Online Multimedia vs CD Multimedia Systems - Essay Example

Introduction: What Is Multimedia Multimedia is a media outlet which draws power from a variety of sources. Some of these sources include text, still images, audio, animation and interactivity. The term multimedia can either be used as a noun, wherein it describes a medium with multiple content forms or an adjective, wherein it describes multiple content forms only. Multimedia is either recorded or played or displayed through the means of a computerized or an electronic device. Often considered mixed media in fine art, multimedia is mainly used to describe various electronic media devices. (Battersby & Grimes, 2003) (Cawkell, 1996) What Are Its Uses The presentation of multimedia is either on stage, is either projected or is transmitted. It can also be played locally on a media player (Bean, 2003). Through the means of either analogue or digital electronic media technology, multimedia can be presented in a wide variety of forms. At the same time, there are various multimedia games and stimulators as well. The main application of multimedia is in the field of advertising, art, medicine, business, education, research, games and scientific research. Creative industries, including journalism, may use these services to enhance their limited potentials. (Barron & Orwig, 1997) The Structuring Format Through the means of multimedia, text, pictures, videos and sound are converged into a single format and the power of the multimedia as well as the internet is decided in accordance to its linking. Multimedia requires a relatively new style of writing, which is also known as 'on-line world' style of writing. In order to attract users to your site, you can make use of the services of multimedia. In order to get a mental order of information structure, viewers can view only one page at a time. (Nielsen, 1995) Online Multimedia Online multimedia is a means of presenting text, videos, documents, animations and graphics through the means of a personal computer. Until the mid 90's, online multimedia was looked on as a hassle of sorts as the hardware involved was very expensive and very few people could actually afford it (Schuyler, 1995). Nonetheless, this future revolution in computing picked speed once the overall cost of the software went down. Nowadays, multimedia is a common use product which can be viewed through the means of an ordinary personal computer. The only perquisite is a suitable hardware device through which you can view multimedia devices with ease. All you need is a CPU and a video adapter. (Fenrich, 2005) It is interesting to note that while multimedia devices can be viewed through the means of a suitable software, if you wish to view it online, you would be required to install a valid internet connection. Through the means of the World Wide Web, you can easily get to view a multimedia device. Hence, the need for a suitable online source is considered a must if you wish to view your multimedia program online. (Fenrich, 2005) CD Multimedia Systems As we have already discussed online multimedia systems, let us now throw some light on the traditional CD multimedia systems. While online multimedia systems can be viewed through the means of a valid internet connection, CD multimedia systems can be viewed only through the means of a CD (Botto, 1992). Hence, if in case you wish to have a closer look at your multimedia programs, you would be required to first fetch a multimedia CD from the market and then install it in your computer system. It is only when you run your system, would the program be live and kicking. Their Significance The only significance of a CD multimedia system is the fact that you can carry it anywhere. If in case you happen to be traveling and the place where you are heading to does not have an internet connectivity, you have the advantage of using your multimedia related devices with ease. So, when we talk of portability, there is no match for a multimedia device, which is stored in a traditional CD system. (Duyshart, 1997) The Advantages A CD Storage Device Over A Standard Online Multimedia Device There are many reasons why a CD multimedia device is considered better than an online device. While we cannot discuss all the reasons, let us throw some light on the important ones. They Have Perfect Data Storage Space The very first reason why traditional CD multimedia systems score over online multimedia systems is because of the storage space. While online sources have unlimited storage space, they need to be surfed extensively. On the other hand, the traditional systems are blessed with a fixed storage space. At the same time, they have the advantage of being blessed with a fixed data which can always be accessed through an external source. When we talk of storage space, we need to understand that in order to succeed through the means of multimedia applications, the user needs to gauge the product from the point of view of the targeted material. Taking cue from the above statement, it would not be incorrect to state that while the online multimedia source is unlimited in nature, it is widely scattered and hence lacks a targeted audience. On the other hand, a traditional CD storage device contains targeted multimedia files which can be accessed and used by a multimedia professional in accordance to his/her personal as well as professional requirements. (Learned Information (Firm), 1996) They Have Targeted data While online multimedia storage devices are blessed with a wide variety of data, the traditional CD storage devices are equipped to handle targeted data only. There have been times wherein such data has been known to help various professionals in resolving basic as well as advanced issues. On the other hand, if you search for data through the means of the internet, you would require a certain amount of expertise to make the right choice. As rightly mentioned above, the online multimedia source is widely scattered. In order to gather the source, a professional user may have to spend quality time, which could have been easily saved, had he/she been using a traditional CD multimedia files. It can therefore be stated that traditional CD based multimedia systems are far better in terms of professional usage. (Laudon & Laudon, 2005) They Are Easy To Carry It is not very difficult to understand that the traditional CD storage devices are convenient. You can not only carry them with ease, you can also do so as and when you feel like. At the same time, you cannot hope to do the same with online multimedia devices. This is so as an online multimedia device would require the use of the internet, which obviously, cannot be carried wherever you like. Once again, the above point can be further elaborated with an adequate example. If in case you happen to be a multimedia professional who is blessed with a lot of targeted assignments. In case he has had to travel to a different location and cannot find a place wherein he can plug his laptop to the World Wide Web-what does he do then In such a scenario, he can always make use of his traditional CD multimedia set up and continue working like he had been habitual to prior to his leaving his designated domain. (Laudon & Laudon, 2005) They Do Not Require The Use Of The Internet As compared to the online multimedia devises which require the use of the World Wide Web, the traditional CD storage devices do not require any kind of an online support system. This makes the overall usage of a traditional CD storage device much easier as well as simpler. At the same time, you also need not get into the hassle of trying to fix your laptop to an external devise through which you may be able to gain access to online multimedia files. Traditional CD multimedia systems are made to be saved in a CD format. Hence, in case you happen to be on a move and feel the need to use multimedia applications, you would not have to plug your personal computer into the World Wide Web and can do the same through the means of your CD. This is very convenient and it can either be used for your personal as well as professional usage. (Wolf, 2008) There Is No Risk Of A Virus Infection The biggest advantage of a traditional CD storage device is the absence of a virus infection. When we compare this point with the online multimedia devices, we can easily come to the conclusion that your personal computer runs a huge risk of getting corrupted owing to a virus if you download files from the internet. This way, a traditional CD storage device is much more fruitful in nature. Likewise, whenever you are making use of online multimedia devices, you need to make sure that you have a paid anti-virus set up installed in your computer. Despite taking all necessary precautions, there may arise a case, wherein your computer may get infected by malware. This happens when we tend to download a multimedia file from an unknown source. When we do so, the chances are that our personal computer system may get corrupted owing to the malfunctioning online multimedia file. In case you happen to be a professional who is habitual to using multimedia applications on a regular basis, chances are that you may loose out on your professional front. (Botto, 1992) It Is A One Time Expense Another advantage of a traditional multimedia CD storage device is that it happens to be a one time expense. In comparison, online multimedia devices require constant feeders through an online option. Hence, whenever you are using a CD based multimedia set up, you always have the benefit of saving an unnecessary expense in terms of a valid internet connectivity. At the same time, a multimedia CD is not a very expensive affair. Even if you go in for an original CD, you can hope to save substantially, or at least, you would be able to recover your moneys worth in a couple of months. This holds true in scenarios wherein you are working professionally on multimedia applications. This, in turn, proves beneficial, when the need of the hour is to get the maximum output without spending a fortune in turn. Likewise, in case you are habitual of using an online multimedia set up, you need to ensure that you are connected to the World Wide Web at all times. In case you are not, you can be rest assured that you would not be able to run your multimedia applications. In order to ensure that you are always connected, you need to take the unnecessary expenditure of a data card. It Is A Hardy Material A traditional CD multimedia storage device is made to withstand a lot of beating. You need to simply place it inside its protective covering and it can last a lifetime with ease. At the same time, you can use those applications as and when you require. Hence, there is no hard and fast rule on the application, usage and storage of a traditional CD multimedia storage device. At the same time, the material which is stored inside a CD cannot be damaged easily. On the other hand, if we are to use an online multimedia service, we would be required to get an online connection installed. This is a hassle of sorts and can add to your troubles if you do not have a similar facility at hand. At the same time, there is always a risk of corrupted data. In case you are using multimedia files through the means of the internet, there is always a risk of the existing files getting corrupted in the act. This can happen through the means of an online virus or a malware. Both, as we would all agree, are harmful for our online multimedia applications. (Bean, 2003) You Need Not Require A Data Card Another advantage of using a traditional CD multimedia set up is the lack of unnecessary expenditure. Well, in case you are making use of a traditional CD multimedia device, you can be rest assured that you would be saving on the internet connection. Over here, you need not plug your laptop to a data cable in order to access your multimedia files. All you require is a CD Rom and a CD which has the related multimedia files installed-the rest is automatically taken care of. On the other hand if you are habitual of using online multimedia options, you need to go right ahead and get hold of a data card. This is necessary in case you are traveling. In order to access online multimedia files, you would be required to be connected to the internet at all times. While at home, you can either use a modem or a router but while you are away, you may have to make do with a data card. This, as we would all agree, is an unnecessary expense and can be done away with through the means of traditional CD multimedia devices. (Fenrich, 2005) The Traditional Multimedia Setups Are Easily Available In case you happen to be a professional who is habitual to using multimedia software, you can be rest assured that you would get what you desire through the means of a suitable hardware store. Hence, in case you wish to update your old collection or would like to replace an existing system with another one, you need not worry as traditional multimedia CD's are easily available. On the other hand, if you happen to be a professional who is used to the online multimedia set up, then you would be required to get an update through the means of the internet. This is a risky way of updating your expertise. Not only can you infect your system with malware, you can also spend endless hours trying to search for a suitable multimedia file. Likewise, suitable multimedia files cost a bomb when bought through the means of the World Wide Web. Hence, it is always best to avoid an online purchase and traditional CD multimedia systems need to be incorporated for both personal as well as professional usages. The Traditional Multimedia Setups Are Thoroughly Checked If we are to compare and contrast two different multimedia setups, it would not be incorrect to state that if you opt for the traditional setups, you would be in for a benefit. This is so as traditional CD multimedia setups are compiled after rigorous checks. Hence the data which is available on traditional CD's is checked and fit to be used without any risk attached. On the other hand, if we are to make use of online multimedia setups, we can be rest assured that the data which is available over the World Wide Web may be unchecked, not substantial and even corrupted. Then again, if you wish to download the latest multimedia files, you need to do so at your own risk. Over here, you would need to keep a close watch on your file download system and make sure that you abstain from copying a corrupted file. At the same time, if you are not sure of the new application, you would have to first test it before applying it to any professional use. (Bean, 2003) Online Versions Are Never Reliable It is interesting to note that in case you are habitual to using online multimedia operations, you would have gone through trying situations wherein you simply failed to download the file of your choice. This is an ideal scenario wherein you see a link on the internet which clearly states that you have a new multimedia option to use. When you try and download the link, you find out that it is either corrupted or it has sent you to a site which you did not wish to be associated with. This calls for an emergency arrangement as at times the options offered by the World Wide Web are not reliable in nature. At the same time, had you opted to go with the traditional CD based multimedia applications, not only would you have an ease of usage, you would also have had the privilege of managing to get your desired choice of multimedia applications without a second look. At the same, time traditional multimedia applications which are based on a CD are randomly checked and then placed in the market for official purchase. In this way, a user need not check their authenticity before using it for his/her personal as well as professional usage. In case you are sure of the software, you can always carry it to your work or to your house and need not bother about its authenticity. As and when the need arises, you can place the traditional CD based multimedia system inside your system and get to work on it. It is not only convenient; you also get to have an insight on your personal requirements from time to time. A setup like this would always be preferred over online multimedia applications. (Battersby & Grimes, 2003) Conclusion In the end, it would not be incorrect to state that if you wish to avail the benefits of a multimedia device, you need to make use of the traditional CD versions and not the online versions. In case you have no option, you may use online multimedia files as they are equally beneficial for both personal as well as professional usage. In such a scenario, it is always advised that you make use of both the traditional CD versions as well as the online multimedia options. As it is, an ideal combination of both would help you gain access to a whole new world of multimedia experience. With changing times and the onset of the online applications, the need of the hour is to stick with the basics. This is a trying time as the World Wide Web is fast becoming the hub for such multimedia activities. There may come a time in the near future wherein people would be able to download the latest and the best online multimedia filed through the means of the World Wide Web, but until then, it is best to stick to the traditional CD set ups. Works Cited Barron, A. E., & Orwig, G. W. (1997). New Technologies for Education: A Beginner's Guide. Libraries Unlimited. Battersby, G. J., & Grimes, C. W. (2003). Multimedia and Technology Licensing Agreements: Forms and Commentary with Forms on CD. Thomson/West. Bean, L. (2003). Data Cd, Multimedia and Image Management. Thomson Learning EMEA, Ltd. Botto, F. (1992). Multimedia, CD-ROM and Compact Disc: A Guide for Users and Developers. Sigma Press. Cawkell, A. E. (1996). The Multimedia Handbook. New York: Routledge. Duyshart, B. (1997). 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