Entertainment

Entertainment has been affected by digital technology thorough out the distribution and production. Almost every are in entertainment has been touched by digital technology. This technology allows us to be more creative such as creative works of radio, music, CD’s and Games. These types of entertainment can be stored using little memory on digital devices and easily transferred from one digital service to another.

Types of entertainment in the information age

FILMS: going back to the 70’s and 80’s we notice that the standards of films were low tech. There was nothing like CD’s/DVD’s before the information age. Some of them are usually in white and black. But the introduction of high standard technology has had a major impact on films, the quality of films are now of high standard. 3D films are now well recognised. Today, the media has had a major influence in 3D’s film. Advertising for new films are now more high tech. Films can be sent multiple location simultaneously in digital forms this means that film release dates can be brought forward and DVD realises and broadcast distribution can be brought closer to its original date, this means that there would be more funding movie and more choices.

Advantages
Once they are bought, they can be put on different devices
Cheaper to purchase than DVD’s

Disadvantages
Bad quality films
File size often too large

Portable devices: which includes I-pod, Mp3 player and CD players? All these are useful and are al source of entertainment. I-pod device are widely used today by lots. People now own one this is as they are very versatile in what they can do such as: listening to music, playing games and watching films/TV programmes. These all can be viewed and listened to through these pieces of technology.

MP3: universal allows people to share or download music in the format of mp3 files. MP3 allows you to listen to music on the go; they are tiny players which you can upload your personal music on. Mp3 players such as IPOD’s are very popular pieces of software with loads of different mp3 players on the market. MP3 players are other pieces of technology which has been updated, with MP4 player now being introduced. MP4 players as well as playing music also allow you to play video while on go. Videos can be easily downloaded from online sites such as I-Tunes, although they are very expensive when downloading. MP4 players are one of the most recent sources of entertainment as they allow user to watch their favourite films while out and about. MP3 Became very popular due to the sharing which takes place over msn and chats rooms using attachment without any cost. Apple is the a manufactured of iPod’s they launched their first 1st I-Pod in 2001 which grew instantly in a big success , since 2001, apple are constantly upgrading I-pods to various sizes, designs ,memory capacity and types.

Televisions: the first worked with analogue signals. Analogue signals were received by aerial attached to TV’s. Analogue signals were very poor and had low signals. But over the years it had improved. Aerials were then planted on rooftops to increase signal strength, making TV more enjoyable. But now, analogue signals are becoming a thing of the past since the introduction of digital signals. Digital radios are much better than analogue because the signals are much clearer. The same thing is being done with T.V’s. The newer flat screen TV’s have digital receivers built in, meaning that they can pick up digital. However, in the UK, the switchover from analogue to digital won’t happen until 2012. The digital switch over is where all analogue signal in the UK will be switched off leaving only digital signals being received. The digital switch over means anyone who uses an analogue TV will have to upgrade their services using either satellites, cable, Arial or Broadband. There are implications to this switch over however, as the analogue signal is being switched off everyone has to make sure that they can receive digital, which can be very expensive and a long process to switch.

Digital cinema
Cinemas have been around for since 19th century. The first cinema consisted of a projector and a piano. The movies played were silent movies; this is why there was someone playing the piano to add music to the movie. But now, movies have sound in them, and cinemas are fitted with surround sound speakers, creating a more realistic viewing experience. But now, a lot of cinemas show 3d movies require special glasses to view them. Together with surround sound, 3d movies can now be watched like never before. Digital cinemas have the same concept, but instead of projecting the movies form a reel of film, the movies are projected from a digital storage device. Digital cinemas are much better because they save space when it comes to storing films.

Software’s: allows us to play around with things such as music, software’s has made it possible fro people to easily mix and create their own song. People using this technology can use the highly developed technology to create backing tracks by selecting a music style. With the use o software, you can upload you photos and edit them. With the use of Photoshop, you can change your photos and change colours in the style you want it. It gives you the option of changing the colour, over and under exposing photos, changes the contrast of the pictures, chopping the pictures and many more options are available. Before Photoshop, I found it impossible to get the right look I wanted for my photo.

Music is one of the most complicated topics that can be edited and played around when using digital technology. A person that may wish to record some music can simply upload it on their computer and software will allow the user to get rid of mistakes and provides the user with the best quality of sound possible. With music software, you can mix other types of music, incorporate different instrument in order to get desired tune.

Technology used in Education

ICT has revolutionised education all over the world. Firstly, it is a subject which indicates its new found importance in life. It is this importance and dependence on technology that caused us to claimed that we are currently living in the information age. In school colleges and universities all over the world, massive amount of technology are used in the teaching of students. Take a look at st Gregory; we see that there is at least a computer in every room and also more computers in computer rooms, study rooms and library. There are also projects and smart boards in every class room. In equal measure, the needs of education have provided the driving forces behind some of our most significant technological innovations.

INTERACTIVE WHITE BOARDS

The vast improvement of technology has altered the way that children learn at school, a number of products such as interactive white board have been introduced, improving the teaching methods of children from an early stage. The interactive whiteboard has becoming the replacement if the chalk board, it is said that 45% of lessons are now taught in front if the computer. The use of this has introduced the idea of multimedia into school, with educational videos now able to be screened. The use of such technology has offered an information space that allows student to engage in active collaborative.  The interactive nature of the smart board provides many practical uses for the classroom. Using smart notebook software, teachers can record each step of a lesson activity for student to review at a later time.

COMPUTERS/LAPTOPS:

Students now have access to laptops in some schools, if not some school allow pupils to bring laptops into lessons to type their work, this can be considered a major advantages, as work is less likely to get lost and notes tens to be neater. However with children now typing in lessons handwriting overall tends to be more untidy. Through the use of advanced computing and telecommunication technology, learning can also be qualitatively different. The process of learning in a classroom has become significantly richer as students have access to new and different type of information, can manipulate it on the computer through graphic displays or controlled experiments in ways never before possible and can communicate their rests and conclusion in a variety of media to their teachers. We know now- based on decades of use in schools, on findings of hundreds of research studies and everyday experiences of educators, technology have enhanced the achievement of all students, increases family involvement in their schooling, improve teacher’s skills and knowledge and improve school administration and management.

E-MAILS:

E-mail is a high importance in education. From the school year 7-11, email is used on regular basic. School emails can be very helpful when communication through other student and teachers. With the school emails, teachers can sent you and update of what you are missing in lessons, or what topics you should revise and also student can send teachers their work to teacher via emails. As an individual, we are all given our username, which automatically becomes our school email address. Through the use of school emails, we year 13 students have been able to stay in contact with Mrs Hunter. She updates us with important information and changes about various universities. Many school now use email to send out important messages to parents, this for many parents is more efficient as it is also instant and gives the parents acknowledgment on what is happening within the schools. A number of students often forget to pass on news letter and leaves it at the bottom of their school bags. Therefore, email is very efficient for the teachers, parents, student and the school itself.

Advantages of school emails: a way of communication and setting work.

Disadvantages: sometimes if email box is full, you can’t receive emails.

VLE:  which means Virtual learning environment are now being introduced in school. VLE are now being introduced into schools, which provides a same online intranet which allows pupils to have access to their work from home as well as a number of online resources. Homework and class work can be accessed from a student VLE, this allows student to keep up to date with their work. VLE can do so many different things; they can deliver lessons through videos,, or online hand-outs, they can do group interaction and tutorial through chat, conferencing and email, they can help management of work/assignment. The using of VLE has greatly improved the method of teaching as assignment can be done at home and also lessons can be taught there. The disadvantage of VLE is that those who don’t have access to internet at home will lose out more.

SIMIS

Sims is the easiest and most effective security information management system available.  This is a computer system used in school to keep contracts of all students’ reports. With this, you can see the history of a student since he/she came into the school. You can track performance, attendance, and behaviour etc. During the old days, information of student are kept in a paper based file, which has a disadvantages as it is easily lost. But with the introduction of SIMS, documents of an individual are kept for about 10years.

Additional information

How the students have benefited

There is a huge amount of information available on the internet for just every subject known to man, resources are endless. One advantages of internet is that it has endless resources for almost every topic. For people who struggle with books and find them time consuming, the internet is the answer. Today it is also required that students should use the internet for research. Teachers have starts given assignment that requires research on the internet. Teachers sometimes set work which can be difficult  to find in a text book and others may want the student to do wider reading, with the use of internet, information of all source are provided.

INFORMATION AGE

Information age is commonly known as computer age or digital age. In the period of 1970, technology began to develop. The information age was a period beginning in the last quarter of the 20th century when information became easily accessible through publication and through manipulation of information by computer and computer networks.

Information age has played very important roles in our lives. And this technology is advancing both in industry and home and they are also used by millions of people around the world. It has become necessary for everyone to have the basic knowledge about computer. Computers have invaded almost all fields.

A typical office in the 1980’s contains:
Type Writer
Filling cabinets
Telephones (higher people)
Computers (sometimes)

Modern offices contacts:

Computers

Printers

Telephone

Why is information age so important?

We are able to exchange information be it oral or visual.
Very much accurate, fast and can accomplish many tasks easily. Otherwise, to complete those tasks manually much more time is required.
It can do a very big calculation in just a fraction of a second.
Can store huge amount of data in it. But it can’t be compared to human brain

With the introduction of information age, Communication is another important aspect of and has been very easy through internet and email. Computer communicates using telephone lines and modems. Through email we can send messages to anybody in any part of the world in just a second while if we write letter then it will reach in some days. We are also able to exchange information orally and visually (video conferencing). The internet has made the earth a global village and above all, saves time. This wouldn’t be possible without the information age.


Computers have now become an integral part of corporate life. They can do business transaction very easily and accurately and keep the record of all profits and loss. Today computers can be found in very stores, supermarket, restaurant etc. Special soft ware’s is used in these computers to calculate the huge bills with seconds. One can buy and sell things online, bills and taxes can be paid online and can also predict the future of business using artificial intelligence soft wares. It plays very important roles in the stock markets

Today’s employers are looking for people who understand and can adapt to the characteristic of the information age. If a student has learned how to uses computer effectively upon graduation, they are a much more attractive job candidate. An Information literate individual with their strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills can be expected to be an adaptable, capable and valuable employee, with much to contribute. Without the understanding of information age, most people are unemployable.

Bank: Before the information ages came about, accountant uses paper, pencil and calculator to solve money issues, but now, every bank uses computer to keep the record of all money transaction and other calculations. Moreover it provides speed, convince and security.

Health: Disease can be easily diagnosed with the help of computer and can also know about it cure. Many machines uses computer which allows doctors to view the different organs of our body like lungs, heart and kidney. There is also special software which helps the doctor during surgery. Computerization is now developed in use of dispensing drugs.

Advantages of information age

It is a time saving device and makes all kind of job more effective and easier.
Branches of science and industry make use of them, for example in factories computers controls assembly lines and in hospital-certain extremely difficult and precise operations.
The introduction of information age created the internet which has become nowadays the most important sources of a variety of information. It also enables student to increase their knowledge and develop their research skills.
Been able to use a laptop on the train allows engineers to be informed all the time.

Disadvantages
As communication are passed quickly through since the of information age, we see that people have used it to start riots etc.
A big risk of addiction. Particularly, young children and young people have become particularly addicted which can be harmful to the eyes
Our creativity decreases as we dependent on computer for every information

Case study
Before the introduction of computing, car repairs were done manually which was really difficult as it was hard to diagnosed problems accurately, it was mainly based on prediction. But due to the increasingly nature of technology, mechanics now uses sophisticated diagnostic computer to diagnose problems accurately and quickly. Without these, they would be unable to diagnose or repair a vehicle.
With the rapid advancement in technology, the mechanic’s job has evolved from purely mechanical, to include electronic technology. Because vehicle today possess complex computer and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broader base of knowledge than in the past. The word “auto mechanic” is been used less frequently and is being replaced by “automotive technicians.” Fading quickly is the backyard mechanics who needs little knowledge of today computerized system.

Online- Entertainment

The internet has grown phenomenally in the recent years. This growth has enabled it to become a hub for entertainment of sorts. Entertainment is available on pc and mobile phones (smart phones) devices such as I-phone and Blackberry’s. The internet offers opportunities to the entertainment industry as it makes send, streaming and receiving any information wanted quick and easy. This information caters for millions of people. There are many and various types of entertainment that can be found online.

Online entertainment makes it more interesting, relaxing and enjoyable for users who are often online and also for everyone.

Types of online entertainments

Online chatting:
Online Music: Bear share, You-Tube and spotify Online Videos: You-Tube
Social Networking: Face book, Twitter, Skype and My space
Online Games: Action, Puzzles and adventures
I-players

Online chatting: is talking to other people who are using the internet at the same time as you. Usually, this talking is the exchange of typed-in messages requiring one site as the repository for the message and a group of users who take part from everywhere on the internet. This is another method of relaxing and provides entertainment needs of people online. There are many chat forums where people from a variety of countries can chat generally. Forums are always 24/7.

Advantages of chat rooms:
Can meet new people
Brings people together of different ages, nationalities, ethnic groups, social classes, religions and political persuasion. Such people may not have the opportunity to interact with the real world.
Opens your mind to competing views, opinions and perspectives

Disadvantages:
Anonymity- no accountability
High Prone of Viruses
You really don’t know who you are talking to. Although they may appear friendly and nice, the reality may be somewhat different.

Online Gaming: is a game played over some forms of computer network. Online games can range from simple text based game to games incorporating complex graphic and virtual worlds populated by many players simultaneously. Online entertainment has become popular among young people, though they also appeal to an older range of people as well as they are a great way to relax and remain pleasurable

The demand for online gaming has pushed computer companies to make the perfect computer with the ability to host massive games with hundred of people online without an element of lag or connection loss. In recent times, computers have become so powerful and low cost that many of us play computer games for entertainment. You can buy specialised games machines that hook up to a television or you can use the Internet to play online games with thousands of other people who are also online with you

Games can come in number of Genres such as: Card Games, adventures and Brain games.

Advantages of online Gaming
Many researchers have proved the positive effect of playing online games on youngsters mind. A Word, Puzzle and trivia game enriches the children’s speech. Classic computer games such as
Tetris benefits the kids ability to focus, analyse shapes, think and plan ahead.
Some online games are free. It’s also cheaper to buy online games. Therefore save you money.
It’s multiplayer, it’s a good way to make new friends with similar interests to yourself and they can also help you in the game if you are ever stuck.

Disadvantages of online Gaming.
One of the key disadvantages that online gaming has is its inherent lack of physical person-to-person contact.
Can be addictive. It can also isolate you from Human companionship, distort your sense of reality, shorten your sight and also damage your back
They can cause you and other children to spend valuable time in the of the computer at the expense of work, school or family obligation


Music: more people are finding that they enjoy music online as it’s a cheaper alternative to purchasing their favourite tracks. There are lots of sites, which allow users to freely download and listen to music. Websites such as Lime wire and Bear share allows you to download mp3 files for free. However this is actually illegal as its breaking the copyright Law.

You-Tube is a video sharing website that has grown to be one of the most watched sites in the world. On you-tube you can post videos, watch music videos and also download. Many people uses U-tube as a way of staying connected with new update in music.

In the first decade of the 21century, technology made it possible to download music from the internet to your computer. Before this, you had to go to a music store physically and purchase an album or CD if you want to hear the latest favourite artist.

Advantages of downloading music:
You can download at any time and you get the music (almost) straight away.
You may only pay for the part of the song you want, you don’t have to pay for the whole CD just to get one track, you may be able to purchase just one track making the experience cheaper.
Convince: You have the ability to log on one of the many music sites on the internet and buy your music at the comfort of your home.

Cost: Many music sites charges a small fee for their membership and a charge for each download. It may seem like a lot of fee, but song for song it works out to less than typical cost of a CD. The ability to purchase and download music from the internet has lowered the price per song. If you combine this with the ease of purchasing at home, the cost save is even greater because no money is spend on travel to and from a store.

The internet has proven it power can have affect the music industry as file sharing has been rampant among customers. Aside from free software for music downloads, file sharing have also proliferated, save in internet users the cost and effort of downloading and installing particular software for music and file sharing. Still there are some disadvantages with music download especially those that are free or illegal.

Disadvantages of downloading music
Space: downloading music takes up priceless spaces on your hard drive. This might not be a problem for casual listeners, but audiophiles with considerable gigabytes of mp3 into heir libraries might take issues. A popular solution to freeing up spaces on computer is by using external drive to store music. As of July 2010, prices for terabyte external hard drive at around £65. External drives allow users complete and total access to their music libraries without taking up spaces on their main hard drives.
Illegal: downloading internet for free drastically affects the music industry in terms of album or digital single sales and record industries creates lower profits. Although illegal downloading is technically a crime, it is difficult to trace them.
Viruses: Although downloading music online is relatively easy, you cannot always be sure whether the music files you download is free from viruses. While most sites claim that the file is virus and spyware free, there might be hidden viruses, which a free and basic antivirus program cannot detect.
Corrupted files and inaccuracies: free music download don’t always work. Download which normally comes in mp3 format can be corrupted, meaning they don’t work. Some downloads can also take several hours to finish. Other problems include the accuracy of music, as many downloads can be mislabelled and have wrong titles.
Sound quality: sometimes, the music doesn’t have sound quality as good as the original. It is difficult for digital files to have same quality that a physical CD can have.

Downloades

Download services is a way of downloading things off the internet onto your computer or phones. There are many services that can be downloaded over the internet, ranging from entertainment to maintenance services. With the internet, we have been able to download things such as Music, Games, Video, photographs, software’s, books and many more.

A majority of the downloads are paid for and then downloaded as digital downloads. This applies to downloading services can comes in a range of diverse forms, they can be found on many different websites. Many downloading should be purchased although nowadays a lot of downloading can be done illegally.

SOFTWARES: is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any software the computer would be useless. For example, you wouldn't be able to interact with the computer without software operating system. Soft ware box usually contains all the disks (Floppy diskette, CD, DVD or Blu-ray) required to install the program onto the computer, manual, warranty and other important documentation.

Example of software is the P.D.F software, invented by Adobe. This makes downloading easier and quicker.

Smartphone: is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in features such as the ability to send and receive email, edit office document and download various things. A smart phone will be based on an operating system that allows it to run application. Apple’s I-phone runs the IOS and the blackberry smart phone runs the BlackBerry OS. Other devices run Google’s Android OS, Hp’s Web’s and Microsoft’s Windows Phone.

Apps: An app is a piece of software; it can run on the internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device. A Smartphone gives you the ability to do more. It allows you to create and edit Microsoft offices documents or at least view the files. It may allow you to download apps in almost anything. Or it may allow you to edit photos, get driving direction via GPS and create a playlist of digital tunes.

Patches: A patch is a small piece of software’s that is used to correct a problem with a software program or an operating system. Patches are often called “fixes.” Services packs (allows for an easy and simple installation) usually contain many different patches.

Diagnostic program: is used in locating problems with the hardware or operating system environment that it is running on/in. Diagnostic programs provide solution to the user to solve issues. The use of Diagnostic software can save a great huge of time. This tool does not usually identify what the cause of a system problem is, they often provide hints or at least valuable information about what is in the system and how it’s working. Example of diagnostic tools includes: Norton system information and Microsoft Diagnostic.

Panda Antivirus Pro is based on a solid foundation of cloud computing which allows its vast user base to automatically share information which will help in the fight against future viruses. This in turn

Add on’s: is a piece of software that allows you do different things in IE, like flash files on a web new site, or to make a pdf of a webpage(if you have Adobe Acrobat Pro). Some are useful antispyware add-ons like McAfee’s site Advisor. O the other hand , some add on are malicious pieces of spyware/Malware and may slow down your pc down or do create more damage to your system.

Advantages of downloads

Lifetime membership for one-off charge- a lots of download services site offers a lifetime membership. So you pay once and never pay again. You can also have free software Bundles.

Can download lots of different thing from the internet

Some downloads are free and legal.

Less time consuming than going to shops and buying it(Don’t have to buy it manually)

Downloading takes up less physical space.

Disadvantages of Downloads

Slow downloading speeds: some download sites are notorious for slow download speeds simply because their resources cannot cope with high traffic volume.

Scam sites: some of the music might be copyright. Be careful of what music and the sources you are downloading from. Because in all business, there are black sheep.

Can download Viruse

I personally download lots of thing online. Inlcude: Music, Application forms and entertaiment such as Skype, Yahoo messenger. etc

Contemporarie issues in Ict

I have decided to have a look in number of contemporary’s issues about impact of it in health.. The use of it have been high in the health sector, Education system and development of technology such as (Ipod, blackberry and laptops) etc.Ict has the potential to impact upon almost every aspect of health sector. In public health, information management and communication process are essential, and are facilitated or limited by the available information and communication technology.

In developing countries, preventable diseases and premature deaths still inflict a high toll.Inequity of access to basic health services affects distinct regions, communities, and socialGroups. Under-financing of the health sector in most countries has led to quantitative andQualitative deficiencies in service delivery and to growing gaps in facility and equipmentUpkeep. Inefficient allocation of scarce resources and lack of coordination among keyStakeholders have made duplication of efforts, overlapping responsibilities, and resourceWastage common and troublesome problems.

Most countries are at some stage of health sector reform, trying to provide expanded and Equitable access to quality services while reducing or at least controlling the rising cost of Healthcare. Health reform processes have many facets and there is no single model being adopted by all countries (PAHO, 1998). ICTs have the potential to make a major contribution to improving access and quality of services while containing costs. Improving health involves improving public health and medical programs designed to provide elective, emergency, andlong-term clinical care; educating people; improving nutrition and hygiene; and providing More sanitary living conditions. These in turn ultimately involve massive social and economicChanges, as many health challenges go well beyond the health sector.

 The health sector has always relied on technologies. According to WHO (2004), they form the backbones of the services to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness and disease. Ict are only one category of the vast array of technologies that may be of use. Given the right Policies, organization, resources, and institutions, Ict can be powerful tools in the hands of those working to improve health.

Ict have been used in saving lives and prevented avoidable maternal deaths. Such as in South African, the use of mobile phone has enabled tuberculosis patients to receive timely reminder to take their medication. In developing countries, multimedia communication programs are increasing awareness of how community responses to HIV and AIDS can be strengthened. In Bangladesh and India, global satellite technology is helping to track outbreak of epidemic and ensure that effective prevention and treatment method can reach people in time.

Advantages of Ict in health care
 Reliable information and effective communication are crucial elements in public health
Practices. The use of appropriate technologies can increase the quality and the reach of both
Information and communication. Increased information helps people to improve their own
health. The ability of impoverished communities to access
Services and engage with and demand a health sector that responds to their priorities and
needs is influenced by wider information and communication processes mediated by Ict.
 The use of expert system (software using database) to guide diagnosis, recommend treatment and monitor implementation.
 Medical staff world wide have many opportunities to update their skill through internet –based advices and training initiative.
Case studies: Transforming healthcare through technology s

Disadvantages of Ict in health care.
In some of the electronic monitoring system, During an acute episode, patient may not be able to take their reading.
These are examples of how Ict have made an impact on health care

 IMPROVED DISSEMINATION: of public health and facilitated public disclosure and dialogue around major public health threat.

ENABLED REMOTE CONSULTATION: diagnosis treatment through telemedicine.
Support more effective research and the dissemination and access to research finding.

 Strengthened the ability to monitor the incidence of public health threats and respond in a more timely and effective manner and improved the efficiency of administrative system in health care facilities.

• Medical staff world-wide have many opportunities to update their skills through internet-based advice and training initiatives. For example, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London provides an internet-based consultancy service for ophthalmology patients in a number of African countries.

ONLINE BANKING

ONLINE BANKING  


In the olden days, people need to go to bank for every banking transaction. Sometimes they may find that the banks are closed or the banking hours are not suitable for then or the location isn’t convenient for them. To avoid these difficulties, there is one solution, ONLINE BANKING.

With the development of technology and the internet particularly, you don’t have to visit the bank personally, you can use internet banking. Online banking is defined as banking transaction though the internet. You can access your bank account via internet by registering yourself with you bank for online banking.

Origin of Online banking

The advent of the Internet and the popularity of personal computers presented both an opportunity and a challenge for the banking industry. For years, financial institutions have used powerful computer networks to automate millions of daily transactions; today, often the only paper record is the customer's receipt at the point of sale. Now that its customers are connected to the Internet via personal computers, banks envision similar economic advantages by adapting those same internal electronic processes to home use. Banks view online banking as a powerful "value added" tool to attract and retain new customers while helping to eliminate costly paper handling and teller interactions in an increasingly competitive banking environment

This new concept of banking means a self service attitude of banking. In online banking the customer is the sole financial controller of his own finance and life. The customer performs his own banking transactions by using the internet. We can book tickets of railways, buses, airlines to any place in the world, we can shop anything and everything with online banking and also make payments online. All banking transactions can be carried out with online banking. This online service is provided by almost all the banks, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. This service gives the customer the freedom of timings you can pay your bills or even make purchases at any point of time and any day at your convenience.

Brick-to-click bank: Today, most large national banks, many regional banks and even smaller banks and credit unions offer some form of online banking, variously known as PC banking, home banking, electronic banking or Internet banking. Those that do are sometimes referred to as "brick-to-click" banks, both to distinguish them from brick-and-mortar banks that have yet to offer online banking, as well as from online or "virtual" banks that have no physical branches or tellers whatsoever. The challenge for the banking industry has been to design this new service channel in such a way that its customers will readily learn to use and trust it. After all, banks have spent generations earning our trust; they aren't about to risk that on a Web site that is frustrating, confusing or less than secure. Most of the large banks now offer fully secure, fully functional online banking for free or for a small fee. Some smaller banks offer limited access or functionality; for instance, you may be able to view your account balance and history but not initiate transactions online. As more banks succeed online and more customers use their sites, fully functional online banking likely will become as commonplace as automated teller machines

Advantages of online banking  

Convenience: online banking sites never closes. They are available 24hour a day, seven days a week and they are only a mouse click away.

Ubiquity: if your are out of state or even out of the country when a money problem arises, you can log on instantly to your online bank and take care of the business 24/7.

Transaction speed: online bank sites generally execute and confirm transactions at or quicker than ATM processing speeds.

Efficiency: you can access and manage all of your bank accounts, including IRAs, CDs, even securities from one secure site.

Effectiveness: many online banking sites now offer sophisticated tools, including account aggregation, stocks quotes, rates alerts and portfolio managing programs to help you manage all of your assets more efficiently. Most are also compatible with money managing programs such as Microsoft money.

higher perecentag of online banking

Disadvantages of online banking.
Start-up may take time: In order to register for your bank online program, you will probably have to provide ID and sign a form at Bank branch.

Learning curve: banking sites can be difficult to navigate at first. Plan to invest some time and/or read the tutorial in order to become comfortable in your virtual lobby.

Bank sites changes: even the largest bank periodically upgrades their online programs, adding new features in unfamiliar places. In some cases you many have to re-enter account information.

The trust thing: for many people, the biggest hurdle to online banking is learning to trust it. Did my transaction go through? Did I push the transfer button once or twice?

Security: even with the tops of the line of security online banks offer, the risk of course an increased risk of identity theft or fraud when you personal data is accessible online.

BEST BET: ALWAYS PRINT THE TRANSACTION RECIEPT NAD KEEP IT WITH YOU BANK RECORDS UNTIL IT SHOWS ON YOUR PERSONAL SITES OR YOR BANK STATEMENT.

Advantages and disavanatges for the bank
online banking can benefit with less staft and now building charges, however, they would need to invest heavily in the way their security is manged  on the website. on of such online banking  is EGG, it is based in the uk and was launched in 1998 and has now become one of the world online bank.
I personally do not use online banking. neither do any of my families. maybe due to security resons. But i am looking forward in using online banking when am older.