PDF file format was initially developed by Adobe. These files come with an extension .pdf. At present, there are more than 2.5 trillion PDF file documents in the world.

There are some reasons why the PDF document format is so well liked for all sorts of articles like presentations, invoices, AutoCAD drawings and even legal forms.

You can open a PDF document on any computer, as well as recent smartphone or tablet using free programs like Adobe Acrobat reader. Google Chrome, Safari and other modern browsers also have this ability to open PDF documents without installation of any additional plugins.

Edit PDFs with Free Adobe Acrobat Alternatives

By default, the PDF documents are in read-only format. However, there are other ways to edit the content of these documents.

This can be done without spending money on any services or premium tools. If you are looking to update the content of a PDF document or even changing the structure itself like rearranging pages, refer to below listed options.

Basic Editing Tasks: Using Online PDF Editor

Sometimes you may need to make small changes in a PDF file. For eg, you may want to just hide your phone number or deleting some personal information from a PDF file before you send it to someone.

You can do this easily using one of the free and secure online tools. You will need to upload the PDF file using your browser and make those changes. Once you are done, you can go ahead and download the modified PDF file.

SmallPDF.com, PDFEscape.com are some of the examples of popular online PDF editors.

Change Metadata of PDF Files

The metadata of a PDF file consists of the information about the document for eg author’s name, copyright information, keywords etc. If you don’t want to send this information along with the PDF file, you may need to change the metadata for that PDF file.

For changing or removing the metadata of a PDF file, use a software utility called BeCy PDFMetaEdit on your PC to edit the metadata of PDF documents. You will also be able to remove passwords from a PDF file or even encrypt it using this tool.

Alternatively, use some online tools to edit the PDF file’s metadata such as PDFCandy.com, 2pdf.com etc.

How to Edit the Text inside a PDF File

If you are looking for making changes to the text inside a PDF file, you can use Microsoft Word! Yes, that’s right. Microsoft Word allows you to edit PDF files.

Launch Microsoft Word and drag and drop the PDF file onto it. It will show a dialog box that the file will be converted to Word, which is fine. You can click on OK and move ahead with editing the document.

Once you have done the changes, you can save it, go to File > Export and then choose “Create PDF/XPS Document”. The modified document will be exported in PDF format.

The only problem with this workadound is that if your document has several images, Microsoft Word might mess up with the alignments.

Alternatively, you can use one of the online PDF editors for free. Sejda is one of the free online PDF editors that you can use.

Advanced editing of PDF Files

There may be some scenarios when you may want to do advance editing of PDF files. You may want to replace images, remove or replace blocks of text, put signatures – and you may want to do everything in the same file!

If that is the case, I would recommend you to use PDF-XChange editor. It’s a free PDF viewer and editor that you can use to enter the text directly in any PDF file. Or you can put an image file or replace an existing one using this tool.

So, these were some of the methods and tools that you can use to edit your PDF files successfully. And you don’t need to spend a dime for doing that!

The post How to Edit PDF Files appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

The FBI virus blocks the user from accessing his computer and perform usual tasks. They demand users to pay money that goes to the creator of this virus. Just like most of the other ransomware, these internet criminals ask users to pay money using Moneypak, uKash, CashU or similar services, so that it becomes hard to trace them.

These criminals exploit the name of FBI to scam unsuspecting users. However, as you may have already understood by now, no government agency or authority would do this i.e. locking access to your computer and asking money.

FBI virus: How it comes to your PC?

You might be wondering how the FBI virus enters your PC?

When a user visits a website or download the files which is infected, these type of viruses or malware enter your PC. If your PC is not secure and you are not using any up-to-date antivirus software, then these viruses or malwares enter easily to your PC and go unnoticed. Another ways of getting these virus is infected files attached in emails or links in social media messages.

How do you detect FBI Virus on your PC or Laptop?

Now since you understand how FBI virus might have entered your PC, let’s take a look at how you can detect this malware.

When FBI virus is installed on your computer, it displays a pop-up message that your computer has been blocked because of using inappropriate materials. So, whenever you try to log on to the computer it locks the computer and other programs/applications as well. It then asks for money to be paid as a fine.

This virus also affects the installed Webcam and also has ability to access it. When FBI virus affects the webcam, it displays a bogus message which shows what is happening in the entire room.

FBI virus also shows the user’s current location on the desktop of the infected computer and asks for the payment. The criminals always make changes in the virus and also change the design of the screen.

However, you should understand that FBI or any other authorities will never lock your computer and will not interrupt you during your online activities. Additionally, always keep in mind that you never ever pay anything for such type of demands.

How to Remove the FBI virus

You can remove the FBI virus using one of the following ways:

System Restore

In order to remove the FBI virus, you can restore your system to one of the previous dates. This will help get rid of the virus from your system. Follow below steps for this option.

1. Restart your PC and tap immediately F8 key repeatedly. It will boot you to ‘recovery mode’ where you have to select advanced repair option. Click on Troubleshoot—Advance option—Windows Startup settings—Restart computer— You will see Advance Boot option.
2. Select safe mode with command prompt—Press Enter—at command prompt write rstrui.exe – Press Enter—System Restore starts
3. When system restore is completed start your computer in Windows regular mode.

Malwarebyte Software

1. Shutdown your computer and disconnect the internet.
2. Download the Malwarebyte on another computer to a thumb drive.
3. Reboot the computer.
4. Install the Malwarebyte Software.
5. Run Malwarebyte and Quick scan the entire computer.
6. Click on to the show result button.
7. Make sure all the infected files are been ticked.
8. Click on the Remove selected button.
9. Virus is removed.
10. Restart your computer.

I am sure one of the above methods will definitely work for you to remove the FBI virus from your computer and you should be able to use your PC as usual.

The post FBI Virus: What is it and How to get rid of it appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Let’s face it; we tend to think that freebies or cheaper alternatives are of inferior quality or may be even compromised!

However, that’s definitely not the case with Avast Free Antivirus. This is one premium product developed by AVAST Software. It delivers what it promises.

A good AntiVirus should fulfil the following criteria :

• It should be easy to download and install.
• It should have a high detection rate i.e. Should be able to detect viruses quickly and efficiently.
• It should not hog up all system resources i.e. It shouldn’t slow down the computer.

Gladly, Avast Free Antivirus delivers on all these fronts.

Avast Free Antivirus: Features, Specifications and System requirement.

Avast Free Antivirus is said to work extremely fine on almost all Windows based operating system, Linux, Palm OS, Macintosh, Android etc.; Though it might not support a few versions of each.

To highlight its key features, we will begin with understanding how easy it is to download and install this product. This freeware comes with an organized user interface, which makes it easier for all technical as well as non technical people to follow.

Anyone can easily follow the instructions and download it properly. Beware of the other products that install themselves along with Avast Free Antivirus though. At the time of installation, you would need to uncheck any unwarranted products besides the product you intend to install.

Secondly, existing users are very much impressed with its quick scanning abilities. The users could opt for any four scans namely “Quick Scan”, “Removable media scan”, “Full System Scan” & “Select folder to scan” , as per their own requirement and time limitations.

There are dedicated tools for each of the web applications ranging from “File system shield”, “Web Shield”, “Mail shield” to “IM Shield” and “Network shield” which provides multiple layers of protection making your computer robust.

Apart from other regular features, developers of Avast Free Antivirus have introduced “Intelligent scan” a feature that reduces the scanning time to almost half by not rescanning the already scanned and potentially safe files, unless they are changed.

It also comes with a silent/gaming mode which disable pop ups and other on screen notices, enhancing the security of the computer. Avast Free Antivirus does this and a lot more without weighing down CPU’s performance.

Avast Free Antivirus: The Cons

Since we all know that no product is perfect, there are a few drawbacks of Avast Free Antivirus as well. Though this product is loaded with some fantastic features, users complain that most of these are accessible only in its paid version. A feedback for full scan and boot scan has revealed that it takes a long time and still a few of threats go unnoticed.

Also, note that Avast Free Antivirus needs a free registration to be able to function post 30 days of its installation.

Avast Free Antivirus: The Verdict

With some mind blowing features, its ability to tackle the newest of the virus and the fact that its pros outweighs its cons, Avast Free Antivirus is definitely one of the most recommended AntiVirus by experts.

The post Avast Free Antivirus Review appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Personal computer has gone drastic changes ever since it was discovered. From a bulky, space occupying object to something that is so handy that you can carry it anywhere and everywhere; the evolution is commendable.

If you are a gadget freak or someone who is planning his next purchase, you must be undergoing the same turmoil of whether to choose a good quality laptop or the latest tablet like iPad, isn’t it?

Sweat not! This article would highlight some significant features of both which will definitely help you decide better.

Laptop Or Tablet: Usage

First and foremost what is your purpose or what is that you intend to do with either of these gadgets?

You should first try to sort out your need. Are you looking for a gaming console or you are making purchase for office/business work?

When it comes to multi-tasking, Laptops win hands down. Not only that they are useful in doing office work, but also you could play a game or two, if your machine supports graphics card.

But if your main aim is Internet surfing, social media, music and little bit of gaming you would want to invest in a tablet, which kind of specializes in it. You could do all this while travelling with just your gadget and Internet dongle with you.

Laptop Or Tablet: Memory and Storage

Other features where laptop beats tablet is Memory and disk space. An average laptop comes with a storage capacity of 500GB, which is huge. You can store/save as many videos, music, files or photos as you want without having to worry about its performance hindered. Laptops also have a choice of expandable memory which would take care of your future needs.

But with tablet the memory is restricted and most of them do not have the provision of getting it expanded, even the high branded ones likes iPad etc. So, you can do a little but transfer the extra load to another gadget, which defeats the purpose.

Just like the storage capacity, the memory (that your device uses to store data temporarily) is also limited in tablet as compared to laptop. This is because they are not meant for heavier work loads.

Laptop or Tablet: Size & Weight

Yes, laptop is lighter than the traditional desktop PC but is it like the lightest? No. A Tablet wins this round when the comparison is about being light weight and comfortable to carry around. They are usually in range of 7 to10 inch in the size and weight as less than one pound.

It is easy to carry the tablet in a purse or back pocket (well not all of them but at least some) and use it as often as required. While laptop needs extra care and love, and you would need to carry a bulky laptop bag to take it from one point to another.

Laptop or Tablet: Performance

Whether it is the question of being fastest or ability to multitask, laptop beats tablets, thanks to high powered processors.

Tablets comparatively have low power processors making it difficult for them to process a lot of data at one time.

You would not be necessarily bothered when you check emails, surf internet, listen to music or play games but once you start more complicated task, you would realize that laptop scores past the tablets.

Laptop or Tablet: Cost

Another deciding factor that influences most of the purchase is cost. Tablets bring with them the latest of technology so have a premium charge, but then do they cost more than laptop? Usually not!

While you might find high end tablets of better configuration charging a bomb but on an average tablet is pretty much affordable. While you might find laptop at much lesser cost, but you surely wouldn’t want to compromise and buy one with most basic configuration.  A decent laptop with good processor and RAM should cost you around $600 and above.

So, these are the basic points of comparison between laptop & tablet. None of these necessarily makes one better than another. However, these points do highlight that your purchase should be driven by need and usage.

The post Laptop or Tablet: What Should You Choose? appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Smartphones are one of the gadgets that we can’t live without. Buying a new smartphone is a ritual in itself. No matter which one we select, we keep wondering if our choice was good enough.

Then, after a year or so, a new model comes and we start questioning ourselves if we should go for the new one.

Having said, there is indeed a way to where you could stack your needs and preferences in a way that zeroing in the right smartphone wouldn’t be a difficult task. Also you would be saving some of your hard earned money.

Sounds like a great deal? Let’s dive in to understand it.

Usage

When you plan to buy a smartphone, first and very important question you are supposed to ask yourself is, how you are planning to use it? Of course, except for making and receiving calls and text messages.

Taking pictures, shooting videos, checking emails, keeping up with social media, playing games etc. If you plan to pay games, what type? Because some high end games use faster processor and better graphics.

Once you have figured the usage, it would be easier for you to check which phone offers what.

Some of the smartphones are more suited for work and business usage. You can configure your work email and other apps that your office provides.

If you are a games person and would want your phone to be high on speed, we will recommend you to take a look at one of the latest iPhones which are high on performance and have loads of games to choose from. If you are more into the Android ecosystem, you can check one of the latest smartphones with good processor, RAM and storage.

Features

Another easy way to demarcate amongst the many is to distinguish each of them in terms of looks and other features.

These features could be brand, color, camera quality, memory, storage, availability of apps in the store etc.

You could note down the features with the most important ones first and narrow it down with the ones you could live without. You could find some fantastic websites that would help you compare these features and help you decide one over another.

Compare and compare a lot

Aforementioned, you would find many websites. If you use search engines well, that would give you a ready platform to compare one product to another.

Say you have zeroed in on 4 smartphones and can’t decide amongst them, you could list all of them on that website and check how they fare vis a vis each other.

You could also filter the similarities and compare them with the differences. Make sure you have your preferences handy. A phone which has a high speed processor would possibly score less in battery performance. And, a business phone might not necessarily be compatible with numerous gaming features.

Reviews

Nothing could beat a good old review any day. Asking out friends and people around you, could give you a first hand information about the product.

They could also list out the possible features that the company conveniently forgets to mention on the website, and save you a lot of dough.

You could also go hunting on various portals where customers, who own this product, would tell you how good or how bad the purchase has been.

Just beware, a few of these reviews could be paid. So make sure that you do a well grounded research before you decide to rely on any.

Price

Most important of all, pricing of a smartphone could vary anywhere from $200 to ~$2000. The one with the most features is needless to say the most pricey one.

You could check for yourself with your personal budget and financing options.

Do you really need to spend that money on a phone? will you be using all the features or you could compromise on some and go for its cheaper version?

You should also keep looking out for festive deals that give some freebie or give the same phone at attractive discounts. You could possibly save a lot of money there.

To conclude, Smartphones, today is a necessity. They have come a long way and would possibly replace PC in the near future. For some people, it already has.

But, owning one comes at a cost. So, be really vigilant so as to understand where this money goes. And a little research would take care of it.

The post 5 Tips for Buying a Smartphone appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

A Tablet PC is simply the most convenient size of a PC that can do almost all functions of what a desktop PC can do and still can be carried around without much sweat.

With so many available manufacturers, one tends to get overwhelmed with the choices. Which one to choose and how to make out which is better than another, is a task; but with a few tips along your sleeves you would be able to make a well rounded decision.

Tip 1# Check the apps and Operating system:

To begin with, you could start the process of weeding out your tablet PC from the crowd of hundreds by deciding, which operating system appeals to you most. The available ones being iOS and Android that runs on the Apple and Apple, respectively, and then you have Windows operating system powered tablets as well.

If you are looking for a tablet so that you could do many work related tasks such as make files, presentations or maintain an excel sheet, Tablet with Windows OS will be your best bet. While if you are self proclaimed gaming freak, iPad would serve the purpose, thanks to the fast processor. Even when it comes to uncompromised apps, iPad wins hands down in terms of both quality and quantity.

There are thousands of apps available for iPad as well as Android tablets on their respective stores. But, do keep in mind that there are some free and some premium apps, so you need to check if you really need them.

Tip 2# How would you use your tablet PC?

This should probably be at the top of the list. One of the best ways to choose a tablet is by asking yourself how do you intend to use your tablet. Whether you would to use it for official purpose with a lot of business related apps or you are buying it for personal usage like watching movies or listening to songs.

Do you intend to make the tablet PC “a laptop replacement” or it would be an additional gadget to the existing lot.

These questions would highly influence the budget, operating system and processors, which are all inter-related. It is best if you could note down your needs and expectations and carry it along when you are searching for one.

Tip 3 # Did you pay enough attention to size and appearance?

Enough said about performance, we would now highlight the importance of size and appearance of Tablet PC.  A few like to carry them in their back pockets and another few would want a larger screen.

A tablet also has to be light weight so that it can be carried around easily. And then, some would like their tablet a little rugged so that even their kid could use it, or one with smooth finish.

People who would primarily use a tablet for gaming purpose would emphasis on highly responsive touch screen. The Tablet PC should weigh just right and then the screen should be big enough for you to be able to do your work easily without squinting an eye.

You could find a dozen manufacturers who could offer you tablets which would take care of these needs and then some more.

Tip 4 # Features Features and Features

When the choice is multiple, it is always wise to check if you can land in a deal that will give you the best of both the worlds. Various features of tablet PC could be listed viz. storage capacity, battery life, Wifi-access, 4G/5G; front and rear cameras, and accessories that come with each of them.

As you have already sorted your needs, you would be able to make a quicker decision here. All major e commerce websites would allow you to compare those features and that would help you select the best amongst the rest.

Tip 4 # Price

Last surely not the least, pricing is very important criteria while buying  a tablet PC. The price could range from dirt cheap to ridiculously high, for each of them depends on the brand, features and version you decide to choose.

While we would always advise you to go in for latest versions et al, but do not go overboard with your budget.

Gadgets get upgraded every month  and to have all features in one is not really possible, you could possibly ask for high performance and great battery life. So, compromise and priorities is the “go phrase” here.

Look in for deals and coupons, and check various websites before you pick one. If you could postpone your buying  a little, wait for festive seasons, especially Black Friday, where you could seize in the best offer of the town.

Tip 5 # Reviews

Undoubtedly one of the best way to select a PC tablet would be asking someone who is using it. What can beat a first hand information, you could ask your friends or even go online researching for same. People give most honest reviews and that would help you understand the pros and cons of each. It is best to rely on one who is a “certified buyer” because that ways you would be assured that this person actually has had used the gadget.

We could give you all tips in the world, but lastly it depends on which features suit you best. Remember it’s about your preferences and your budget, combine these with logical facts and rest assured what you will get is the best deal.

The post 5 Tips for Buying a Tablet PC appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Now, the scenario has changed completely. Not only the laptops are competing in terms of price, features and configuration, you could now base your opinion on the colour and looks of the same. Well, this is a good news and a bad news.

Good news because you could choose one amongst the best, and bad news because it seems daunting. A daunting task, where you could spend an evening or two, just looking at the features of various laptops, but unable to decide which one works best for you.

Don’t let that scare you. Use the following simple tips and zero-in on that laptop that suits you to the “T”.

Tip 1# Narrowing Laptop on the basis of its features:

Aforementioned, the choice is plenty and don’t let it confuse you. First thing first, log in to a good ecommerce portal and look for comparison tool. You would get a better insight.

Which features are present in which laptop and which features are absent. The broad categories of comparison could be Screen size, Processor, weight, storage capacity, RAM, graphics, brand, operating system and accessories.

Once you compare them against the most liked ones, you would get a clearer picture of which one is for keeps and which you could strike out.

Do not, however, make these comparison tools your yardstick to pick, as they are tentative measures and could vary model to model. For eg. If an xyz laptop claims to have a better battery stand-by than others,  it is not necessarily a guarantee.

Tip 2# Picking the Laptop as per your needs:

No marks for guessing this one. What do you intend to do with that machine, would majorly influence your choice. You could start with answering these simple questions:

• Am I buying this laptop for business needs or personal use?
• What is the budget?
• Do I have any favourite brands?
• What features are necessary and which ones can be compromised on?
• Is the buy immediate or I can wait for great deals?
• How much time do I intend to/ am required to spend on laptop each day?

Noting down answers for each would give you a clear picture, and help you exponentially move an inch closer to close the deal.

Tip 3 # How important is size and appearance?

Once you have answered questions related to your basic necessity you could now concentrate on, flimsy details of size, and look. Which might appear useful to some and not so useful to others. None the less, We would definitely ask you to give them a thought, especially if you would be spending  a lot of time on your laptop, carrying it everywhere with you.

If you are using it for official purpose, make sure you choose the light weight ones, which are little rugged and easy to handle.

 Tip 4 # How much is too much ?

Your biggest influential factor of all would be undoubtedly the price. You would want to land in a deal where you could choose the best configurations at the a throw away price. It is no more a distant dream now, to clinch some awesome deal, you would have to remain alert and do some serious research.

You could check prices online on various portals and then some retail outlets. While you compare prices, pay close attention to brands, deals and freebies that you get with each. Many a times, while you can’t get a discounted price on the laptop but the accessories you get with it makes up for the loss.

Best is to have a budget and stick to it. No point shelling out half a lakh for something that sits pretty in a corner for your house. Spend wisely and keep it in alignment of your needs.

Tip 4 # Ask! Ask!! Ask!!

The process of buying laptop can’t be completed without you asking reviews or opinion from about a dozen of people at least – your friends, colleagues and relatives.

Whether you go reading reviews online or personally, go bombarding people with questions no matter which path you choose. Make sure you keep note of the important points along the way. No one can give you a better insight about the product than a user himself. Keep your list handy and ask some relevant questions. The more you do, the more informed decision you would arrive too.

You could also post your question on some geek platforms, asking the experts same question. Just make sure you are very specific with your wants and mention them explicitly.

Tip 5 # After Sales Service

Though this point belongs to the features part, we made it a point to mention it separately because it is freaking important.

Let’s face it, buying a laptop is not something you do daily. So make sure when you do, you are extra cautious. Carefully read the fine print and ask as many questions about sales service and appropriate warranty it carries.

Agreed, laptop are much cheaper than its bulkier version called desktop, but getting them repaired would burn some serious hole in your pocket, so choose wisely.

Choose a laptop which has a dedicated customer service cell that can be contacted 24 by 7, 365 days.

The post 5 Simple Tips for Buying a Laptop appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Since we know that it’s an important piece of equipment, how do we ensure that it’s running fine all the time and there are minimal downtimes, if any? In the article below, we have enlisted some important computer maintenance tips that you can carry out on your computer -desktop system or laptop and be assured that your computer is hale and hearty all the time.

Uninstall unnecessary stuff

Many a times you must have wondered that your PC is running damn slow and your hard disk is also full with all sorts of programs that you’ve been installing as the time went by.

These unnecessary programs (or applications) may take lots of system memory as well as the hard disk space not to mention the precious processor time they tend to eat up. This basically adds up to decrease the system’s overall performance.

The best way to handle this enigma is to simply open up your control panel, go to Programs and Features (or Add / Remove programs) and view what all applications are installed there. Once you’ve identified the applications that you don’t use any more, just uninstall them. Once you do that, you will see for yourself the considerable improvement in your computer’s performance.

Timely update is an important task

Your Anti-virus or Windows OS for that matter is a piece of software that is being updated on regular basis by the company. The updates may include critical bug fixes, definitions for new virus or malware that is in circulation currently and more such as feature enhancement etc.

So make sure that you are updating your OS as well as Antivirus or any other programs for that matter such as browser to keep you safe and secure all the time. Instead of manually updating the software that you’ve installed on your machine, it’s highly recommended that you go for automatic updates. This will help you to have it’s latest version on your machine all the time. At the same time, automatic updates will make sure that you don’t have to worry about the manual process of updating each and every time there is a new update.

Run Scandisk and Defrag once in a while

Your hard disk is basically a piece of hardware equipment that becomes slow with it’s usage over a long period of time.

So it’s important to keep good care of it. One thing that you can do once in a while (in around 2-3 months or so) is to run Scandisk and check your hard disk for any physical or logical errors.

Other good to do task is to defrag your hard disk on timely basis so that the data used by an application is contiguous. This, in reality, boosts your computer performance since it doesn’t have to look for connecting data at n different locations. You’ll be pleased to know that both Scandisk and Defrag tools are part of Windows OS itself and you don’t need to download these from any third party sources.

Backup your important data

We don’t need to tell you much about why backup is important. Computer being a piece of electronic equipment, is liable to fail. And, in case you don’t have backup, you could land yourself in a difficult situation.

One way to be prepared for any such situation is to back up your data, preferably on a remote location (instead of DVDs and pen drives), so that you have full redundancy in case of situations such as theft, fire or any other situations for that matter.

The post Top Tips for Computer Maintenance appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.

Social media refers to various Internet sites through which people can interact with one another along with creating, sharing and exchanging information and ideas using personal messages, pictures, videos and audio.

Through the use of social media, people can exchange photos and videos. They can share news stories and current affairs, post their thoughts on blogs, and participate in online discussions. Social media also allows individuals, companies, organizations, governments etc to interact with masses online.

Social media differs from traditional media in many aspects. For example quality, accessibility and immediacy. Keeping the criticism aside, according to survey, Internet users continue to spend more time with social media sites than any other type of site.

What is Social Media?

 The various internet services which constitute the social media are as follows:

• Blogs: Blogs are online journals usually displayed in reverse chronological order. Various sites where blogs can be posted for free are WordPress, Tumblr and Blogger.
• Wikis: It is a collective website where a users are allowed to modify any page or create a new page using his/her Web browser. Wikipedia is a well-known example which is a free online encyclopedia that uses wiki technology.
• Social bookmarking: These sites allow users to organize and share links to websites. For example Reddit, StumbleUpon and Digg.
• Social network sites. These sites allow users to create public or semipublic profiles within the website and form relationship with other users who can access their profiles. Most popular social network sites are Facebook, LinkedIn etc.
• Status-update services. Also known as Microblogging services, status-update services allow people to share short updates( a sentence, video-clip or image) about people or events and to see updates by others. For eg, Twitter
• Virtual world content. These sites offer game-like virtual environments in which users interact.
• Media-sharing sites. These sites allow users to post videos or photographs. Popular sites are YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

The Benefits of Social Media

Key benefits of social media are:

• Bringing people together and strengthening relationships: By facilitating open communication and enhancing information discovery and delivery, it allows everyone to find new people, meet new friends and communicate to their love ones all over the world. Social media allows people from the different geographical locations to express and share their views at a single point.
• Increasing knowledge and technical literacy: Through social media, it is easier to know or find out different information or something about almost anything in the world through a connected media. All social media relies on advanced information and communication technologies that support technological literacy for people.
• More exposure for business: Social media not just allows employees to discuss and share ideas, ask questions, post news and share links but it reduces the cost of advertising and also improves business reputation.
• Attracts attention: Social media can attract attention to your website, product and services.

Apart from the benefits, social media has its share of disadvantages too. For instance, some of the disadvantages include cyber crimes, distraction from work, health issues etc.

Nevertheless, it is considered as a revolution of our century. It has changed the way people interact, share and exchange information, although the implications of sharing personal information cannot be analyzed as yet.

The post An Introduction to Social Media appeared first on TechnologyBasics.net.