Technology Tips: New Age?
Hopefully by the time you read this our lockdown restrictions will have eased further but there may be many people who still need to continue to shield or self-isolate. Here are some pointers for those in isolation, and for those lucky enough to get back to some sort of normality, some comments on new ways of working and interacting.
Online video / conference calls – There are many video calling apps / programs such as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp and Facetime. They are not just for business conference calls but are helpful for keeping in touch with friends and family. You can join in with video and audio to have a virtual meeting, a social chat or even a quiz night.
There are a few basic things to consider when trying to communicate in this way. You will need some hardware to capture audio and video. Phones, tablets and laptops should have this built in, but if you have a desktop computer you may need to buy a webcam (make sure it is the version that has a microphone built in).
Take into account things such as the lighting, echoes and background noise (you know as soon as you sign on to that important meeting your neighbour will decide to cut the grass).
Finally a word of warning – there have been a number of humorous / enlightening / embarrassing incidents reported where people have forgotten they are on camera (I will let you fill in the possibilities).
Collaboration / productivity software – This software is a little different to the video conferencing in that it is geared around work and productivity. You can still have video and audio but you can record meetings, share documents, set and monitor goals for groups etc. Examples are Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoho Projects.
Remote access – This takes various forms, from the basic service where you can access your machine remotely to more advanced networking systems where staff can log into the business system as though they were physically at the office. Many businesses have discovered that they can operate in this fashion so this may become the “new” way of working for many. The side-effect of this is a reduction in commuting, traffic and pollution.
Online games – There has been a boom in online gaming. I am not just talking of the traditional computer games but there has been an upsurge in playing traditional board games over the internet with family and friends. Examples are games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and most of the quiz type games. There is even software that will allow you to recreate your favourite game if it is not already there.
Online learning – Education institutions have had to make hurried changes to the way in which they deliver their material with virtual lessons and assessments. Some of these changes may become permanent if they are found to be more effective.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy.
© Martin Middleton – I.T.Aide
