MULTIMEDIA : COMMON KNOWLEDGE

Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. This contrasts with media that use only rudimentary computer displays such as text-only or traditional forms of printed or hand-produced material. Multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, or interactivity content forms.

Multimedia is usually recorded and played, displayed, or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices, but can also be part of a live performance. Multimedia devices are electronic media devices used to store and experience multimedia content. Multimedia is distinguished from mixed media in fine art; by including audio, for example, it has a broader scope. The term "rich media" is synonymous for interactive multimedia. Hypermedia can be considered one particular multimedia application.

The use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. Long touted as the future revolution in computing, multimedia applications were, until the mid-90s, uncommon due to the expensive hardware required. With increases in performance and decreases in price, however, multimedia is now commonplace. Nearly all PCs are capable of displaying video, though the resolution available depends on the power of the computer's video adapter and CPU.

Multimedia can include a range of formats from a simple PowerPoint slide show to a complex interactive simulation (Learning Circuits) and in most cases is believed to enhance user experience and result in easier and faster understanding of the information presented. The concept of presenting information in various formats is not a new phenomenon, however when reviewing this concept in terms of multimedia it generally implies presenting information in various ‘digital’ formats.

According to Dave Marshall 11/5/1999, Multimedia can have a many definitions these include:

Multimedia means that computer information can be represented through audio, video, and animation in addition to traditional media (i.e., text, graphics drawings, images). A good general definition is: Multimedia is the field concerned with the computer-controlled integration of text, graphics, drawings, still and moving images (Video), animation, audio, and any other media where every type of information can be represented, stored, transmitted and processed digitally. A Multimedia Application is an Application which uses a collection of multiple media sources e.g. text, graphics, images, sound/audio, animation and/or video. Hypermedia can be considered as one of the multimedia applications.

Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories. Linear active content progresses often without any navigational control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation. Non-linear uses interactivity to control progress as with a video game or self-paced computer based training. Hypermedia is an example of non-linear content.

Multimedia presentations can be live or recorded. A recorded presentation may allow interactivity via a navigation system. A live multimedia presentation may allow interactivity via an interaction with the presenter or performer.

Major characteristics of multimedia is:

• Multimedia presentations may be viewed by person on stage, projected, transmitted, or played locally with a media player. A broadcast may be a live or recorded multimedia presentation. Broadcasts and recordings can be either analog or digital electronic media technology. Digital online multimedia may be downloaded or streamed. Streaming multimedia may be live or on-demand.

• Multimedia games and simulations may be used in a physical environment with special effects, with multiple users in an online network, or locally with an offline computer, game system, or simulator.

The various formats of technological or digital multimedia may be intended to enhance the users' experience, for example to make it easier and faster to convey information. Or in entertainment or art, to transcend everyday experience.

Enhanced levels of interactivity are made possible by combining multiple forms of media content. Online multimedia is increasingly becoming object-oriented and data-driven, enabling applications with collaborative end-user innovation and personalization on multiple forms of content over time. Examples of these range from multiple forms of content on Web sites like photo galleries with both images (pictures) and title (text) user-updated, to simulations whose co-efficients, events, illustrations, animations or videos are modifiable, allowing the multimedia "experience" to be altered without reprogramming. In addition to seeing and hearing, Haptic technology enables virtual objects to be felt. Emerging technology involving illusions of taste and smell may also enhance the multimedia experience.

References :-

1. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/multimedia.html
2. http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/Dave/MM/OLD_BSC/node10.html
3. http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/definition/multimedia
4. http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_media.asp
5. http://learningtechnology.wikispaces.com/What+is+Multimedia

By Sharifah Nursabrina binti Wan Mahlar (2010381017)

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET : FREQUENTLY OCCURRED PROBLEMS (F.O.P.)

Connecting to internet is so easy and everything is convenient. But when you suddenly can't connect to the Internet, any of several things could be wrong. You will feels like your face is against the wall and it is so frustrating. Please don’t panic and try to stay calm. Keep yourself together . Use this checklist to find and solve common Internet connection problems :) :-

• Still in panic mode? Are You Overlooking the Obvious?

Unplugged or loose network cables are easy to miss yet one of the most common reasons you might suddenly find yourself unable to connect to the Internet. That's not a problem on wireless networks, but on most laptops the Wi-Fi radio can be inadvertently shut off instead. On home networks, it's also possible someone unplugged the router. So, the thing you should do is, ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is switched on and plugged in.

• Feeling momentarily “blank”? Rule Out False Alarms

What may seem to be a network problem connecting to the Internet is sometimes simply a Web site (or whatever server is on the other end of the connection) being temporarily offline. Before assuming your Internet connection is faulty, try visiting several popular Web sites rather than just one.

• Are You Outside of Wireless Signal Range?

The performance of Wi-Fi network connections depends on distance between the device and the wireless access point. The further away a Wi-Fi device, the slower the local connection generally runs, until it breaks altogether. Wireless signal interference in the area can also limit the effective range of a Wi-Fi connection. Whenever you're unable to reach the access point, you also can't connect to the Internet, obviously. So you can try to use one of these options to measure the strength of your wireless signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-Fi.

  

• Avoid I.P. Address Conflicts

In here, it’s getting a little bit “technical”. If your computer and another on the network both have the same IP address, the conflict between them will prevent either from working properly online. To resolve an IP conflict, follow these instructions to release and renew your IP address. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually change your IP to a different number.

• Software could also cause this problems. Check for Computer Firewall Malfunctions

Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent unwanted network traffic from disrupting its operation. Unfortunately, these software firewalls can malfunction and start blocking valid Internet traffic. When two software firewalls, such as Windows Firewall plus a third-party product, are installed on the same computer, contention between the two can also incorrectly block traffic. In order to solve this, If you've recently installed or upgraded software firewalls on your computer, temporarily disable them to determine whether it may be the cause of Internet connection problems.

• For hardcore user, try to deal with Computer Glitches

Computers, too, suffer from technical glitches. Although relatively uncommon nowadays, a computer's network adapter hardware might suddenly fail due to overheating or age. Failures in the operating system software that control the adapter, on the other hand, can occur frequently especially with computers that are heavily used. Viruses and worms also may disable or block a computer's network interfaces from functioning properly. Finally, if using a laptop or other mobile device, transporting it from one location to another can corrupt the state of its network. It is good to check the computer for malware and remove any found. On Windows computers, try resetting the network connection. Reboot the computer if necessary.

• Are you sure about your Wi-Fi username and password? Has Your Wireless Network Configuration Changed?

Wi-Fi networks with encryption options like WPA or WEP turned on require computers to use matching security keys when connecting. If someone changes the encryption keys or passphrase on the access point, devices that worked before will suddenly be unable to establish sessions and Internet connections. Likewise (though less likely), if the access point settings are changed to require using a specific Wi-Fi channel number, some computers may be unable to discover it. Before you jump to conclusion, confirm the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your router have not recently changed (check with the network administrator if necessary). When using a hotspot, follow the provider's instructors for signing on carefully.

• Check for Broadband Router or Access Point Malfunctions

Home networks that use broadband routers are easier to manage than those without one, but technical glitches with the router can also prevent computers from connecting to the Internet. Router failures are caused by overheating, excessive traffic, or simply an older unit going bad. Typical symptoms of a flaky router include computers on the network not being able to obtain IP addresses, or the router console not responding to requests. Basically, you just need to check the router's lights and console if possible to ensure it is running and responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if necessary.

• Nothings wrong with your part? Are You Being Blocked By Your Service Provider?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can choose to block access from your account if you fail to make payment or otherwise violate the provider's Terms of Service. Especially when using paid hotspots that charge by the hour or day, sometimes people forget to keep their subscription updated. Other common reasons an ISP might block your account include exceeding bandwidth caps, sending spam email, and downloading illegal or inappropriate content. Try to contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been blocked.

• Last but not least, contact Your Internet Service Provider

Sometimes, for those using satellite Internet service may notice they can't connect to the Internet during periods of very bad weather. Providers in dense urban areas (including cellular Internet carriers) sometimes are unable to support peaks in network traffic that causes sporadic outages for some customers. Finally, those who subscribe to newer or more complex forms of Internet services (such as fixed wireless broadband) may experience more downtime than others as providers encounter more issues with relatively less mature equipment.

That's all for now, if things getting worse, please go get some help from technician or anybody who is qualified to solve the problems. Never let the pressure hold on to the situation or else, the problems will never end.

References :-

Pinola, M. (n.d.). Troubleshooting Wireless Problems - No Internet Connection : What to check when you have a strong wireless signal but still no Internet. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/wifimobileconnectivity/tp/troubleshoot-wireless-problems-no-internet.htm

Jennings, K. (2012). Having Wii U Internet connection problems? Maybe this will help. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from http://www.examiner.com/article/having-wii-u-internet-connection-problems-maybe-this-will-help

Villazon, L. (2011). 15 Common Network Problems and Fixes. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.maclife.com/article/features/15_common_network_problems_and_fixes

Lynn, S. (2012). 12 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/262550/12-tips-for-troubleshooting-your-internet-connection

Fagan, M. (2010). 4 Quick Solutions To Windows Network Connection Problems. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-quick-solutions-windows-network-connection-problems/

By Mohd Nurhadi Bin Mohd Kifli (2010913601)

MULTIMEDIA : Multimedia In Daily Life

What is “Multimedia”?

Multimedia is the use of a computer to present and combine text, sound, images, animations and videos with this tool and connection so that users can interact, write and communicate.

Multimedia is often used in the entertainment world. Apart from the entertainment world, also adopted by the world's Multimedia Game. Multimedia also utilized in the world of education and business. In the world of education, multimedia is used as a medium of instruction, both in the classroom and on their own-self. In the business world, multimedia is used as a media company profile, product profile, even as media training and information kiosks in e-learning system.

Below are few development of multimedia in many fields and areas nowadays.

MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT:-

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

In the world of multimedia education very helpful role in facilitating student learning or teacher in delivering and receiving of what is communicated. Before the born of computer, teachers mostly delivering lessons in writing or orally. Now presentation can be done with more interactive way as teaching and learning can be easier because it was supported by various aspects: voice, video, animation, text, and graphics, even online tutorial (e-learning).

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF ADVERTISEMENT

Advertising will have less attraction in the absence of multimedia. But when adding multimedia, advertisements can be very interesting and will attract a lot of consumers that seen it. Using voice, pictures, video, animation and sophisticated text in the multimedia will add more value to it rather than ordinary advertisement.

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN BUSINESS

There are numbers of companies provide officers with training in multimedia-based training materials in the form of simulation.

For example:

• NASA uses multimedia to control flight training for astronaut candidates

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment is very important in human life, after weary day's work or man's activity takes entertainment to amuse for their break. Multimedia can be use as a enhancer in entertainment animation and integrated laser show at a music concert. There are many cartoon which are created with multimedia nowadays.

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH

In medical world, multimedia has a very important role to help doctors to determine the disease and to diagnose it. Nowadays, there has been a medical devices to know the state of the art of medicine or detected in the human body condition such as ultrasound, Rontgen or even for blood tension.

• MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN POLITICS

In the era before multimedia, campaign only focus on using oral or written on leaflets or sticker or baleho. Now with the aid of multimedia, action campaigns have spread to the virtual world.

For examples, recent U.S. president use multimedia in his  campaign.

References :-

Reddi V. U. and Mishra, S. (2003). Educational Multimedia: A Handbook for Teacher-Developers. The Commonwealth of learning. Retrieved February 29, 2013, from http://www.cemca.org/emhandbook/educational.htm.

Harrison, J.V. (2003). Enhancing digital advertising using dynamically configurable multimedia : Multimedia and Expo, 2003. ICME '03. Proceedings. 2003 International Conference. United States of America.

Zisman, A. (1995). It has taken a while, but multimedia's benefits for business are becoming clear. Retrieved February 29, 2013, from 

http://www.zisman.ca/Articles/BIV/1995/BIV297.htm

BRUNEI-MUARA (2012). Using multimedia technology to tackle local health issues. The Brunei Times. Retrieved February 29, 2013, from  http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2012/12/13/using-multimedia-technology-tackle-local-health-issues

Temmel, M. (n.d.). The Impact Of The Internet On Our Daily Life. Retrieved February 29, 2013, from  http://www.tru.ca/cpj/essay.html.

By Mohd Nurhadi Bin Mohd Kifli (2010913601)