FILE SHARING
1. Define the term online application.
An online (or a Web) application is an application that is accessed by users over a network such as
the Internet or an intranet.
2. When will you make use of online applications.
Users who want to save data online.
Students who want to apply for studies.
Tax payers who want to fill in tax forms.
Users who want to participate in social networking.
3. Mention 2 things that you have to do before you can use an online application.
Register, get a username and a password.
4. Discuss 3 advantages of the use of online applications.
Convenience
The first of the advantages of web based applications is that it is very convenient for use. One can
access these applications 24 hours of the day and 365 days a year. They can be used in any part of
the world any time. The entire database is available all the time. One can either make use of the
computer or phone to access the required data, whenever it is required. A person need not be
confined to his office only.
No Installation and/or Maintenance
Unlike the desktop applications, the web applications do not have to be installed, as they run on a
web server. The time and trouble required for installing a software are also done away with. At the
same, since the web servers are used, maintenance, troubleshooting problems hardly arise. One
does not have to go through the headache of heavy backups to be taken on disk space, etc. either.
Cost
As compared to the desktop applications, these applications are cost effective. These applications
cost lesser as compared to the web applications. At the same time, it does not waste any space on
the computer, as the software are run from a server. One does not have to pay for maintenance fees
either.
Multiple Platforms
The beauty of the web applications is that they work on multiple platforms. Most of the applications
work on different Internet browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc. They are often also
compatible with most of the computer operating systems. Immaterial of the browser or the
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operating system, there is no difference in the way the applications work. The quality of work
remains the same all the time.
Advanced Versions
As a user a person does not have to worry about whether the application is up to date. The
application is always up to date. There is no need of being on the run always, as the up-gradation,
etc. is taken care of. This is one of the best advantages of open source web applications.
User Training
One does not have to undergo training at any particular time only. According to the users
convenience can the user undergo training. At the same time, if a particular user is a slow learner or
does not have a lot of time to spare, then the user can decide the pace of learning as well.
You can apply at your own convience: When you apply with a paper application, you had to submit it
professionally; by coming in dressed nicely and clean. But with Online Applications, you get to apply
dressed whatever you like. You can apply naked, in your underwear, dirty, filthy, and whatever you
like. This is good for people who has social disabilities or asperger's.
No waiting required: Paper Applications require that you wait in line to give the company your job
application. Online Applications allows you to submit the application the second you get there. The
only thing you will have to wait for is the loading, which can be a pain in the butthole if you have a
slow computer.
No Restrictions: There is no limit on when you can apply with an online application. Paper
Applications require you to apply when the store is open, online applications does not. You can
apply at 3 am in the morning or when you're in school. There's no limit on when application can be
submitted.
No limit on applications: The last thing you want to do is show up at TJ Max and get a notice from an
employee that they have ran out of applications. That can NOT happen with Online Applications. It
also puts applications in a database so employers won't lose them.
You are encouraged to correct errors: Have you ever seen a paper application tell you a mistake you
put on the application? I highly doubt it. If something is invalid, or there is a mistake on an online
application. It will tell you to fix it in order to go on. It also tells you when you don't meet the
minimum qualifications.
5. Can you think of any disadvantage of the use of online applications?
Scripting and coding issues: These corporate offices appear to not be aware of the compatibility
issues with their job applications. In order to submit the application, you must have a stable internet
browser and a good computer.
Unsavable Applications/Assessments: If the power goes out, your computer freezes, or if you are
forced to get off the computer during the application process, some applications have it where you
cannot save it. There is a possiblity of you have to start over from the beginning. Sadly, this can be
real frustrating, especially if you have a slow computer.
Required Unapplicable Information: Some applications have it where you have to lie because it is
required and it lacks the information you need. This is a real common issue in some applications. For
instance, if you apply at Menards, it'll require that you put in your previous salary for your last 3
jobs, even if this would be your first paying job. So the best thing you have to do is either lie or leave
the application.
6. Explain what file sharing is.
File sharing is the practice of sharing or offering access to digital information or resources, including
documents, multimedia (audio/video), graphics, computer programs, images and e-books. File
sharing, in Internet terminology, is a means of exchanging files between computers over the
Internet. Alternatively referred to as file swapping.
File sharing can be done using several methods. The most common techniques for file storage,
distribution and transmission include the following:
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Removable storage devices
Centralized file hosting server installations on networks
World Wide Web-oriented hyperlinked documents
Distributed peer-to-peer networks
7. Explain what Google Drive is.
Google Drive lets you store and access your files anywhere -- on the web, on your hard drive, or on
the go. Here’s how it works:
 Go to Google Drive on the web at drive.google.com.
 Install Google Drive on your computer or mobile device.
 Throw your files in Google Drive. It’s right there on your device.
 Now your files go everywhere you do.
Change a file on the web, on your computer, or on your mobile device and it updates on every
device where you’ve installed Google Drive. Share, collaborate, or work alone: your files, your
choice.
Store the first 5 GB of your stuff for free.
When your Google Drive grows, get another 25 GB of space (or more!) starting at $2.49 per month.
Access everything in your Google Drive from all your devices.
8. Explain what SkyDrive is. Also explain briefly how SkyDrive works.
With SkyDrive, you get automatic access to your documents from any PC, Mac, iPad, or phone. You
can also share and work on them with other people from any computer. Anyone can view and edit
documents using a web browser and free Office Web Apps.
If you're collaborating on a school or work project, you can put your files in the cloud with SkyDrive.
This way, other people can work on them and you don't have to manage multiple versions.
Put your files in the cloud
You can upload files to SkyDrive in a couple different ways:
In the SkyDrive app, swipe from the top or bottom edge to open the app commands, and then tap or
click Upload. Select the files you want to upload, and then tap or click Add to SkyDrive.
Go to SkyDrive.com, and then sign in with your Microsoft account. Tap or click Upload and follow
the instructions.
9. How can files and folders be shared on DropBox?
Dropbox offers easy ways to share files or folders. Shared folders are ideal for groups of people who
work on the same files together. When you create a shared folder and add other people to it, its files
will appear in their Dropbox just as they do in yours. Any member of the folder can add, delete, or
edit files within that folder.
Dropbox is a personal cloud storage service (sometimes referred to as an online backup service) that
is frequently used for file sharing and collaboration. The Dropbox application is available for
Windows, Macintosh and Linux desktop operating systems. There are also apps for iPhone, iPad,
Android, and BlackBerry devices.
After installation of the Dropbox application, a Dropbox folder appears with the user’s other folders.
Users can save files to the folder, add new folders, and drag and drop files among folders just as if
they were all local. Files in the Dropbox folder can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet
connection – the user just has to log in to his account to upload, download and share files.
To share a file, the user can generate a URL for it from the Dropbox website and send it out so that
others can view it. Folders can be shared by sending an invitation from the Dropbox website.
Recipients that don’t have Dropbox accounts will have to sign up to access the folder. Once a folder
is shared, it will appear in the folder system for everyone who has access to it and all members will
be able to make changes to files. All versions of files are saved.
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10. Mention THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of file sharing.
No.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
10.1 In a file sharing environment, a large number Security Problems- explicit programming
of users can access a program as though it
required.
were on their local machines, when actually
Data Isolation- related data required by
the program resides on a single file server.
different programs of same application may
This is a great benefit to small workstations, resides in diff isolated files.
where disk space is at a premium. A user can Unanticipated queries- handling sudden
have access to a much larger program
queries can be difficult.
repertoire than could fit on a private disk.
Data redundancy.
Data inconsistency.
Integrity Problems- rules needed to be
programmed explicitly.
10.2 By having a resource reside physically on a
single server, then distributed throughout
Duplication of data
the network, you can greatly simplify
No standardized control over organization
administration. First, you reduce the number of files.
of copies of various programs that need to
No standardized control over structure of
be maintained on the network. Second, you
files.
reduce the problems involved in performing
backups for a number of machines dispersed Concurrent access anomalies- multiple
access of same file in case of multiple user
over a wide geographical area. By keeping
system.
files in a single location, this task becomes
comparable to backing up a single machine.
10.3
Centralizing files on a few file servers not
only simplifies administration, it helps
maintain consistency of shared data files.
When changes are made to a shared file,
they become available to all users
immediately.
11. Explain what INFORMATION OVERLOAD is.
Information overload is a description given to the phenomenon where so much information is taken
in by the human brain that it becomes nearly impossible to process it.This can cause people stress.
12. In which THREE ways can you control information overload?
 Schedule breaks. Take a break away from the computer. This gives your brain a breather, and
helps you regain perspective, she said. Plus, the quiet time can help you zero in on making a
good decision.
 Spend time on the information that you need to know rather than information that is nice to
know.
 Set limits. Because the Internet is available 24/7, you can consume information for hours. Limit
how long you scan for information.
 Filter your sources, focusing only on the high-quality ones.
 When sending e-mails, ensure that the message is short and to the point.
 Focus on one task at a time.
 Keep your virtual and physical spaces clutter-free. Make sure your computer files and desk are
“clear, well-organized and ready to handle overflow,” she said.
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13. Explain the meaning of DIGITAL COMMUNICATION.
Digital communication is the electronically transfer of coded data from one place to another. Digital
Communication is basically the electronic way to exchange information.
14.
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Discuss THREE good things about digital communication.
It is fast and easier.
No paper is wasted.
The messages can be stored in the device for longer times, without being damaged, unlike paper
files that easily get damages or attacked by insects.
Digital communication can be done over large distances through internet and other things.
It is comparatively cheaper and the work which requires a lot of people can be done simply by
one person as folders and other such facilities can be maintained.
It removes semantic barriers because the written data can be easily chaned to different
languages using software.
It provides facilities like video conferencing which save a lot of time, money and effort.
Can travel long distances.
Error protection is easy.
15. Explain THREE bad things about digital communication.
 It is unreliable as the messages cannot be recognised by signatures. Though software can be
developed for this, yet the softwares can be easily hacked.
 Sometimes, the quickness of digital communication is harmful as messages can be sent with the
click of a mouse. The person does not think and sends the message at an impulse.
 Digital Communication has completely ignored the human touch. A personal touch cannot be
established because all the computers will have the same font!
 The establishment of Digital Communication causes degradation of the environment in some
cases. "Electronic waste" is an example. The vibes given out by the telephone and cell phone
towers are so strong that they can kill small birds. Infact the common sparrow has vanished due
to so many towers coming up as the vibrations hit them on the head.
 Digital Communication has made the whole wordl to be an "office." The people carry their work
to places where they are supposed to relax. The whole world has been made into an office. Even
in the office, digital communication causes problems because personal messages can come on
your cell phone, internet, etc.
 Many people misuse the efficiency of Digital Communicatio. The sending of hoax messages, the
usage by people to harm the society, etc cause harm to the society on the whole.
16. Explain the difference between STREAMING MEDIA and MULTIMEDIA. Supply examples in
your explanation.
Media streaming allows you to play back an audio or video file from the internet (or from
a network location) without having to first download the complete file to your computer.
When a media file is streamed, it is delivered as a constant data stream to your computer or media
player rather than as an intact file that you must save and decompress before you can play it. For
example, a live television broadcast might be streamed over the internet and viewed on your
computer while the broadcast is in process.
Multimedia uses computers to present text, audio, video, animation, interactive features, and still
images in various ways and combinations made possible through the advancement of technology.
17. Explain the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
Https is a secure web site, where as http is an insecure web site.
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HTTP stands for Hypertext Transport Protocol. This is just a fancy way of saying it is a manner of
speaking/instructing information to move between web servers and clients. If you visit a web site or
a web page, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the http://. This
means that the web site is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. Other
users may get hold of your information if you for example supply your contact details.
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer. The ‘S’ stands for ‘Secure’.
This basically means your computer is talking to the web site in a secure code and it is impossible for
other users to get hold of your information.
18. Explain the difference between an INTRANET and an EXTRANET. Also mention in your
explanation where/who will make use of each of the above-mentioned.
An intranet is the generic term for a collection of private computer networks within an organization.
An extranet is a computer network that allows controlled access from the outside for specific
business or educational purposes. Intranets and extranets are communication tools designed to
enable easy information sharing within workgroups.
Intranet is an information portal designed specifically for the internal communications of small and
medium business enterprises while extranet is an information portal designed to give external
limited access to certain files. Whereas users of intranet consist of members of the executive team,
managers and directors and customer service among others, those of extranet consist of selected
industry partners, privileged customers and long term suppliers among others. Intranets and
extranets are characterized by secured internet access to the outside world and existence of an ID
user.
19. A traveller will make use of REMOTE ACCESS. Explain what remote access is.
Remote access refers to the ability to access a computer, such as a home computer or an office
network computer, from a remote location. This allows employees to work offsite, such as at home
or in another location, while still having access to a distant computer or network, such as the office
network. Remote access can be set up using a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or
even a virtual private network (VPN) so that resources and systems can be accessed remotely.
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