DCM’s

Email – Its like texting through your computer only using the Internet. It is worldwide and free of charge. It is a way of sending documents, photos and videos to other people without the whole world needing to see it like Youtube. It is like a face to face-to-face convocation only it’s done through a computer or smartphone.  Emailing can be dated back to the 1800’s, only back then, it was Morse code. It is a way of communicating, the only downside is that the sender has to wait for the person they sent the email to, to go on their emails and also they have to make sure that they get the right email address. Email gives you your own personal email address, for example babybee@hotmail.co.uk

IM – IM or Instant Messaging is a type of real time, text based talking that is also completely free. Facebook or Hotmail Messenger can do this. It is a way of communicating, only without the waiting for a reply like with an email. It is used over the Internet. Advanced Instant Messaging was able to allow video calling via a webcam and live talking through a microphone that was later attached to most laptops.

SMS – Short Message service or SMS, although no one calls it this anymore and prefer the term texting, is a way of sending a text message through a web or phone communication system, although it is mainly done through a mobile phone currently. Different network providers charge different amounts for each text sent to a person. They are quick and easy to send and respond to, it is easier than phoning and also safer as the person you want to contact could be driving.

Bulletin Boards - Bulletin Boards are computer systems that allow people from around the world to connect with other users. It is used to advertise mainly, enabling a wide range of people to view it and then possibly buy or attend what ever was advertised. Messages with other users can be exchanged, either on the bulletin board on through a private email.

Discussion Forums – Discussion Forums are usually websites that allow other people from around the world to connect with each other and have convocations. There are subject specific forums that allow people with similar interests to discuss them, ask questions and advice on the topic. A single convocation is called a ‘Thread’

Some forums allow some of the people to be anonymous while others mandatorily require that the register with the site to be able to leave a comment.

Weblogs (Blogs) – Blogs are like online journals. People can post bits of their lives or have subject related Blogs, such as

• Fashion blogs
• Art Blogs
• Photography Blogs (Photoblogs)
• Videos (Video Blogging or Vlogging)
• Music (MP3 blog)
• Audio (Podcasting)

The other type of blogging is Microblogging, which is made up of very short posts.

These can either be personal or viewed by anyone around the world. People that post blogs are often called ‘Bloggers’

People can leave comments on the blogs. Blogs aren’t only online journals and diaries; they can be a way of advertising for companies or a person. Most Blogs are mainly made up of text, but photos, videos, music and recordings can also be posted onto a blog.

NewsGroups – NewsGroups are Internet discussion groups. The discussion can be about any subject, from art to politics. It is a way for people to share their opinions on the subject, their interests and hobbies with other people via the Internet. They are similar to discussion groups, but they aren’t. The difference between discussion groups is the absence of a central server and dedicated administrator.

Internet Telephony – is otherwise known as a Voice over IP or VoIP. It is a way of transporting and communicating voice data over the Internet, rather than through a telephone network switch board.

Conferencing (Video and Audio) – Conferencing is a way of communicating over the Internet from different remote locations, this saves on time when something important is needed to be discussed. It can involve individuals or groups of people.  It can be used for:

• Meetings
• Training events
• Lectures
• Short Presentations