INTERNET SERVICES

E-MAIL ADDRESS

E-mail stands for ‘Electronic Mail’. It is a paperless method of sending messages, notes, pictures and even sound files from one place to another using the Internet as a medium. It is an individual name, which is used to send and receive E-mail on the Internet. It is used to specify the source or destination of an E-mail message.

  The format of an E-mail address is "user@domain". Where,

·                the first part (user) identifies a unique user name.

·              “@” separates the user from the domain, which identifies the mail server.

BLOGS

A blog is a Website or a Web page, in which an individual records opinion links to other sites on regular basis. A blog content is written frequently and added in a chronological order. It is written online and visible to everyone.
A typical blog combines text, images and links to other blogs, Web page and other media related to its topic. In education, blogs can be used as instructional resources. These blogs are referred to as edublogs. The entries of blog are also known as posts.
A person who writes a blog or a Weblog is known as blogger. Blogging is the act of posting content on a blog.

NEWSGROUP

An area on a computer network especially the Internet, devoted to the discussion of a specified topic is known as Newsgroup. Newsgroup is an online discussion group that allows interaction through electronic bulletin board system (Usenet) and chat sessions. A newsgroup is a worldwide platform for exchanging its content, ideas and information by common minded people. Newsgroup and contents are stored on special servers called Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) servers.

E-LEARNING (ELECTRONIC LEARNING)

It refers to an electronic mode of delivering learning, training or educational programs to users.
E-learning is the mode of acquiring knowledge by means of Internet and computer based training programs. E-learning can be done anywhere and at any time. The modules of E-learning are designed to provide not only adequate and relevant information but also make learning highly engaging and interactive using multimedia.

Broadly, E-learning is synonymous with Computer Based Instruction (CBI), Computer Based Training (CBT), Internet Based Training (IBT), Web Based” Training (WBT) and online education. E-learning applications and processes include Web based learning, computer based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration.
E-learning can be divided into the following categories:

·         Synchronous – It means “at the same time,” interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in a real-time.

·         Asynchronous – It means “not at the same time.” It allows the participants to complete the Web based training at their own place, without live interaction with an instructor.

Advantages of an E-Learning

    1.    Class work can be scheduled around office and family.

    2.    Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students.

    3.    Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace.

    4.    Learning can accommodate, different learning styles and facilitate learning through a variety of activities.

    5.    Develops knowledge of an Internet and computers skills that will help learners throughout their lives and careers.

    6.    Successfully completed online or computer based courses build self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning.

Disadvantages of an E-Learning

    1.    Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines.

   2.    Students may feel isolated from an instructor and classmates.

   3.    Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help.

   4.    Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials frustrating.

   5.    Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom.

E-BANKING (ELECTRONIC BANKING)

It is defined as the automated delivery of new and traditional banking products and services directly to the customers through an electronic and interactive communication channels. E-banking is also known as Internet Banking, Online Banking or PC Banking. In Internet banking system, the bank has a centralized database, i.e. is Web enabled. All the services that the bank has permitted on the Internet are displayed in menu. Any service can be selected and further interaction is dictated by the nature of service. It allows customers to access account specific information and possibly conduct transactions from a remote location such as at home or at workplace.

Customers can access E-banking services using an intelligent electronic devices, such as a Personal Computer (PC), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and kiosk or touch tone telephone.
E-banking can be broadly classified into the two categories, which are as follows:

1.    Transactional It involves performing financial transactions. Transactional activities are as follows:

1.    Electronic fund transfer

2.    Bill payments

3.    Loan application and repayments

4.    Buying investment products

2. Non-Transactional It involves viewing bank statements. Non-transactional activities are as follows:

1.    Account balance viewing

2.    Bank statement downloading

3.    Cheque book ordering

4.    Provision of account/bank statement

Advantages of an E-Banking

1.    There are no geographical barriers and the services that can be offered at a minimum cost.

2.    Through Internet banking, you can check your transactions at any time and as many times as   you want to.

3.    If the fund transfer has to be made outstation, where the bank does not have a branch, the bank would demand outstation charges, whereas with the help of online banking, it will be absolutely free for you.

4.    Internet banking deploys the Internet as a medium for financial transaction.
e.g. a customer login to his or her bank account by accessing the bank Website.

Disadvantages of an E-Banking

1.    Understanding the usage of Internet banking might be difficult for a beginner at the first time.           

2.    You can not have access to Internet banking, if you don’t have an Internet connection.

3.    Security of transactions is a big issue. Your account information might get hacked by unauthorized people over the Internet.

Mobile Banking
It is a way for the customer to perform E-banking actions on his/her cell phones or other mobile device, it is a quite popular method of banking. It might also be referred to as M-banking or SMS banking.
Services of M-banking are as follows:

     1.    Account information

    2.    Transaction

    3.    Investments SMS service

E-SHOPPING (ELECTRONIC SHOPPING)

E-shopping or Online Shopping is the process of buying goods and services from merchants who sell their products on Internet. Consumers buy a variety of items from online stores. In fact, people can purchase just about anything from companies that provide their products online.

Books, clothing, household appliances, toys, hardware, software and health insurance are just some of the hundreds of products, consumers can buy from an online store.
The main components of E-shopping are as follows:

·         Product

·         Accessibility to people

·         Mode of payment

·         Selling place

·         Delivery mechanism

·         Placement of orders

Some E-shopping sites  are Amazon, Naaptol, Flipkart, Yebhi, HomeShopl8, Club Factory, etc.

Advantages of E-Shopping

    1. Finding a product online is much more easier than looking for it in the local store.

    2. Now-a-days online shopping is very reliable.

    3. Most of the stores provide money back guarantee.

    4. You have infinite options to choose a product.

    5. If you do not find any product within your country then you can shop online from an international store.

Disadvantages of E-Shopping

    1. The customer might be worried as to the similarity of the product being ordered and the product being received.

   2. You have to wait for delivery.

   3. You may be a victim of online fraud.

   4. You may have to pay for shipping, while returning.

   5. You can not really see/feel the items, you purchase.

E-RESERVATION (ELECTRONIC RESERVATION)

It means making a reservation for a service via Internet. You need not personally go to an office or a counter to book/reserve railways, airways tickets, hotel rooms, tourist packages etc.
Examples of E-reservation sites are as follows:

·         www.irctc.com

·         makemytrip.com

·         yatra.com

·         bookingsite.com

Advantages of an E-Reservation

    1. Real-time process (if you book a seat, it will automatically be updated so, no one else can take that seat. If you used an agent that did not use computers, they would need to call other agents saying ‘Seat X had been taken’).

   2. Can access more information and find other details online about your reservation.

   3. Websites can compare different flight prices and details.

Disadvantages of an E-Reservation

   1. Need an Internet and PC experience.

   2. Might need a credit card or some other form of payment.

   3. Viruses/Torjans may steal your information.

   4.  If the Websire is not working properly then, due to some server issue, reservation can’t be done.