Social Networks Comparison

The World of Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (IM) is a service that allows users to have a real-time chat on the internet and since it has made communication much easy.  Usually, IM is done with a text-based tool that allows communication between two or more users. IM is a great collaboration tool for personal and business use. IM provides a place for people to exchange messages, files, photos and links. Most instant messaging application and programs have a “buddies” feature, which is similar to adding a contact in a phone directory. Usually, users are then able to see the status/availability of someone on their buddy list i.e. online, away, busy, etc. More recent additions to IM programs and apps have the option to use an avatar or personal photo as well as a choice of many emoticons. The most popular instant messaging programs are AIM (AOL’s messenger), Facebook Messenger (an actual separate app from Facebook), Google+ Hangouts, iMessage (Apple’s IM app), and Yahoo IM, to name a few.

Skyping

Skype is a full featured online communication application. Users can communicate using instant messaging, voice calls, and video chats. Skype also allows its users to exchange digital content such as videos, texts, chat rooms for meetings and screen sharing. Skype is readily available for all platforms, such as PC, Mac, Android, and iOS versions all are free downloads. Skype services are primarily free. However, they do offer VOIP calling plans and Skype for business. Both of which are reasonably priced. Skype is very useful for keeping in touch with friends and family, troubleshooting issues from a distance with screen sharing, and holding virtual business meetings and training sessions.

LinkedIn 4 Busi Professionals

LinkedIn is a business-oriented social network. LinkedIn is mainly used for professional networking where employers can connect with potential employees who fit their needs, and vice versa. LinkedIn can aid professionals and job seekers with social networking and offers learning opportunities to increase skills, for instance, resume and cover letter suggestions and tutorials. The LinkedIn service also offers a mobile app version for the Android and iOS platforms. Creating a LinkedIn account is fee and most of the services are available with free accounts. However, opening a premium account requires a monthly subscription and offers many more features. Such as, the ability to message someone whom you are not connected to within the LinkedIn network, more detailed information generated when conducting advanced searches, knowing who anyone who has viewed your profile is, and my favorite, free reference checking. LinkedIn offers various levels of pricing plans to individuals, businesses and enterprises depending on the need of the subscribing client.

Podcast Directories

Podcasts.com and Podcastalley.com are known as podcast directories. Podcast directories offer users a central place to search for many different podcast subjects and provide resources for users to create and host their own podcast.

Podcasts.com is easier to search and locate content while the Podcastelley.com is a bit complicated in terms of usability. When visiting Podcastalley.com I was unable to locate a search feature let alone find individual podcasts. The home page does offer the most recently aired podcasts. However, if the user isn’t interested in the suggested content they will find it difficult to locate podcasts they may be interested in. On the other hand, Podcasts.com has some annoying ads, but is very user friendly. I found help files were easy to locate as well as finding customer service assistance and a site map. 

Military Talk Radio - U.S. Military News and Military Technology

Military Talk Radio - U.S. Military News and Military Technology - 10th Mountain Division To Test Capability Set 13

The Military News Talk discusses the advances of the US military including some of their future technological plans. The podcast shows the facts and the fictions of the US military capabilities and resources. The military news talk podcast can be used to get a glimpse of the US military at a glance. I chose this podcast because my daughter is currently deployed overseas in Qatar, and serves in the USAF.

The Ketovangelist Podcast

The Ketovangelist Podcast - Episode 1 – Start with why

The Ketovangelist podcast features Dr. Ted Naiman and focuses on ways to treat the whole person. I chose this podcast because I recently started eating the Keto Diet way of eating which is a drastically reduced carb diet that consists of a low carb high fat intake.

The Apple Byte (HQ)

The Apple Byte (HQ) - Apple Byte: The iPad Mini gets its own event

AppleBytes presents the fictions and the facts of everything that constitutes world of Apple in HD. On AppleBytes you can listen to Brian Tong discussing Apple’s latest announcements, ongoing rumors, and the good and the bad of Apple. I chose this podcast because I am a total Apple anything fanatic. I love all things Apple.