Cybercafe

What Does Cybercafe Mean?

A cybercafe is a type of business where computers are provided for accessing the internet, playing games,
chatting with friends or doing other computer-related tasks. In most
cases, access to the computer and internet is charged based on time. There
are many internet cafes located worldwide, and in some countries they are
considered the primary form of internet access for people.

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A cybercafe is also known as an internet café.

Techopedia Explains Cybercafe

One of the salient features of cybercafes is the fact that they are far less expensive than personal ownership of computer hardware or software as they make use of the shared access model. Most cybercafes have printers, scanners and other similar peripherals for customer use. They usually have high performance computers and are frequently suited for PC gamers. Another feature is that the average internet speed is faster than home internet, and this helps in reducing the timeouts or any lag due to interrupted internet connections.

There are many advantages associated with cybercafes. In countries where internet or computer access is not affordable or available, a cybercafe can provide the benefits of both computers and internet to the local population. For short durations of time, usage of an internet cafe is cheaper than renting a computer for computer-related tasks. In most countries, the internet cost at cybercafes is much cheaper than other alternatives. In many cases, cybercafes have all the necessary accessories and software for any visitor, making their experience worthwhile.

There are certain drawbacks related to cybercafes. For one, cybercafes are never suited for work-related or sensitive information, as they have considerable security risks. Additionally, cybercafes are generally not as comfortable as one’s own home. They can be crowded and can sometimes operate on a limited schedule, thereby limiting the customers’ options. At times, downloads at cybercafes can be limited to preserve bandwidth.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…