videos have always been popular due to Youtube. Sport has become more advertised online more recently, as more and more teams of all sports have their own homepage. Sites that include sports videos will be BBC sport and skysports. These sites focus on all different sports and the videos will focus on  highlights of previous games or interviews.              Above: You can see all the video options top right.

E-government

E- Government is an online feature created to make it easier and quicker to pay government fees. The E-government websites are designated for each county. Our local website for Tunbridge wells is: http://www2.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/. This website gives the user a chance to pay their taxes, mortgage, direct debits, etc. The website also generates information about the Borough council and the local area.

Payment

The picture to the right is an example of how easy it is to pay your council tax/mortgage. Each payment would need this amount of information but it proves how simple and efficient it is to do online.

Apply

Another feature to the website is where you can apply for grants, building regulations, planning permission and others. The information given is very detailed and will be told whether you qualify and if you don't understand you can ask for further information.

 

Report

The website also allows you to report any incidents that could have happened. Your details will need to be entered, where it took place and when you saw it. The incidents could vary from dog fouling to graffiti. 

Locate

Another handy function to the website is locate, which allows the user to find certain attractions/ accommodation there and then. 

Direct Gov is also a very useful website, allowing people to find out more information about their local area and businesses within, e.g. schools. It is a wide spread business that deals with education, driving, taxes and aids the homeless, disabled and unemployed.
The website also gives anyone the chance to apply to be a councilor. Not only that but by just entering your postcode or area, you will be able to see who your local councilor is now.