Information services

There are many different online services that organise and provide information to users. These include web search engines, online encyclopedias, real-time news-sites and weather forecasts. These sites provide millions of people with information daily.

The impact that the internet has had on the way people gather information is incredible. Just 50 years ago people would rely on newspapers, books and the radio to learn about current events and gather information. These days, provided people have access to the internet, they are able to get this information instantly.

Below are some examples of different types of information services:

• Web search services

These include: Google, Yahoo!, MSN Search etc...

• Online encyclopedias:

Webopedia, Encarta Online etc...

• Real-time news sites:

BBC News, CNN, Reuters etc...

• Weather forecasts:

BBC Weather, the Met Office.

feeds...

Real simple syndication (RSS) is a relatively new and easy way to distribute information via the Internet. For email marketers, it is a way to distribute messages while avoiding spam filters. Typical applications include email newsletters, blogs or even Web sites. Similar to newsgroups, RSS feeds require a special “reader” like Bloglines or News Gator to view messages.

Click next to find out more about web search services...