VoIP& IM

Instant messaging is a real-time conversation between two or more people using the internet. This involves sending messages though typing. This allows for quick and easy communication.

IM providers-

· MSN

· GTalk

· Skype

· AOL

· Yahoo

VoIP is similar to IM, except the only thing being sent is sound, just like making a phone call but through the internet. To use VoIP, you will need a headset/speakers and a microphone. You could also include a webcam to allow visual communication. Usually, this service is free for providers such as Skype, however some VoIP providers charge you every week/month/year. Special types of phone are available to communicate using VoIP.

VoIP Providers-

· Skype

· Voipbuster

· LiquidIT

4G Networks – What effects will it have?

The key feature and improvement that this new generation of wireless mobile internet service will provide is:

• Speed: This technology wouldn’t be much of advancement if it did not improve significantly on speed compared to its predecessor. When it finally arrives in the UK in 2013, 4G will be able to offer high quality data rates at around 100 Mbps which works out to between 4 and 6 times faster than 3G.

 

Task 1.26

·         Low income

·         Live in a rural area

·         Weak literacy skills

·         Have a disability

·         From an ethnic minority

·         Are elderly

These groups in society don’t have access to the latest technology as they either can’t afford them, aren’t ready for the technology or just simply because they don’t want it. The elderly, for instance, may not want to take a step forward in the technology as they may not be able to understand it. If you have a low income there is no need to spend money on luxuries where you need the essentials.

Task 2.3:

a)      https://passports.ips.gov.uk

b)      http://www.passport.uk.com

c)       http://www.passports-office.co.uk/

‘A’ is the real website as it has the ‘s’ after ‘http’ and it is a ‘.gov’ website, meaning it is directly from the government or local council.

Task 2.4:

As there is only one real website, it gets bogged down by all of the fake websites. There are also a few Forums discussing how to apply for a passport which come above the real website.

Skills Builder 2.2

a)      Where can they buy a pass?

b)      Can they get a cheap rate because they are 17?

c)       How much will a month’s pass cost?

d)      Can they get on any train in Europe, or do they have to book in advance?

e)      What are the rules about using the pass in Britain?

Answers-

a)      Online at http://www.interrailnet.com/passes/ordering-info/how-order

b)      You get a 35% discount if you are 25 or under

c)       Global Pass –

Youth	Adult	Senior	Child
2nd class €422	2nd class €638	2nd class €575	2nd class €319
1st class €977	1st class €977	1st class €880	1st class €489

One country pass – (Price varies depending on the country)

Youth	Adult	Child
2nd class €205	2nd class €311	2nd class €156
1st class €476	1st class €476	1st class €238

d)      They have to book in advance for that country otherwise they can’t get on the train, unless they already have a global pass.

e)      Available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 travel days within 1 month.

Take as many trains as you want on each travel day.

If you're under 26, you can buy the discounted pass for youth.