What is a Wiki and How Does it Work?

A wiki is a website where numerous consumers can put in, take away, and revise the content of each page by using only a web browser. This provides a simple method of teaming up with others, even though you do not get to meet them face to face.

Whether other users have the same type of software as you is no longer an issue as the only tools required to use a wiki are a connection to the Internet and a web browser. Wiki will supply a virtual, combined memory for every user.

Wikipedia.com is undoubtedly one of the best examples of a wiki. It acts as an open encyclopaedia for all to view and record their own entries. It has millions of users and is extensively draw upon of as a reference tool on the web.

However, not all wikis are wikipedias. Some are purely for private use and are merely communication tools amongst friends, family and colleagues. For instance, a family of five sisters and their spouses may construct a family wiki where each sister has her own page and uses this to keep the rest of the family up to date about what is happening in her life and when to expect the next family get together.

At the other end of the scale a most important business conglomerate may decide to use a wiki to ensure all employees are kept informed of updates on projects. They may well have offices all over the world and by using a wiki, the entire workforce will be able to join forces, add information and statistics, adapt data previously added by a different member of the team and even upload files and photographs.

There are lots of free wikis to select from. Some have hosting of their own and others would need to be installed on the server. As well as free editions there are also wikis which you can pay for. Before deciding on the type you want to use, make a comparison of the features available on each kind.

Some wikis make an allowance for a lot of formatting. When you first start using a wiki, you may prefer to stick to a simple one which serves as a way to communicate and collaborate with other people. A wiki doesn’t have to be all singing and all dancing. You can always opt for a fancier model once you become familiar with how to use the wiki.

Using a wiki is intended to give you an easy life and not be too complicated. By keeping things on a simple wavelength and practicing the basics, you will be able to utilize a wiki for several uses, both personal and professional.

For example, you can use a wiki to assist you in planning the bake sale you so generously put yourself forward for, display and share your vacation photos, or work on a joint enterprise with an associate living 3,000 miles away.

Wikis present many benefits as they are easy to use and can without doubt make life so much easier. Do a little experimenting and learn how a wiki can help you to manage your personal life and business far more effectively.