I. Bulletin Boards:

Person-to-person data communication is one of the more exciting ways of using your personal computer. A bulletin board system (BBS) uses data communications systems to link personal computers to provide public-access-message systems. Most bulletin boards are formed to benefit people in a club or with a common hobby; others are linked to a particular business. Electronic bulletin boards are similar to the bulletin boards you see in student lounges. Somebody leaves a message, but the person who picks it up does not have to know the person who left it. To get access to someone else's computer, all you really have to know is that computer's bulletin board phone number. You can use any kind of computer, but you need a modem so you can communicate over the phone lines.

Anyone who has a personal computer can set up a bulletin board. It takes a computer, a phone line, a modem, and particular software. You just tell a few people about your board, start up your computer using the BBS software, and sit back and watch the messages start scrolling down your screen. But note that your computer must be left on to receive the calls.

3. Teleconferencing Systems:

The term teleconferencing refers to electronic meetings that involve people who are at physically different sites. Telecommunication technology systems allow meeting participants to interact with one another without traveling to the same location. The major types of teleconferencing exist:

a. Audio conferencing

b. Video conferencing

c. Computer conferencing

d. Telecommuting

a. Audio Teleconferencing:

Audio teleconferencing (conference phone calls) enables participants to hear each other only. A speakerphone may be used at one or more locations to allow groups to participate in the meeting. Audio teleconferencing is by far the least expensive.

b. Video Conferencing:

Want to have a meeting with someone across the country .and go over some documents, without having to go there? Videoconferencing is a method whereby people in different geographical locations can have a meeting, and see and hear one another, using computers and communications.

Videoconferencing systems range from small videophones to group conference rooms with cameras and multimedia equipment. The system combines voice and television images that allow two or more groups to interact with one another. Video teleconferencing was first widely demonstrated in 1964 at New York's World Fair when AT&T introduced its picture-phone.

Generally, video teleconferencing participants gather in relatively expensive, specially equipped rooms that can handle the complexities of simultaneous video and audio transmission. In business applications, video teleconferencing can be particularly effective because interaction between people is usually different when they can see each other.

c. Computer Conferencing:

Computer conferencing involves computer terminals and E-mail or electronic Bulletin boards. Conference participants broadcast messages to each other (or post them on a common electronic bulletin board); participants do not have to be present to receive messages. The messages are keyed in and then displayed on computer screens; hence, the "conversations" that take place are electronic. Computer conferencing is a method of sending, receiving, and storing typed messages within a network of users.

Computer conferencing can be particularly useful in project management. As critical pieces of a project are finished, possibly at numerous geographically dispersed sites, this information is recorded in the public electronic mailboxes of each project manager so that he has a real-time update on both costs and progress. The project managers can also communicate with each other through the mailboxes regarding any unusual events or any other important matters.

d. Telecommuting:

Improvements in data communications, increased power of PCs and changes in working practices are leading to the spread of telecommuting. This allows employees to work at home using computer equipment, which is linked via the public communications network to computers in head office.

Telecommuting is beneficial to both employers and to their employees. Office accommodation costs are reduced, physical commuting is reduced to a minimum, and employees are not forced to live near their offices.

Telecommuting
Advantages	Disadvantages
To Employer: Less office space and furniture needed Gives access to employees who may find conventional or full time employment difficult.	Difficulty in controlling employees and ensuring they are working Data and confidential Information will be less secure Higher communication costs Lack of company culture- and values
To Employees: Less time and expense traveling to and from work More flexibility Fewer interruptions than at the office (depends on home environment)	Space taken up at home with office equipment Lack of social rewards from being, part of an office No definite distinction between office and home can lead to longer working hours More Interruptions than at the office (depends on home environment)