Computer Bytes - No. 66 Bookmark this page !       Send this page to a friend!  " With the Internet moving into a more social environment, you probably are already familiar with the term 'wiki' - Hawaiian for 'quick'. But do you know what a wiki is and what it does? A wiki is a web site with information where anyone can contribute pages, add their own information or links. Probably the most familiar wiki on the Net is the Wikipedia. It is an online encyclopedia full of information on just about any topic you can think of - all contributed by people wanting to get involved and share their knowledge. The management of a wiki can be maintained through the use of a wiki enterprise. One simple but practical application is 'Confluence'. The use of this program makes it easy for people to present, collaborate and manage knowledge online. For more information on this program, 'google' the word 'confluence'. The popularity of wikis in recent years has been increasing as a way for companies to share information and for social organizations to communicate. With the wiki being online it is easy for anyone to access the wiki anytime, anywhere. The flexibility offered by a wiki means that you can select the features you need as well as link to other applications, file systems and databases. This helps to make certain that all of your information is current and accurate. There are many reasons for having a wiki. Exchange of family information, sorority or fraternity news, church notices, business brain-storming and more. If you are in a group that needs to share information and ideas or post reviews, a wiki may be the answer. Anyone can edit the information if given permission by the administrator who controls the access and editing. Another good reason to have a wiki is for safety. Your information is safe while maintaining an unbroken information stream, even with the coming and going of employees or group members. Information on a wiki offers instant access at anytime to everyone. So rather than having to send out numerous emails, letters or memorandums that may get lost or not be read, your wiki is always available with updated information. If you are looking for a way to communicate with a group of people, you may want to research further into the usability of a wiki. Computer Bytes Index Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.