Online Entertainment

Popular forms of entertainment involving gaming, music and video have also been made popular since the beginning of the internet. Today, entertainment websites are some of the most well-known on the internet and online entertainment itself is very popular among its users.

Gaming

There are two types of online gaming among online entertainment. Free online games are available of users to play instantly. Online game websites include hundreds of simple games that are designed for the user to play quickly. Some online games are more complex such as world of warcraft and Runscape. These types of games are based on LAN and worldwide servers which allow many users to connect with each other from across the world. Because the game itself is more complex, a monthly member subscription must be paid in order to play the game.

Console games have also evolved to allow online connections. This allows a user to connect with friends or random players to play with each other. A user simply sets up a profile and connects to the network to play against other players. Popular examples of games with online play include Halo and Fifa series. Overall, online gaming has become more popular as it is easier and more convenient for players to entertainment themselves using online technology.

Music

Music services are also available online. One example of an online music service would be online radio services. This also users to access radio services and music whilst online. Online radio is also made more accessible as a user could listen to any radio station from around the world. Online radio became popular after its creation in 1994 and its still popular today.

Video

Watching videos has also seen an increase in popularity over the past years. Various video websites and companies have also become successful due to the availability of many videos to users.

Two examples of popular video companies would be Lovefilm and Netflix. Both of these companies allow a user to watch movies for a small monthly price. Most movies ever made are also available for users to watch. Today, online movie streaming is a popular alternative to buying a DVD or Blu-ray disc. Therefore the accessibility of online movie streaming is what makes popular with users.

Various websites are also popular for watching recent TV shows and episodes. These websites are also available to catch up of episodes that you may have missed during the original airing. An example of these websites would be BBC I-player. Since the I-player website was launched, other channels decided to create their own websites such as 4OD and ITV player. However, these episodes are only available for a set period of time. Despite this, catch up sites are very popular among users.

YouTube is another popular video website which has most videos any user would want to watch. Users can also upload their own videos to YouTube for others to watch. The wide range of videos is one reason why YouTube is a successful website. Since the creation of YouTube in 2005, around 72 hours of video is uploaded onto YouTube and over four billion hours of video is watched every month.

Because of YouTube’s success on the internet, a number of videos are now famous just because of YouTube. This videos are known as viral videos and become popular due to sharing on the internet. The spread of viral videos has created an impact on society as many people as using YouTube for fame, especially when promoting their music. However, viral videos have also become the subject of controversy over cyber-bullying for example.

IPad and Tablets

The tablet computer is a recent development although the idea has existed for many years. Microsoft created the first tablet computer for retail but failed to achieve widespread sales due to usage problems. 10 years later, Apple developed an improved tablet computer known as the Apple iPad. The tablet was developed as a more portable version of a laptop that features a large touchscreen instead of a keyboard.

The iPad itself is similar to the iPhone as both allow their users to browse the internet, download apps, take photos and play music as well as record videos. This means that users can find many forms of entertainment using an iPad or other tablet computer.

E-readers

E-readers are also similar to Tablet computers but are designed for reading instead of online usage. Downloadable books can be bought and downloaded onto a user’s E-reader. When a user wants to read, they can simply use their E-reader wherever they are to choose a book among their collection. However, the E-reader has had an impact on book stores. These book stores are losing profits as many people are using E-readers instead of buying ‘real’ books. Despite this, some people prefer the feeling of holding a book in their hands and therefore wouldn’t think of buying an E-reader. Overall, the E-reader provides entertainment for users that want to read if they are bored.

Downloadable Services

Since the beginning of the internet, the downloading of services and information has increased in popularity. This also means that real life products are decreasing in sales. An example of this would be music downloading and CD sales (this news article has more information about the increase of downloading: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16382648 ). There are also different types of downloads including entertainment and information downloading.

Companies such as HMV faced a decrease in sales because of the popularity of online downloading

Entertainment downloads

The most popular form of downloading is music downloading. This involves a user transferring music files to their IPod or phone. These downloads are found on special music sites such as ITunes and Amazon MP3. Because of these sites, the user can listen to almost any song anywhere for a small price per song. However, this also means that illegal music downloading is a very common problem today. To overcome that problem, anti-piracy laws have laws have been passed and various illegal sites such as LimeWire has been shut down.

Movie downloads are also popular with users. Similar to music downloading, movie download sites allow users to watch movies of their choice online. These websites include Lovefilm and Netflix, both of which have increased in popularity along with movie downloading in general. However, there are also forms of movie piracy. This also means that cinemas are losing money because some users are watching illegally downloaded movies instead. Cinema companies have also reacted to the problem of piracy by making short anti-piracy films as well as other actions involved in discouraging piracy.

A screenshot of an anti-piracy advert on YouTube. The advert features ‘the last cinema’ in a world where movie piracy has taken over.

Another form of downloading is game downloading. With game downloading, online games can be installed onto a user’s computer. Various apps are also available to download onto a smartphone. This allows users to choose from many different games that can be played at any time. Unfortunately, piracy also affects downloadable games as well meaning that many game companies have lost money from people using the ‘P2P’ piracy network. However, this is also illegal and users can be arrested for being involved in piracy.

The downloadable E-book has also increased in popularity recently. However, early forms of the E-book and the E-reader date back to the 1960’s. Since then, the E-book and E-reader have been developed to make around $450 million this year alone. Amazon have also taken advantage of E-book popularity to create the Kindle (Amazon’s own E-reader). This proved to be a success as the Kindle is top of the most popular E-reader. Now, a user can download E-books onto their E-reader in a similar way to Apple’s ITunes’ service. However, one disadvantage of the E-book would the decrease in paperback/hardback book sales. This is because E-books are more convenient for many people.

An example of an E-book on a Kindle E-reader

Information Downloads

Newspapers and magazines are both popular forms of information the many people buy in paper (real life) form. With the advance in technology today, newspapers and magazines have also been made in electronic form. There are two types of electronic newspapers and magazines available. Firstly, downloadable apps for newspaper/magazine companies allow users to view the latest issues on their smartphones. Secondly, the E-reader has been designed to contain newspaper/magazine content for users to read. Both forms allow users to view their favourite newspaper/magazine more conveniently using modern technology.

Because of the advance in technology, software for computers can also be purchased and downloaded from online stores. This is also convenient for users as they can protect their computer without buying software from a real life store. However, there is also the significant disadvantage of viruses and malware. Unsafe websites could mean that malware could be installed onto a computer if the user is not careful.

Maps and directions have also become available online recently. Programs such as Google Maps allow users to download maps and direction services onto their smartphone or even satnav. This allows users to find directions and locations wherever they are. There are also other advantages such as the ability to update and direction services. However, there are disadvantages such as the recent iOS 6 maps errors.

The faults with Apple’s iSO 6 maps caused many users to complain. Apple have since apologised for the faults.

Smartphone downloading (apps)

The increase in Smartphone popularity has also had an effect on download activity. Many downloads are in the form of apps which are available for smartphones. Around one million apps in totals have been made for just about anything a user could want. Users can download apps for a cheap price and they can use these apps anywhere for anything they would need.  For example, a person could use a news app to catch up with recent news.

Angry birds is one of the most popular gaming apps available for downloading on a smartphone

Advantages and disadvantages

One advantage of downloading services would be the speed of downloading. With modern technology, downloading information is very quick. This would therefore be more convenient and easier for user that would often be downloading services either on their computer or smartphone. The convenience of downloading can also be another advantage of downloadable services. This would mean that downloading can be more useful than using other forms of services.

However, there are also disadvantages of downloadable services as well. One of these disadvantages would be the busyness of the broadband services. When many users across the world are on the internet at once, the broadband service get slower. This is because the broadband service has to serve all the users at the same time. This can also be annoying for many users as they become impatient. There is also the threat of viruses when downloading content from the internet. If malware or viruses are downloaded onto the computer, then the computer system can be corrupted therefore, causing the user many problems.

E-Banking

Banking Online

The idea of online banking began in the 80’s with home banking and phone banking. These types of banking allowed the user to manage their money from home. Today, online banking has evolved with many different bank companies offering internet banking only. This also allows the user to access their account from home instead of visiting a bank branch.

ATM

The ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is one form of online banking that has become available to users since the late 1960’s. The ATM began as an idea of self service within bank branches and common use of the ATM started around 1968. The ATM allows users to withdraw cash from their account without visiting a branch. The user would simply enter their bank details into the ATM and choose how much they wish to withdraw from their account. Overall, the ATM can be very useful and convenient to users in need of money quickly. Another advantage of the ATM is that anyone with bank details can use one (For example, a tourist in another country can have money in their account converted into the currency of that country).

Online Statements

Online bank statements (also known as electronic statements) are very similar paper statements except the electronic statement can be viewed online. One advantage of the online statement is that less personal information is contain there and only contains bank transactions. However, due to online fraud and hacking, online statements can be easier to obtain.

Transfers Online

The idea of online bank transfers involves transferring money between accounts electronically. This can be much easier and quicker for users to transfer money. Bank companies can also keep track of transfer information easily.

Standing Orders

Standing orders can also be made online to transfer a fixed amount from a payer’s account to the receiver’s account. Online standing orders are used to pay rent or mortgages. However, the ability to pay standing orders online means that it can be more convenient to make the payments.

Direct Debit

The direct debit transaction is another form of bank service that can be made online. Direct debit is similar to standing orders except direct debit transactions allow the payee to withdraw money from the payers account for fixed amounts periodically. Direct debit can also be used to pay periodically payments such as rent or mortgages. Using online services, direct debit transactions can be made more convenient for the user.

Smartphone Banking

The popularity increase in smartphones means that banking companies have created apps for banking purposes. The apps allow users to make transactions, payments and look up information using their smartphone instead of a branch or computer. The app banking services have proven popular as smartphone banking has increased by 40% in Europe alone according to statistics.

Online Information

Online services also allow users to look up information about banking services. Other banking information can also be found online including branch locations for example.

Using the example of branch location information, websites of banking companies offer a ‘branch locator’ service. Here, a user can enter a postcode to find their nearest branch. A certain radius can also be entered to filter through branches. 

By signing up to a bank, users can also choose to receive E-mail notifications, reminders and alerts about recent activity. These E-mail alerts are convenient for users as a variety of alerts can help remind the user about important information.

Disadvantages of E-banking

Despite the advantages and convenience of online banking, there are disadvantages that would mean certain people would use branches instead. The issues with online banking would also affect different groups of people.

One disadvantage of online banking would security issues. As money and personal details are involved, security for banking websites must be secure for the customers of the bank. Although bank websites are secure, some people do not feel safe sharing their personal details with banks and other financial companies. An example of a group of people would feel unsafe would be older people as some would prefer visiting a bank branch instead.

Another disadvantage of online banking would be less skills required for bank work. This would mean that bank companies would require skilled workers of skilled jobs as computers can do these jobs much quicker. Therefore, this would be a disadvantage to skilled workers as there is a potential threat of unemployment.

One final disadvantage would be the lack of personal communication between customers and bank workers. The idea of online banking means that customers use only their computer or smartphone to cover all their banking needs. Therefore, there would be no communication for the bank customers.

E-Government

E-government (Electronic Government) involves using online technology for two main objectives. The information age allows governments across the world to fulfil these two objectives of informing and allowing the participation of citizens or users online.

E-Government (Information)

With the advance of online technology, governments of many different countries have official websites that allow users to find information and services there. Among these websites, there are two examples that aim to inform users.

One of these websites is Directgov, a British E-government website. It is the main government information website used by citizens in the UK, as it has over 15 million visits per month. Since its launch in 2004, Directgov offers a wide range of information from employment to education. The site is also open for everyone to use as there is information useful for everyone. (for example, students can research ‘education’ whilst drivers can research ‘travel’).

A screenshot of the Directgov homepage, which shows the range of information available.

Government Gateway is another example of an E-government website. Government Gateway also offers government information in a similar way to Directgov. However, Government Gateway requires a login account whereas Directgov can be used straight away. Government Gateway also provide different types of information depending on who you are, when a user registers with Government Gateway, that user can choose between individuals, organisations or agents. Depending on the option chosen, the user can receive information suited best for that option.

E-Government (Participation)

E-government also allows users to ‘participate’ by using available services involving government issues. This can be convenient for users as most service involving government can be completed at home and online. Many of these services can be found on E-government information sites (see above).

One example of a E-government service is income tax payment. Taxpayers can pay tax online instead of using a cheque. This is quicker and easier for the taxpayer. Websites such as HM Revenue & Customs allow users to pay income tax online.

The logo of the HM Revenue & Customs website.

Vehicle licencing can also be completed online. Sites such as DVLA and NZTA allow users to use a number of services such as tax disc renewal and driver’s licence application. This is also easier and quicker for users as they can use to internet to find information and use services involving vehicle licencing.

E-petitions is another example of a E-government service. E-petitions allow users to express their opinion on government issues and decisions. An E-petition doesn't require a long period of time and is also simple to create. Should an E-petition be accepted by a government department, members of the public can sign in agreement. However, a total of 100,000 signatures are required for the petition to be considered and debated. 

Other examples of E-government

Information about the law is one of the most important parts of E-government as many users feel that the law is an important part of daily life. Therefore, E-government websites have plenty of information about law such as personal rights, reporting crime as well as court and prison. Websites such as Met Police also provide services that allow users to report crime and to search for advice in a situation. Other information on these websites includes local information and police investigations.

The Metropolitan police website allows the user to report witnessed crime easily.

The E-government system is also divided into local areas. This allows users to research information and participate to E-government services locally instead of nationally. A number of different websites are set up for each local area. One example of local government service is the ability to report problems to your local area website. Should a user have a problem with a local issue, E-government websites offer a service that allows users to report problems to your local government. This is convenient for users as it is easy to report a problem online.

One example of an effective E-government website would be NHS Direct. The website gives advice and information to users about personal health, symptoms and other medical information. The site can also find local and nearest hospitals, pharmacies and dentists. Furthermore, the website is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Overall, the website would be very helpful and convenient for users to look up information before visiting a doctor and also to get a better understanding of their own health.

The health service finder allows users to locate the nearest services they need in their area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of E-government

There are also a number of advantages and disadvantages with government information online. One advantage would be the availability of the E-government system. This means that users can pay tax or look up information at any time. Furthermore, this allows government actions to be quicker and cheaper.

Another advantage of E-government is that less employees are also needed to run an E-government system than a paper based government. With the advance in technology, using a E-government system will allow governments to keep up with the public interest of using the latest technology. One example of this are mobile services involving E-government.

However, there are also disadvantages to the E-government system. One of these disadvantages is that technology is prone to technical faults whereas a paper based system would not be affected by these issues. Another disadvantage of E-government would be that internet access is required for E-government. Some people wouldn't have internet access or they just prefer a paper based system of government.

Some users wouldn't feel safe when using E-government services because of a fear of spam and hacking. This would discourage users from using E-government. Furthermore, this would be a disadvantage to the government because some users would avoid E-government despite the fact the cost to run the system.

Some people fear that hackers can access information such as passwords from E-government sites.