Archiving

Archiving Online is recently developed service within the Internet. Previously the service had been in operation however recently it has advanced and many more consumers are starting to make use of it today. Online Archiving involves uploading files, such as documents, pictures, video and general data online into a safe storage area, from here it may be recovered at a later point if the previous data had been lost or corrupted for whatever reason.
Online archiving allows data to be backed up online within separate services and therefore different companies allow for information backup internal of their sites and software. Some antivirus software allow for internal back up online through subscription to their service, Norton antivirus allows users who already have paid for their subscription to back up files online and buy additional space if need be, therefore if in the unlikely effect of loss or damaged files they can always be recovered.
With hard drive space nowadays being a problem for many who wish to store large files on both laptops and notebook computers, online archiving is perfect. It offers the ability for them to store a file, that is networked, and can be accessed whenever they want from any computer, without compromising there computer hard drive space. This is one of the many appealing factors surrounding achieving files online, and is a reason for many using it. Similarly the prospect of the file being able to be accessed from any web based computer is another appealing prospect; this constant access is one of the most appealing services that online archiving offers. Due to this many business offer there clients the options to backup and files online so that they may access them from other sources both at home and within company computers.
It is not only documents that may be backed up. For home users the main use of online archiving is the ability of them having a safe storage location for precious family photos and videos. The ability of online archiving to safe both video, audio and photo files, makes it a safe back up service for the whole family. Many use online backups to allow for easy file retrieval in the unlikely effect of data within the computer become corrupt or lost, due to this it has frequently become a renowned service throughout the internet for both business and recreational users.
Admittedly there are other mans of backing up date within a computer, such as burning it to dicks, pen drives and external hard rives. However all these peripherals may become lost or damaged. Within online archiving there is always the guarantee of safety and security throughout the files uploaded. However it is through the uploading of files that some may have unease. Dedicated services within business and home use such www.backup-technology.com and www.symantec.com allow for safe secure uploading of files, and therefore base there services on the protection of uploading and uploaded files. However technology has advanced the protection has too, and that of the protected and uploaded files is a high priority of the website, due to this online uploaded files are seen to be today one of the safest places to keep data, for there constant recovery and protection.
All files may be uploaded to online archives that would normally be placed within a computers hard drive, and dependent on the online backup space purchased customers are able to back up all there hard drive data online, for an entire recovery in unfortunate circumstances. It is for this reason that business and home users utilize the service.
Advantages:
· The service offers recovery of all data files uploaded to any computer retaining the account login.
· Data can easily be uploaded and recovered.
· The networking the system offers, allow for files to be safely transferred.
· The system prevents the need for hard drives to be upgraded, as files can be saved straight to an online safe.
· The system is immensely safe and offers security fare greater then that within home computers.
Disadvantages:
· Some users may not like the idea of uploading precious files, to an online vault.
· The service does cost, and for lots of space may be expensive, in some cases upgrading a hard drive may be better.
· Uploads may become corrupt due to internet connection cutting out.

However with all the positives and negatives in mind the service is an advance in online security and backup and for this reason many in business at home make use of the service, and it has now been incorporated for free within many antivirus software packages such as Norton 360 and others alike. Online archiving today therefore is seen to be a safe and secure means of saving data that can be easily accessed and recovered in unlikely circumstances.

Entertainment

Throughout the internet there are a mass of services and sites set up to entertain the consumer and entice them into either purchasing or using the sight/software. Entertainment range throughout a number of services some which have been around for a number of years, however recently have migrated onto the web and may now be accessed at any time by an end user, these are; Radio, Games, Streamed Video and Online TV.

The idea of moving these services to the internet has major benefits to both the consumer and distributer. The benefits of consumers visiting the sites allow for the promotion of other goods, and companies using the sites as a promotional outlet make similarly creates an income as there is a charge for advertisement within sites. This is just one reason for site migrating services, however it is without doubt that the main benefit is received by the customer using the site.

Radio has been moved onto the internet, and has been on the internet for a number of years. The internet grants Radio the means to allow there consumers to listen whenever they want and catch up on special features missed within previous shows. The BBC radio website is a great example of website linking all the BBC radio services from one main hub allowing the consumer to cycle through the various stations and listen to the current show.

Games have been on the internet for years. Both recreational and educational games exist within the internet and all appear within an array of sites featuring different selection of games. The renowned leader of browser games is the website Miniclip. Here users may access the vast selection of games and find old classics to new releases. Gaming online has also again been incorporated to the BBC website in the form of education within the BBC Bitesize website. Here consumer may use the games to aid in there educational learning whilst having fun at the same time. Gaming is a major outlet for millions worldwide and due to this is marketing hub in its own. The use of marketing within gaming sites is vast and the sites rapidly see a influx of business within those who promote within them.

Streamed Video is an area of entertainment within the internet like no other. Websites such as YouTube and iPlayer allow customers to watch video and pre recorded programmes at the click of a button at their own convenience. Streamed video has been applied to many services and can be seen throughout clothing stores such as ASOS and with electronic distributer such as Play. Again online promotion is a big part of the success of websites. YouTube is one of the most used website daily within the world, and due to this the makers take millions in revenue thanks to advertising costs. Streamed video can be seen as an essential to the online community and provides all consumers with an indication and taster of many products from console games to recently released movie trailers.

The use of Online TV and Streamed Video is very similar. Online TV works on the bases of an Online feed whilst, streamed video is an uploaded and shared file. Online TV has become successful as it allows for a mass of digital TV services to be viewed, with mere access to the internet. Online TV is often a subscription service however Sky television recently allowed free online viewing of the Ashes Cricket games to all Sky TV customers. Online TV to many has become an essential and is a service set to expand within the near future.

E-government

E-government

As the world develops and improves new and existing technology, its uses are being applied to more areas throughout both the world and the United Kingdom. The improvements within technology have lead to an improvement within the global infrastructure and today it has been applied the government schemes as well. The advance in technology has been incorporated within internet and has lead rise to the scheme now known as E-government or electronic government.

The scheme and use of E-government has been applied to a wide verity of government service and today is incorporated within almost every sub scheme. The goal is migrate all paper based administration to an online application scheme, in turn this is set to reduce government spending and save 1.3 thousand million pounds over the three years in which the scheme will divert to the new system.

When we talk about the migration of schemes to an online service it is important for us to point out which schemes themselves will be moved from the previous paper based managed ones. The overall migration will include shifting the following schemes and services to online based applications and transaction. They include;

· Crime Justice and Law Online

· Employment Online

· Home and Community Online

· Money Tax and Benefits

· Government, Citizens and Rights

· Education and Learning Online

· Motoring Online

· Environment and Greener Living Online

· Health and Well Being Online

· Travel and Transport Online

The migration of schemes to online can be seen to be successful as there is a wide array of options to be accessed through the www.direct.gov.uk website and there partnering sites, however some sites can be seen to be more successful then others due to there accessibility and range of services on offer within them.

Particular services have advanced and proved to be more popular than others, motoring online is one sub section that has made advances from the previous paper based systems. Divisions within the services and advances have made the whole system more accessible and therefore effective for the public to operate and submit. Areas such as;

· Updating a licence

· Registering a vehicle

· Transfer/ Retention of a DVLA registration

· Tax or apply for refund

· Declaring a vehicle SORN

· Check MOT records

These are just a few of the successful areas within motoring on the direct.gov and partnering sites. The www.direct.gov.uk has a mass of information informing users on almost every aspect of motoring that involves the government or there related policies and schemes. The migration of motoring to an online based informative website has been seen to be a huge success. With it being a website there are of course the notorious benefits, 24hour accessibility range of help files, partnering sites etc. However the www.direct.gov.uk has also incorporated additional features making the overall experience more enjoyable and informative. This can be seen with the example of the root planner, this service shows you how to get to your destination however in the greenest manor in the shortest time, useful for those who are concerned about their carbon footprint and overall effect on the environment.

The verity of services under motoring includes the application and registration of Tax disc, Mot records, DVLA personal registrations, vehicle details enquiry and a driving theory test feature. There are similarly a mass of other options including the previously mentioned root planner, and a map of disabled parking spaces, these are just an example. Throughout we can see that motoring online movement has been a successes and the range of services reflect this and support the governments ideas to migrate more schemes to the online counterparts.

Education and learning, within the www.direct.gov.uk website there is again a verity of options available to the consumer these include;

· Find a course

· Learning and careers advice

· Student loans and grants

· Schools

· Childcare support for your family

All the information found within the Education and learning again leads to partnering sites and increased detailed information throughout. The aspect of schools however is rather extensive and has an assortment of information such as application to primary and secondary school, term dates, holiday schemes and many more. The overall section can be seen as an informative aid to allow users who are unfamiliar with how the system works an informative description on sub topics and what truly appeals to them. Certain sections such as; Help with school transport costs and free school lunches are particularly informative as many more users will access the site for their own personal enquires within these to topics.

Travel and transport online is another section that many apply too for information on mass of topics, the site itself gets regular hits on the passport section as many seek to renew and apply, as travel worldwide increases and the number of English passengers likewise. Other subsections include;

· Travel advice

· Visas for visitors to the UK

· Problems with roads

· Plan a journey to anywhere in Britain

· The Weather

· Parking

· Problems with pavements

· London congestion charge

· Disabled persons railcard

Again we can see there is an array of topics that range through all including crucial information. As the name suggests this topic covers travel both within and outside of the UK and transport within. However with the weather included consumers can be redirected to the external site www.metoffice.gov.uk . Within the subsections links such as payment of a congestion charge and application for appeal or payment on parking fines is also submitted.

This section really is very detailed and includes an array of schemes that would normally have to be submitted with application from the post office, however know payments and inquires can all be submitted online therefore at the ease of a consumer and in their own time. The section of Travel and Transport incorporates the sue of passport renewal however an added feature can be obtained throughout the use of submitting online, the tracking of a passport progress is an additional sector of information that many may find helpful if they are concerned of when there passport is to be returned. This feature can see to be used throughout other policies and similarly allows for tracking off other renewals.

Crime Justice and the Law online, the introduction of this allows for not only clarity of authority but the added information on additional law services such as that of jury service, seeking a legal advisor or contacting a police authority. The migration of the overall scheme has lead to subtopics including;

· Contact the police

· Paying a Court Fine

· Get a jury service reminder

· Get legal advice

· Report suspect activity to MI5

· Sort out consumer complaints

· Report benefit fraud

· Criminal injuries compensation

· Get crime figures for your area

· Join the police force

Law and Crime Justice online have branched out in numerous areas to provide an increased service this can be seen with the ability to pay a court fine online. The accessibility that the government website allows makes it easy for almost anyone to pay a fine or permit, at any time that suits them. This allows for further prosecution to those trying avoiding the law and payment as the means of the website make instant debit credit card payments, due to this there can be no excuses for not being able to submit a fine on time. An additional service Join the police force, is an extensive scheme spreading awareness for the benefits, that working within the police force can bring. The use of this link again redirects the page to partnering sites such as www.policecouldyou.co.uk .

The final service within the www.direct.gov.uk website which I intend to mention is Health and well-being sector. This allows the ability for the consumer to find both local doctors and dentist, get travel health advice and much more. Subcategories include;

· Services from the NHS

· Blood and organ donation

· Help for carers

· Support and residential care in your area

· Health benefits

· Your health abroad

· Healthy living

This subsection has an increased awareness topic; the Blood and Organic donation is a crucial link that allows for a redirection n to yet another partnering government site www.blood.co.uk . Other important topics include information on careers within healthcare that many may refer to for information and inspiration for a future job in care. There is also essential health advice for travelling to foreign countries and includes the crucial injections (jabs) that individuals must receive before entering and leaving the UK.

Overall the E-Government website includes numerous factors that all can use and relate to in order to seek advice help or to fulfil their personal requirements such as inquiry into payment of fines, or obligations against them. The website has a mass of extensive links all redirecting the user to partnering government sites which similarly include more useful informational and insight into topics, such as that in the policecouldyou.co.uk website and metoffice.gov.uk weather.

The sights extensive nature make it a useful reference point for many and allow it to save much time for the consumer, and money for government as the original goal was. Overall I would see the sight as a resounding success and with personal use of it such as tracking my own passport; I can happily say the service was swift, smooth and informative.

Internet Service

Internet Service

Throughout the internet there is a mass of websites available for the consumer to use for free. Dependent on the user age the websites they intend to view and use may differ and due to the massive verity each individual has different set of websites that they frequently visit.

Personally I make use of the social networking site Facebook. I frequently visit my free online email account Hotmail and search and view videos within YouTube.

Facebook itself is a social networking phenomenon, coping the trend of previous successful sites such as Bebo and MySpace, Facebook has incorporated elements from both and in turn proved itself to be the nation’s leading website for their social arrangements and needs. The site itself is simplistic and has numerous elements within it that enable for quick interaction between friends. The internal instant messenger allows for user to privately contact each other and share conversations, similarly so does the internal message feature that many make use of as a means of privately contacting numerous contacts and sharing private messages. Facebook is a brilliant means of connecting to friends and arranging a social calendar and due to this many deem it to be leading within its field as a social networking site. Personally I value it as a networking site as it makes the connection and arrangements between friends simple and effective.

Hotmail, some may know of its renowned instant messaging service however the free email it offers attract thousands to set up an account and begin their emailing aspirations. Hotmail itself is a free email service that allows a consumer to set up as many accounts as they wish. The email account itself has a large capacity and allows for online storage of files within its secure website system. Through personal use I know that hotmail is by far one of the best free email accounts and again as a frequent user I believe its services area abundant and this is shown by its overall prestige and attractiveness that consumers alike share within it.

Finally YouTube, the personal video site allows for anyone with an account to upload and post videos of anything they wish. It is most renowned for its elements of free music videos, however in recent months has come under considerable scrutiny for breaking copyright and due to this has caught the eye of major record labels. YouTube itself is by far one of the most accessed websites on the internet and its easy layout and clever design make it by far one of the best websites for personal entertainment to access, as you never know what you will find posted upon the ever changing home screen.

Google E-mail scamming

Google targeted in e-mail scamming

Google was targeted with phishing scams in which thousands of users found were tricked into giving away their details. The details in question were that of login codes, passwords and possibly even bank details.

Google acknowledged that in total there were three lists discovered all displaying Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail accounts and there subsequent logins.

It is important to point out that the phishing scams that have been used here are not a threat on the email website security however instead are fake websites that trick consumers into entering their details. Website security itself was not breached however the accounts that the details related two were reset for security reasons.

The enormity of this scam highlights the overall threat that phishing scams have on user today and personal protection of details is something that all internet users should take very seriously.

Real-time Information

Real-time Information

In the technological age we live the use of real time information allows us to remain up to speed and date in many areas where fast information is required. Real time information is information submitted instantly to alert a consumer of an event or occurrence surrounding that in which they require to know about. Real time information can be seen to be used with a verity of fields, the main ones are; Weather, Travel updates and News updates.

Information sent in real time is shown and displayed once displayed by both websites and receiving devices. Nowhere days the variation on the receiving device is immense, it can range from a website, to interactive timetable, Sat Nav device, or mobile phone application.

Weather updates are seen to be one of the best innovations in real time progression. Weather updates send the most recent and up to date information to either a website or receiving device and can be seen in use frequently today. They provide continuous updates on all factors of the weather both current and in the near future. They may not always be completely accurate but provide an accurate estimate of what the weather is intending to do and even provides weather warning if necessary.

The use of weather updates is not merely for the website, many mobile phone handsets have weather application either built in the software or available as an additional download. These applications have aloud millions to view the weather intentions with the touch of a button. The weather application themselves usual vary in their accuracy but are excellent guides for those curious or needing an indication of the future conditions.

Travel updates are similarly another very important real time modernization. The use of travel updates can be seen throughout the country in Train, Tube and Bus stops, Airports and Sat Nav devices. Nowadays the use of real time traffic updates allows consumers throughout the country to have accurate information on train/tube arrival times. This has major benefits for consumers wanting accurate updates on travel times. The use of train updates has allowed consumers accurate updates for a delayed train or tube, so that they may plan and compensate for the delay. Over the years the most important travel updates have been that of Plane times found both online, teletext and inside the airport itself. Throughout the country interactive bus timetables have allowed for real time information again on delays for buses throughout the UK. Again consumers may plan for a delay and compensate around it. One of the newest real time travel updates is that built into Sat Nav and allows for roots to be diverted and missed shorting journeys and allowing for the avoidance of traffic jams and accidence as they occur. This replaces that of traffic alerts found within radio station and is more intelligent and user friendly.

The use of traffic updates through real time has revolutionized the way in which we travel especially through that of cars with the introduction of intuitive Sat Nav, however all updates allow the consumer to be alerted of delays and have been designed to allow for integration within additional devices, such as the rail updates found on the notorious iPhone 3G.

News updates is the latest of the most influential of real time updates found within devices and websites throughout. News updates have been interrogated to mobile devise, mainly mobile phone handsets and allow quick access for all the latest stories and stock updates on phones. The use of News on phones allows millions to access the latest stories and information may affect them and other alike. News updates have been further improved to allow for specific updates through say sporting scores, so that a consumer may just be updated surrounding a particular team, instead of been flooded with unwanted information which is not of interest to them.

In the past some may have found that news updates have been slow and unresponsive, however with improved layouts for web based stories, the sites themselves allow for information updates to be shared rapidly and shown to the consumer through latest headlines which constantly change revealing the newest and most up to date stories happening around the world. As for phones the introduction of applications specifically designed for sporting news, stock updates and general breaking information, has allowed for many users to get constant updates surrounding what interests them most. This combined with the fast connection speeds allow for many to get on the spot information when they need it most.

The introduction of real time information has allowed for a more informative age. The use of real time today is seen throughout widespread industry and is both informing and accurate, therefore allowing passenger to reach a train on time, or be updated on the latest sporting news when it arrives. Real time information is a real innovation within technology and due to this has been incorporated into services and devices throughout the electrical market, making the world today simpler and more informative with its increased levels of updates and information on demand.

Download Services

Download Services

Throughout the internet there is a mass of downloadable data that varies from software to songs, photos and many more. Downloadable services allow a consumer to download a mass of data throughout the wide array of services available. Downloadable data is a key crucial element within the fundamentals of the internet and because of this it has fastened many services and saved money throughout.

Downloadable services are an array of different functions and fundamentals the main examples of this are;

o Movies – Downloading films through that of Sky Player to store and playback whenever one desires, playback does not require a disk and is more convenient for many.

o Games – Games can be downloaded through companies such as Steam, they allow playback without a disk and are generally cheaper to that brought within shops.

o Software – Software is generally downloaded from examples of this are that of small independent user and large company trials that allow for full free downloaded saving both time and allowing for a feel of the software, adobe Photoshop is an example of this. Nowadays almost all software can be downloaded and saves both time and money.

o Anti Virus software – One of the most downloaded products AVG and Avast being downloaded for free by millions wanting online protection for every threat. Similarly antivirus software can also be brought for increased online protection against more dangerous threats.

o Updates – With much software brought in either store or online updating the software is done by almost every software manufacture over the internet as it saves both money and allows for regular maintenance within the programs

o Music – Again one of the most downloadable services used across the world, iTunes and Napster being the markets leaders.

o Pictures – Pictures may be sent received or downloaded and allow for many to quickly share their photos with friends and families.

o Piracy – The abuse of free pirate material has led much money lost within the market today and is trying to be combated by many business wanting to protect there product.

o E-Books – Books can be downloaded for use within computers allowing for interactive reading, similarly this are cheaper than that of paper and are some cases more informative and helpful.

The mass array of materials that can be downloaded throughout the internet have aided many companies in becoming successful as they save both time and money in doing promoting their products as digital purchases rather than physical ones.

The purchase of an item via download is relatively simple and has major advantages over that of a physical one; the downloadable item is generally cheaper and offers the benefits of being able to be received without the consumer leaving there seat, this is useful to many that may not have access to a store selling similar products within the region they live. The product itself with many downloadable services comes with back up so even if it is lost or deleted from the computer it can be received numerous times an turn money is not wasted on yet another purchase. Downloadable products in the case of Music and Games may come with additional features or information surrounding either artists or characters. Products downloaded means they never are out of stock and unlike a store can be reached at any time the consumer wants to purchase. With all the numerous benefits available with downloadable services and the products that follow, there are faults. Due to this many find that purchasing something within a store is both a more enjoyable experience and the interaction with products and generalized help is rather more informative and helpful as it is unique to them.

The problems with purchasing and downloading products online varies throughout customers; many people find that the threat of security within online transaction is not yet addressed fully and there are the numerous “horror” stories surrounding bank transaction gone wrong. Problems with online bank transactions are varied and many believe that the threat upon their personal security has not yet been fully addressed and there is still a tremendous risk factor with buying online. Online stores throughout have tried to counteract this problem by making payments through secure means.

An example of a secure payment means is that of PayPal, here consumers can purchase items through what is essential a secure middle man. With PayPal consumers can see a return in the funds if the item they have paid for is not received, or similarly is seen to be in a less then satisfactory condition. Security across the web is addressed with a number of different means, many sites that allow for products to merely be brought within them and for customer reassurance the padlock logo has been added to many web browsers certifying there authenticity and reliability of the website they are buying from.

The use of buying and data downloaded throughout the website is unparallel it allows millions of people to access and download anything on offer that they require at any time of day, and the product is never out of stock. However the introduction of piracy with downloadable products has made a huge advantage in consumer access to pirated products. Particular websites are the bases for large scale sharing throughout countries and act as a hub for pirate thieves to access the torrent or raw files that are pirated from purchased products. The introduction of Piracy was first saw on a large scale with the introduction of Napster, the free music sharing site. However since then site was launched in June 1999, similar copies of the site continue to share music, films, games and software alike. Pirated goods are seen to be one of the most downloaded files across the world to date, and due to this many see the verity of pirated downloaded able sites/services on offer to irresistible to resist.

The enormity of downloadable products throughout the internet makes it one of the easiest ways of receiving digital data products cheap without leaving ones seat. Many pose the ideas that all products that may be purchased through the internet should be, due to the lacking affect on the environment it inhibits. For this reason many believe much more digital purchase should stay as online downloads permanently as the limiting effect they have upon the environment and how the reduce the overall affect that countries and the companies within commit to greenhouse gases.

In recent years the introductions of e-Books have allowed many to receive lost titles digital, quickly and efficiently. Be it an informative book or a fictional novel, the use of e-books throughout the net has been a leap in reading innovation, and the introduction of the Sony Digital E-Book today has allowed many to store up to 160 books on a digital book viewer allowing for them to be read whenever and where ever compactly and digitally. The use of e-books throughout the web today is allowing many to use interactive features within the books for both revision and further understanding of novels that hey have downloaded.

The most downloaded product throughout the digital age is that of online music, many high street retails offer an online downloadable option for their customers. However the markets leading sellers of it are that of iTunes and Napster. iTunes itself has over 20 million downloadable songs making it the markets leading retailer with selling downloadable songs, this combined with the enormity of the range of the new innovative iPod collection. Has made the two one of the most successful business venture sin history.

The ease at which a consumer may download from both iTunes and Napster, makes downloading songs and other data from the two, both user friendly and increasingly easy for all. Downloadable songs through iTunes is seen as one of the simplest purchases to date, and it is not surprise that the company has sold over 6 Billion songs.

Downloadable date through the internet is one of the most successful technological innovation in history most probably will remain that way. The mass of revenue accumulated through the access of it has allowed for billions worldwide to access and download products at their convenience and ease. Many question the threat on there security through purchased, but with more consumer flocking to digital purchases, these issues will in no doubt be addressed and in no long time we may see a completely secure purchase option for all.