Multimedia is the presentation of information using the combination of text, sound, pictures, animation, and video. Common multimedia computer applications include games, learning software, and reference materials, such as this encyclopedia.
According to Wikipedia, Multimedia is media that utilizes a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun (a medium with multiple content forms) or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which only utilize traditional forms of printed or hand-produced text and still graphics. In general, multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactivity content forms.
The basic elements of multimedia on a computer are:
- Movies
- Animations
- Sound
- Text
- Still images
- Special Effects
Multimedia applications usually require more computer memory and processing power than the same information represented by text alone. For instance, a computer running multimedia applications must have a fast central processing unit (CPU), which is the electronic circuitry that provides the computational ability and control of the computer. A multimedia computer also requires extra electronic memory to help the CPU in making calculations and to enable the video screen to draw complex images. The computer also needs a high capacity hard disk to store and retrieve multimedia information, and a compact disc drive to play CD-ROM applications. Finally, a multimedia computer must have a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, so that the user can direct the associations between multimedia elements.
Multimedia in public places: In hotels, train stations, shopping malls, museums, and grocery stores, multimedia will become available at stand-alone terminals to provide information and help. Such installations reduce demand on traditional information booths and personnel, add value, and they can work round the clock, even in the middle of the night, when live help is off duty.
The power of multimedia has been part of the human experience for many thousand of years: the mystical chants of monks, cantors, and shamans accompanied by potent visual cues, raised icons, and persuasive text has long been known to produce effective responses in public places.
Some hardware requirement: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, sound card,
memory, processor, graphics display card.
Some software requirement: Windows XP/Vista, Video for Windows, Quicktime,
etc.