Your Advantage Tip

Strictly speaking, you are not limited to iOS / iPad or Android although these two definitely dominate the market. The key difference is that iOS is from Apple, designed to work exclusively on Apple products (iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch) whereas Android is an open source operating system that can be used on any suitable hardware.
If you are thinking about buying a tablet, don’t be mistaken by thinking it is a viable laptop replacement. Tablets are great for browsing the web, accessing email and media, taking notes in a meeting or lecture and having some cool apps but they are not the right platform to, for example, create complicated desktop published documents or spreadsheets.
The great thing about iPads is that they just work – more responsive, better touch screen, faster performance. Sorry, let’s qualify that – they just work once you have plugged them into your desktop system that has iTunes install and then go through an infuriating registration process! And anytime you want to update the operating system (iOS) you have to plug it back into your desktop and use iTunes.
The iPad interface is very easy to use and the range of apps is amazing. One downside is the lack of expansion options – you are stuck with whatever memory space you buy.
Android tablets, however, usually let you swap memory cards, usually through micro SD cards. So you can fill a card up with movies, for example, and swap it over when you are doing something else. The Android operating system gives you more freedom but, the downside with that is that there are more options for things to go wrong. Android tablets can work pretty well but don’t match iPad for quality and performance.
Do you already have an iPad and would like to get more out of it? Check out the I love my iPad workshops in this course guide and unleash the possibilities. Alternatively, if you would like some one-on-one training on your iPad, call 6884 2899 to find out what your options are.

It seems like blogs are popping up all over the place and for all kinds of purposes – personal, business, community. So, what exactly is a blog? The word ‘blog’ is actually short for ‘web log’ and, according to Pyra Labs Blogger, “A blog is a web page made up of usually short, frequently updated posts that are arranged chronologically – like a what's new page or a journal.”

So the idea behind blogging is to make it short, simple and regular. Blogs are easy to get started and easy for anyone who can get around the internet to update. Unlike a web site, you need very little technical ‘know how’ to maintain a blog.

It’s a fantastic way to strengthen brand awareness, develop credibility with your customers or to let people know what’s going on in your community organisation. If you keep your blog fresh and interesting you can attract subscribers – and potential customers or members.

You can also create extra income streams by selling complimentary products using affiliate programs. For example, if you are running a cricket club, your blog can review the latest cricket biography and give your readers a link to purchase it – receiving 5 per cent of the book price for each sale!

There are a number of advantages to having a blog. So where do you get started? There are many options available including Blogger, Squidoo and WordPress.

Would you like to learn more? Why not enrol in the new Western College course - Building a Blog with WordPress - as advertised in our new course guide. Get blogging today!