Internet Services

Cloud Computing
 This refers to making use of
applications and data storage
facilities hosted by an online server
(on the Internet).
 You can see the interface to the
software on your web browser and
use the software as if it is running
on your computer.
 Examples:
 Google Drive (Web based word
processing, spreadsheets,
presentations etc.)
 Gmail & Yahoo mail – web-based
email services.
 Advantages &
Disadvantages/Limitations
Advantages
Software is always up to date
No software need be downloaded to
access the resources
The data & software can be accessed
from any device with an Internet
connection
Save space on your hard drive
Share documents with other users &
work on the same document at the
same time.
Documents are automatically backed
up by the system
Disadvantages/Limitations
To use the service properly you need a
fast, reliable Internet connection
Don’t have full control over security or
backup
Might need to pay a monthly fee for
more disk space
The software may not have all the
features of desktop software
Cloud computing might run slower –
depends on your Internet connection
 Grid Computing

 Resources of a large
number of computers are
shared and used at the
same time to solve a
single problem.
 Used for scientific
applications that require
large amounts of data or
high processing power.
E.g. A scientist analysing
data or a financial analyst
forecasting the growth of
a particular stock
 Advantages &
Disadvantages/Limitations

Advantages Disadvantages/Limitations
Cost-effective solution to use many Must have a fast network
resources connection between
computers & networks for the
processing power to be
effective
Method to solve problems that The computers used may not be fast
need an enormous amount of enough
processing power
Saves money and resources by using Computers may be affected by
the power of “idle’ computers Malware.
Government Internet Services
Government Internet Services

 TV license renewal
 Post Box renewal
 Election information can be accessed online and via SMS
 Up-to-date information ca forms can be accessed
 UIF and Tax details can be added and updated and
payments can be captured online.
 Educational publications, guidelines and past papers can
be accessed and downloaded from the GDE’s website.
 Advantages

 Improved communication between Government

departments and citizens
 Access to services possible whenever you have Internet
access
 No queues or long distance traveling
 Immediate feedback – e.g. receipt when you file your tax
return
 Up-to-date info is accessible
 Sites can be accessed with smartphones
 Promotes Green computing
 Disadvantages/Limitations

 Not everyone has Internet access especially those in

poorer communities
 Initial cost to the government is expensive
 People are nervous about online threats and privacy
concerns
 If system is down – services are not accessible
 Many people prefer to deal face to face with people