Download Services

These days there are a huge variety of things that can be downloaded from the internet. As well as being able to download things straight from the Internet, you can now share files between each other with different programmes, although if you do use them you have to be very careful with what you download because some files can contain viruses or other malicious software.

Software

Store such as Curry’s and PC World still stock software in store that can be purchased however there is now an easier way to do it. You can now visit an online site and download software straight onto your computer. These downloads are important in the ICT world and the simplicity of them is a massive bonus. Some of the most common software downloads are items such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel etc. Software can be downloaded through many devices and not just a computer, this makes software download’s easy do. It also helps keep all your technologies up to date. Software can also be added to your device. For example, Apple’s Mac lines do not come with items such as Microsoft Word etc. This is a huge disadvantage for students wanting to use them. However Microsoft Office can be downloaded and added to the device.

Advantages

One of the main advantages is that you can now easily download/buy any software from anywhere in the world, this makes it highly accessible to a wide range of people. Another advantage of software downloads is that there is no risk of losing of disk of CD with the software on. With software downloads there is no danger of this because there is a download straight from the system to the device.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage of software downloads is that if you do not have good internet connection, downloading would take a long time or may not even work. Another disadvantages of software downloads is the danger of viruses of malware. These can affect the computer you are downloading onto. Some software companies may ask for personal details and credit card details can also be affected.

Personal Experience

I have had previous experience of downloading software online. When I purchase a new laptop I downloaded the newest Windows software (Window 7 at the time), I found it quick an easy with step by step instructions.

Apps

An app (application) is a piece of software that can run on the internet, on your computer on your phone or other electronic devices. Apps are one of the most frequently downloaded items; this is down to its multiple uses such as gaming, entertainment etc. Apps are a really valuable and beneficial addition in the technology world. Due to the introduction of smart phones and different operating systems (iOs and Android) the popularity of apps has risen sharply.

Advantages

One advantage of apps is the simplicity of them, they are easy to get and you can use them as many times as you want. Another is the variety of apps to choose from, as I previously mentioned apps range from business and photography to games and cooking.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages of apps however. For example if you smartphone crashes there is a possibility that you can lose a number of your apps. Another disadvantage to apps is that they need quite a lot of updating, this can become tedious. 

PDF (Portable Document Format)

A PDF or Portable Document Format is a file that ‘captures’ all element if a printed document as an electronic image you can print, view and navigate. PDF files are useful for advertising documents such as magazine articles, broachers or flyers. PDF files can contain a variety of information such as: previous exam papers, bus timetables etc.

Advantages

One advantage of PDF files is that they are environmentally friendly, because they keep paper use to a minimal. For example, you can get manuals for new products as PDF files, so viewing them online with save tonnes of paper. PDF files are a massive time saver, using the example of a manual again; instead of flicking through page after page, you can search for what you are looking for or just enter the page number you want. Another advantage of PDF files is that they can be downloaded in individual languages instead of receiving page after page of language that you cannot read.

Disadvantages

Not all companies adopt the PDF files. This means that some companies still send masses of paper. Another disadvantage of PDF files is that if you lose the first copy then you will have to print off another – this impacts the ‘environmentally friendly’ aspect of the PF file.

Education

As I have previously mentioned download services can be useful for Educational purposes. You can now download files such as; podcasts, past papers and newsletters. Whilst I was studying for my GCSE’s and my A Levels I found past papers useful in finding out how to answer specific questions. Exam board such as OCR or AQA offer papers from the year’s previous exam so they are obviously kept very current.

Advantage

Downloading education material can be really useful for revision and practice for an upcoming test. Downloading podcasts are another advantage of download services, this podcasts can be downloaded onto an MP3 player so you can revise on the go. Another advantage of this is the lack of paper; you can download things like past papers and keep them in files on your computer.

Disadvantage

A possible disadvantage of this service is that some less well known exam board don’t offer their services online – this means students using that exam board won’t be able to find what they are after.