File Compression Utilities

Most downloadable software is compressed. To exchange programs and data efficiently, particularly over the Internet, file compression utilities can reduce the size of a file by as much as 80 percent without harming the data. Most file compression utilities work by searching the file for frequently repeated but the lengthy data patterns and then substituting short codes for these patterns. Compression enables faster downloads, but you must decompress a file after downloading it. When the file is decompressed, the utility restores the lengthier pattern where each code is encountered. After decompressing the downloaded software you can install it on your computer. Some compressed files are designed to decompress automatically when you launch them; others require you to run compression utility software.

Internet Hard Drives

An Internet hard drive is storage space on a server that is accessible from the Internet. In most cases, a computer user subscribes to the storage service and agrees to rent a block of storage space for a specific period of time. Instead of sending e-mail attachments to share with family and friends, you might simply post the files to your Internet hard drive and then allow them to be viewed or retrieved by others. You might save backup copies of critical files or all the data on your hard disk to your Internet hard drive. The key advantage of this type of remote storage is the ability to access data from multiple locations. You can access your files from any device that can connect with the Internet, so everything you store on the site is available to you at any time. Some disadvantages are that your data may not be secure; the storage device might become corrupt, causing you to lose your data; and the company offering the Internet storage may go out of business.

Telecommuting

Due to the burgeoning home network market, many large and small enterprises are giving their employees the option of telecommuting. Telecommuting refers to using telecommunication and computer equipment to work from home while still being connected to the office. The home system must be able to connect to the company computer system to communicate with and transfer data to and from other employees. Enterprises whose employees must serve or greet the public (bank tellers, wait staff, office receptionists, and so on) are not candidates for telecommuting. Studies have shown that enterprises experience various benefits by allowing employees to telecommute, including productivity gains, lower employee turnover, and reduced costs for office space. One major disadvantage of telecommuting is the enterprise’s lack of direct supervision over a telecommuting employee’s workload. Telecommuters experience a variety benefits, including no commuting, flexible hours, more family time, and savings on car expenses (gas, tolls, parking, and so on) and work clothes. Disadvantages include the lack of social interaction and the difficulties of keeping the work and home environments separate. Societal benefits from telecommuting include fuel conservation and less air pollution.

Application Options

Applications typically enables you choose options that specify how you want the program to operate. Your choices can change the program’s defaults, which are the settings that are in effect unless you deliberately override them. For example, Microsoft Word enables you to choose an option that allows you to display white text against a blue background, a setting that some writers find to be a bit easier on the eyes. When you start working with a newly installed application, check the options menu for a setting. Usually called auto save that automatically saves your work at specified intervals. With this option enabled, you’ll ensure that you won’t lose more than a few minutes’ worth of work should the program fail for some reason.

Launching Applications

Once you have installed an application, you can launch it. Launching an application transfers the program code from your computer’s hard disk to memory, and the application then appears on the screen. Programs can be launched in a number of ways. The most reliable way in Microsoft Windows is to click the Start menu, point to All Programs, and choose the application you want to launch. In Mac OS, you locate the application’s folder and single click the application icon or click an application icon in the dock. Application icons also are often available on the desktop, in the taskbar at the bottom of the desktop, and from toolbars.