Downloading Services

Download Services:

Download Services is something on the internet that can be portrayed as a good thing in some instances and a bad thing in other instances. The whole reason for this is because of illegal downloads compared to legal downloads, and how some people misuse this very useful downloading service. The majority of people only download things that are absolutely required, and usually come as an automatic notification for their computer about an update to a server or application. These are almost always free and given to the user so that they carry on using their services, making this legal. Some examples of legal downloading are those along the lines of: 

-Updates, patches and software downloads.

-Portable Document Format’s, commonly known as PDF’s for short.

- Apps, most commonly from Apple regarding the App Store.

-Cloud computing, which is acquiring or hosting software through the internet as a service, rather than a product.

-Real time links and information, such as bus and train timetables.

Of these five topics I will talk about two different areas of downloading services, these being updates, patches and software downloads and Apps. I will also go into detail about the services developers or companies that feature the downloading topic.

Updates, patches and software downloads:

These all relate to a feature on your computer that allows it to, usually, function in a more efficient or safer way; whether that be to do with virus protection software or an update to remove unnecessary programmes resulting in a faster computer. There are many different downloads that can be installed or purchased on the internet or in store. But there are some fake sites that try to promote a download, most commonly by sending an email to that person saying that they have a free trial for something or their existing service has run out and they need to upgrade it. Once the user has opened the fake email or site a virus or hacking system will be injected into the computers system and can cause a lot of damage.

Java:

Sites that do offer practical and legit downloads are those usually very well known to users of the internet. Java is one of these fairly well known sites. Java is a computer software products specialist, developed by Sun Microsystems. Java can be used in a variety of ways, whether this is to do with mobile phones or enterprise servers. Sometimes Java is used on browsers on the internet to provide faster and improved functions for that browser. As Java can sometimes be a compulsory application on some sites and browsers an update is needed on a regular basis to keep the application up to date and running smoothly. If the update is not carried out then either the site will refresh to another page where it prompts you to download, as you cannot go any further without the newer application, or it will run the site but not as smoothly as it could be; eventually you will need to update the application.

Apps:

Apps, abbreviated from Applications, are computer software that is, generally, designed to aid the user in performing specific tasks or duties. Some examples of apps can include:

-Graphic design apps.

-Music/media players.

-Accounting apps.

-Gaming apps.

Apps are sometimes offered in one big bundle rather than just separately, which promotes customers as this usually comes in a sale. Some computers are already installed with several apps for the user when they first buy it as ‘complimentary’ apps. Microsoft’s applications of Office and the other widely used programmes are classified as apps, even though some people do not regard them as apps. You can buy different sets of these applications for occasions when you need to do homework, in which case you would buy the Office Home and Student pack which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and One Note, all of which can be bought separately or in different bundles. Sometimes an app will only be able to run on one sort of browser or platform, which then prompts the target market to go out and buy that platform so the application can run on it; and in more than one case the platform will be from the same company as the application increasing profits.

Apple:

Apple is an American multinational company that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. The company is mostly known for its electronic products including the Ipod, iPhone and Mac. As of July 2011 it was recorded that the company operates a total of 357 retailer shops in ten countries and in September the same year Apple was classed as the largest technology company in the world as a result of its revenue and profit numbers. The App Store is the place where customers can purchase apps for most, if not all, of Apples handheld devices and computers. In July 2007 Apple had launched the App Store to the world and within the short time of a month the company had sold more than 60 million apps and was gaining $1 million daily on average. The App Store features thousands of apps that can be downloaded from the handset or the computer so long as you have an Apple ID. Some of the categories that the App Store features are gaming, education, health and photography. Apps can either be free or you can pay for them, but most apps usually come to around 69p unless you are buying an app with ‘real-object qualities’ like a SAT-NAV.

Advantages of Downloading Services:

-Software is usually available to download regularly from the source you are using so it is up to date and always running smoothly.

-There are many different software’s you can acquire which suit your computer and preference.

-Depending on the size of the update, downloading is usually very quick.

-Sometimes the download comes with other bonuses for downloading it like a small app that you can choose to install and run.

-You don’t need to go out and buy the software in a shop; you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

Disadvantages of Downloading Services:

-Some hackers can make fake sites that bribe users into using their feature of update and then the consequence is losing important information or having a virus in your computer.

-Rebooting and restarting the computer can be tedious and annoying if the download requires it.

-If you think at first what you have downloaded is free it may only just be a trial without you knowing and after a number of days trial, the company demands you pay for the full thing if you want to carry on using it.

-Users need to be wary of illegal downloads and if they are not aware of the illegal download then they can be punished severely.

My Experience:

My experience of download services is mostly down to software updates and patches, especially in the area of virus protection, and downloaded apps from the App Store. Every so often I will get a notification from the anti-virus system I have, called Kaspersky, saying that there is a chance to get a new update from their site that may include a new feature or saying if the protection has run out and I need to re-download to get it again. Adobe also shows up quite often saying to install and run its newly updated system so I can browse PDF files and use platforms on the web much easier and quicker than before. But my most common use of download services comes from using my Ipod with the App Store. Since there are so many apps you are always able to find something that benefits you in some way. The fact that most of them are free also appeals to many people and keeps them coming back to see if there are any more exciting new apps, including myself.