Introduction
GIF's are the moving animations that are on Google images, they are there to get your attention when looking for another image, the main reason for them after they get your attention, is for you to click on them which then takes you through to another website full of animations when. in this blog I will be talking about the advantages and limitations of GIF's.
GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
GIF files are known as being one of the main file formats for simple animated imaging used on the internet. This included animated logos, web banners, low budget adverts, low colour sprite games. Many websites support GIF allowing GIF files to be used in forums etc.
GIF's have 256 colours available which is why it’s best for simple shapes and text. By having simple shapes, the file size is reduced allowing a faster upload time. The file is also compressed which again means that the file size is reduced, but this doesn't affect the quality of the animation or image. GIF is also supported by most web browsers nowadays giving it more flexibility.
Advantages:
1. Small file sizes.
2. Load fairly quickly when uploading or saving.
3. Compatible with most web browsers.
4. No plug-in needed to play GIF's.
Disadvantages:
1. You can't implement sound.
2. Hard to create detailed animations.
3. Very difficult to edit once created.
4. Flash doesn't support GIF files.
Dynamic HTML
DHTML is where the content of a website changes each time it's viewed by the audience. The webpage can change depending on where you are in the world, what time of day you access the website, security settings, previous pages viewed by the user.
DHTML is a collection of technologies that are used to create and animate websites. They use mark-up language, in most cases HTML, which is used for most of the pages elements, a client-side scripting, such as JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets for the layering the content and for the colours, fonts, etc., and the document object model, which is a m heading, section, paragraph, image, list, etc.
It allows authors to create effects for their page, that would otherwise be hard to achieve. for example DHTML allows them to animate text an images, they can add a ticker, which will refresh the page after a certain time, this is used on news websites and social websites, allows roll-over buttons and drop-down menu
Disadvantages:
1. Although you get a great deal of different utilities and tools to use, these come with a price, and can be quite costly. A well known DHTML creator is Adobe Dreamweaver.
2. Creating and editing your website involves lots of detailed coding. If you're not familiar with coding, HTML, CSS, you will find it difficult to create a nice looking, working website.
3. When writing code, if you don't check what is compatible with different browsers, then you could get right to the end and find it won't work, which will be a waste of time. For example, if your writing code for Netscape, then that won't work in Internet Explorer.
Adobe Flash is used for working with vector graphics, animation, games etc. Flash is usually used for making web banners and other types of advertising. Because you use simple images, text and vector graphics, the file size is generally small. This allows content to be uploaded, download, and played quickly and without any problems.
In order for you to watch flash animations, you will need a plug-in called Flash Player, which these days, is incorporated in most, if not all, web browsers. Adobe flash is found almost anywhere these days, not only on PCs but also on Phones, Tablets, etc.
Advantages:
1. By incorporating flash into your website, you can make it more professional and trustworthy. It allows the viewers to interact within your website, watch videos and listen to audio.
2. Flash is a good way to advertise products, etc. By making web banners, posters, you can attract people to buy, look at your products, website, etc.
3. It allows you to quickly get your point across because you can create a video introducing your website or product fast and effectively.
Disadvantages:
1. Flash animated website won't show in the search bar because engines cannot index them.
2. Flash files don't work on Apple products such as iPads and iPhones.
3. There is a content capacity on a flash file which means that if you have too much data in the file, you will have to shorten or delete work in order to save it.
4. Adobe Flash is expensive to buy.
5. You can only view flash if you have flash player installed into your machine or browser.
Shockwave Adobe Shockwave is a platform that allows you to implement animation and interactivity into webpages. In order to view any Shockwave objects, you must have the Shockwave Plug-in installed into your browser. Shockwave supports audio, animation, and video. It runs on Windows and Macintosh platforms.
It is also used for interactive games. For example, the BBC website has a numerous amount of small interactive games that you can play.
Advantages:
1. Many devices support Adobe Shockwave.
2. It allows you to create interactive games, animations, audio.
Disadvantages:
1. The file sizes are generally big, which means, when saving, uploading, downloading, you will find it take a fair bit of time.
2. To use Shockwave you must have the plug-in installed onto your browser/PC.
3. Adobe Shockwave cost a bit to purchase it.
QuickTime Created by Apple, it's handles with video, imaging, sound and interactivity. QuickTime is capable of playing media on mobile devices, iPods, iPhones, TV. QuickTime allows to edit the movie and manipulate movie tracks. You can also combine two QuickTime movies into one movie and embed them into documents and presentations. If you have the internet, you can send files via e-mail, or upload them onto the web.
Advantages:
1. QuickTime is free to download and use.
2. Movie playback is high quality.
3. You can edit movie, sound clips with relative ease and embed them into documents.
Disadvantages:
1. QuickTime files are bigger than normal which can take up time if sending via e-mail or uploading to the web.
2. They don't supports some file formats.
3. Buffering times can be too long when watching a long movie.
Real player Real player is a cross platform program that is used for playing music and movies. Real player supports the most common types of format, this includes, MP3, windows media, MPEG-4. Real player is compatible with most Operating Systems and is also compatible with quite a few platforms. Real player is not pre-installed software, so you will need to download it from their website.
Advantages:
1. Fast and free to install.
2. Supports many formats and platforms.
Disadvantages:
1. Buffering takes a long time.
2. Pesters you will free software at the start of installation.
3. In order for movies to play smoothly you need a fast computer to keep up with the demand.
Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser and cross-platform that allows you to write and run internet applications. Silverlight supports multimedia, graphics, and animation. Silverlight can also be used for video streaming. It competes between Adobe Flash and QuickTime player. Silverlight supports most browsers and can also be used on most Windows Phones.
Advantages:
1.It offers a cross domain support for applications.
2. It's free and easy to download.
3. Offers many tools and different utilities.
Disadvantages:
1. Requires a plug-in to view and material online.
2. Is a pain to learn how to use it.
