04 Introduction to Computer System (New Trends in IT)

Chapter 4

New Trends in IT

Computer became the no 1 reason for the concept of Globalization. With the computer networks 

and the evolution of the technologies new aspects came to like Internet and Multimedia. We know 

because of the Internet entire world has become a Global Village. Well be discussing about the Internet 

and its evolution in detail during this course. 

Now we’ll focus a little about Multimedia. Multimedia introduces exciting new communication 

possibilities to computing in general and mixed with the power of Internet provides imaginative new 

opportunities that were unthinkable even a few years ago.

Multimedia is commonly used for information, education and entertainment. The industrial giants 

in Telecommunications and Entertainment industries are committing huge investments in the Multimedia 

Technology and its applications. ‘Multimedia’ became an over-used word in the 1990s, and has evolved 

into many new forms.

Several such applications will be briefed below.

• Networked multimedia

• Internet and Intranets

• Virtual Reality

Networked Multimedia

Networked Multimedia combines both computing and telecommunications together with Multimedia 

features. It highlights the following elements:

Features of Networked Multimedia

  • Multiple users

         • Multiple processes

          • Independent control

                       • Conversational environment

                    • Support of all media types

                          • Fully integrated environments

            • Transparent interface

                        • Near-instantaneous response

                           • Real time storage and retrieval

Uses of Networked Multimedia 

• Sending messages
• e-Learning — on-line access to tutors
                                   • e-Business — viewing items on sale over a network and the communication of the transaction
                        • Processing — manipulating information from one form e.g. moving video into another e.g. still pictures
for storage and transmission
                       • Meetings — enabling participants at different locations not only to see and hear each other but also
view documents in test, graphics and video formats.
                        • Project Management — using videoconferencing facilities it is possible for project teams to discuss
issues, share information and reach decisions.
                         • Consulting — in business and in medicine clients can be interviewed remotely by experts saving the
cost and time and inconvenience of travel.
                            • Monitoring — video images for security and other purposes can be manipulated at a

• Central position.

Internet and Intranets-Internet

The principle uses of the Internet are:
• Remote log in (through telnet)
• File Transfer (through ftp)
• Electronic mail (or e-mail)
                                  • Network news (newsgroups or Bulletin Boards — BBS)
          • Real-time communications (Internet Relay Chat)
                                • Information systems (principally the World Wide Web — is a
common interface for all above services)
Most modern web sites use Multimedia to enhance services related to the above

Principles.

Intranet

Intranet is an internal, corporate network using the same basic architecture, protocols
and applications as the Internet.
As web pages are non-platform specific, corporations can use them to disseminate
information throughout the world without worrying about which platform their
employees will use to visit the site. Specifically, intranets use the applications that
have developed around the WWW and offer seamless integration between corporate

networks and the Internet itself.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is an extension of multimedia — it uses the basic multimedia elements of imagery,
sound and animation. YR can be regarded as the ultimate form of interactive multimedia.
• The technology of VR provides a far more dynamic interface and 3D environments which attempts to
place the user ‘inside’ a life-like experience
• VR requires considerable processing power to provide realistic images, since computer generated
worlds, objects and their relationships are defined mathematically.
• In VR, the ‘cyberspace’ is made up of many thousands of geometric objects plotted in 3Dimensional
space. These objects are subject to constant recalculation and redisplay according to the changes in
view brought about by the actions of the user. Thousands of computations must occur as fast as 30
times per second to provide smooth movements
• Levels of realism can be enhanced by applying techniques of lighting, shading and texturing.
• Using high-speed, dedicated computers, multi-million-dollar flight simulators have led the way in
commercial application of YR. Pilots of F -16s, Boeing 777s, and space shuttles have made many dry
runs before doing the real thing