Module 4: Tools for using the Web

For this task I have opted to download Copernic Desktop Search and Windows Media Player.

Copernic Desktop Search
My experience of searches has previously been limited to Windows default search funcitionality available through Explorer.

I downloaded the Copernic Desktop Search (Copernic) software and installed it. I admit, I didn't get it at first, I was treating it in the same way I would the Windows search functionality. Ok, that was probably my first mistake.

Once I got the hang of it - just type in key word or words, limit the search if applicable and I was off and running. I could even search for that key word on the web just by clicking the neato Web button.

Features of the software:

• ability to search from the task bar
• limit file types to search on - emails, files, music, pictures, videos, contacts, favourites, history or all of these categories.
• apply same keyword search to the web without retyping - just click the web button and it will open the browser and display the findings
• allows user to save searches

I like the visual aspect of the user interface.

I liked this tool, I liked it a lot! I will be keeping it installed and absolutely using it in future.


Windows Media Player

I haven't really used Windows Media Player (WMP) - I know it comes installed with every Windows OS computer but I tend to use other tools that do the same job. I downloaded the latest version of WMP and went in to see what was going on.

Features I found interesting:

• Immediately prompted to search for media files on my computer
• Main options - Now Playing, Library, Rip, Burn, Sync and Guide - key features immediately accessible and easy to use whatever your knowledge level maybe.
• Ability to search the internet for Media from the application.
• Ability to resize window and change skins with minimal clicks.

I use iTunes for all of these functions that WMP performs because of the functionality with the iTunes store. Windows Media Player does offer an alternative for playing videos, creating MP3's from CDs and listening to music. I find the WMP a friendly user interface offering ease of use anf functionality.

One key feature that really stood out for me with both these desktop applications is the ease and accesiblity in which they interact with the internet - it become such an accepted functionality.