Communicating with IT

Method	How it is used to communicate a message	How quickly and efficiently does this work and why?
Word processed documents (letter)	Word processor is a computer software application that is used to create a document (usually a report or letter). The document is usually presented on paper or on screen.The user enters text into the document and the software provides tools for different types of formatting. This software allows the user to save, print and forward to its intended audience.	This program was one of the earliest software applications in office productivity, it has been updated several times and has become a very quick method of communication. The latest features of word processor can improve the efficiency of a person (s) time, which can be spent on other tasks, such as; track changes, keyboard shortcuts and custom templates. Portable hard copies of the original document are available, so the audience does not need access to a computer.
Presentations	PowerPoint is provided by the company Microsoft. PowerPoint is complete graphics package.   Slides are added to form a presentation. A presentation can be organised into a sequence. Notes can be added to help the speaker elaborate on his/her notes for additional guidance. A presentation is usually presented by one who is speaking to a larger audience.	PowerPoint is a quick and easy way to organise ideas and present them to a larger audience using visual aids. PowerPoints are usually a snappy way to convey a mesage, especially when they are used being spoken through and shown to their audience.
Email	An email is an electronic message. Its provided by the Internet Service Provider. There are different types of online email, such as; Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail. The user can include attachments within an email, such as; word documents, presentation and links to websites. This software allows you to send an email, receive an email, reply to an email and forward an email. An address book can be set up for email contacts, to make it easier to distribute a message.	Emailing saves both time and money. An email can be quickly typed and sent, and a response can be received in a matter of minutes. Emails can be sent to more than one recipient at a time.
Web Pages	A web page is a hypertext document connected to the 'World Wide Web'. It is written in HTML codes and scripting language such as Java. Web pages include; text, audio, still and moving images. Websites use headlines, sub headers; content, tag lines, branding/logo, images, icons, navigation links, video and advertisements to communicate to the web page visitor.	Web pages are a quick method of communication as they are more or less instant. However, this method isn't always reliable, especially if there's interference with the broadband line. Web pages are only available online to internet users . Updates are carried out regularly and quickly so a new message can be seen by the visitor.
Blogs	A blog is an online journal that displays informal comments in chronological order, for other blog users to see. (weblog) Blog users post comments about their chosen subject, to communicate with other users.	Blogs offer the same benefits of a web page. Individuals can access the WWW readership, without having to go through publisher or complexities of setting up a website.
Vlogs	A volg is similar to a blog, but the postings are in video form. Vlog users share their ideas, and feelings to other users visually and with audio. Vlogs are usually accompanied by text, image, and metadata to provide context or overview for the video.	Vlogs also offer the same benefits as a web page. They allow individuals to share their views on the internet.
Podcasts	A podcast is a audio file made available for internet users to download to a computer or portable media player. Podcasts are usually in series. Subscribers can view them as soon as they are posted. Podcasts are used to share thoughts and ideas with the public via audio.	Podcasts are usually quick and efficient aslong as there are no probelms with the broadband line. Subscribers recieve new audio files automatically, so they can be viewed. Podcasts allow subscribers to decide what they want to hear and when.
Instant Messaging	An instant message is a piece of text created by someone and sent by real-time over an instant messaging application. E.g. Facebook Messenger. This method of communication is normally informal and used when a message needs to be addressed quickly.	Instant messaging is one of the fastest growing forms of communication. IM allows you to send a message to one or more people at the same time. As the users continue to chat, a full transcript on the conversation will form in a window, and can be deleted by the user when they have finished or no longer want to see it displayed. Instant messaging is very quick, a message can be sent and received in a matter of seconds no matter whether the recipient is next to you or in another country.
Video Conferencing (Skype)	Video Conferencing is a set of telecommunication technologies that allows two or more locations to communicate by a two-way video and audio transmissions. Video Conferencing is mainly used by business' when they are communicating from two different areas of a large distance.	Video Conferencing is a very quick and efficient method of communication as long as there are no problems with the broadband line. Video Conferencing saves travelling time and the costs of setting up and maintaining the video are reduced by savings in travel and costs of delegates.
Face to Face	Face to face communication allows two or more people to get their message across instantly. One starts speaking and/or using gestures and the other responds.	Face to face communication is instant and efficient. The message is received automatically, and the other can respond in a matter of 2 seconds. It is usually easier to communicate face to face as you can gauge how interested the other party is by looking at their body language and facial expressions.