Web based Bingo vs. Download Bingo

Ok, you have decided that you would like to give online bingo a try but you are unsure about all the technicalities of each type of bingo. In this article, I hope to break it down for you so that you have a better understanding of the different types of online bingo software.

Typically, online bingo sites use 3 types of software: Java, Flash and Download. All 3 of these types of software have their own system requirements with advantages and disadvantages.

Let me first start with definitions:

Java(web-based) - Java is a general purpose programming language with a number of features that make the language well suited for use on the World Wide Web. Small Java applications are called Java applets and can be downloaded from a Web server and run on your computer by a Java-compatible Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Flash(web-based with flash program installed) – A bandwith(range of data within frequencies or wavelengths) friendly and browser independent vector-graphic animation technology. As long as different browsers are equipped with the necessary plug-ins, Flash animations will look the same. With Flash, users can draw their own animations or import other vector-based images.

Download - To copydata (usually an entire file) from a main source to a peripheral device. The term is often used to describe the process of copying a file from an online service or bulletin board service (BBS) to one's own computer. Downloading can also refer to copying a file from a networkfile server to a computer on the network.

Now, lets look at the requirements needed for each of the types of bingo programs:

Java

No software download/install required

Runs in your browser window

Requires 1024 x 768 resolution(typically 17”monitor)

Runs well on 233MHz PC or Mac (in IE)

For medium/high speed internet connections

Required Pentium II Class PC

32 MB RAM

Internet Explorer 5 or Netscape 4.79 or equivalent

Internet Connection

Flash software –

No software download/install required

64 MB RAM

Internet Explorer 5 or Netscape 4.79 or equivalent

56K Internet Connection capability

Requires free Flash 6 plug in found at macromedia or shockwave.com

Runs in your browser window

Runs well on PIII or Mac G3 or G4

No software download/install required

Full-screen option

Graphics are usually much better than download or java

Allows for more flexibility in the background themes

Changes to the software are automatically updated when you load the game

Animations are plentiful – those fish you see swimming or the stars falling from the sky!!!!

Less apt to have the dreaded “lag” in the game

Less apt to be “booted” or “frozen” out of the game

Doesn’t take any storage space

Deleting temporary internet files helps to keep the flash games up to date

Same requirements as Download with addition of the flash software

Download –

runs independent of your browser window

download only ONCE

requires 800 x 600 resolution(14” to 15” monitor)

most efficient chat features

runs well on old PC

ideal for slow internet connections

Requires a Pentium II Class PC (200MHZ Processor)

16 bit Video Card

32 MB RAM

Windows 95

Dial Up Internet Connection

As you can see above, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to each type of software. Personally, I have found the flash based software of online bingo to be the best. I enjoy the fact that when I go to the online bingo site and I log in, I can immediately be playing bingo. Often times the downloads take a lot of time for me to do since I am on dial up and then if there are issues with the bingo site or updates to be done, I have to re-download the software again. The download sites also do not offer much flexibility with the look of their games. Flash based games have the best animations and graphics.

With the information above, it is truly up to you. If you are new to online bingo and just want to see what it is all about, I recommend trying a flash based bingo site first to get a look at what the world of online bingo offers.