Summary of online services

My assignment of online services included a close up on how communication is used on the internet for different reasons.
Communication is seen through the internet in such services like e-mail, instant messaging (IM), newsgroups, online conferencing and blogs. They help people connect together and can be an effective way of saving time and money.
Real time information are services like train timetables, news services, traffic reports, weather etc. and can provide useful information to the public when and where they need it most, and can use this information for their own use, and provides excellent alternatives to finding out about information elsewhere.
Commerce is services like shopping online, banking and auctions, and can save people time and effort in the comfort of their own home to buy. Therefore this business can not only be an effective way of drawing more customers, it can satisfy their needs a lot better.
Government, i.e. online tax returns, e-voting, applications for services/grants, revenue collection etc. Getting people to pay or fill in applications online at home can also be a better way of attracting people back to the internet.
Businesses, e.g. video conferencing, collaborative working, business networks. Not only can this connect two businesses through the internet, it can attract new customers, and make work a lot more efficient.
Entertainment includes services like multi user games, radio players, music and movies which allow people to use services and talk to people while they use it.
Download services like music, film, upgrades and software allows people to buy music and films whilst online, without the effort of going to town to buy it in CD format.
Archiving, like x-drives, allow people to store files online and let other people access them, like pictures for example.
All in all, online services can make people's dayt-to-day activity's a lot easier through an internet connection.