From Freedom to Walled Gardens - The Evolution of The Internet

The Internet has given people from all over the world unprecedented ability to communicate with each other. Anyone can create content and share their thoughts and opinions with the world. The Internet is not controlled by any one central body, and this is something that many governments are uncomfortable with. Ideas posted online may be stored on a server thousands of miles from the place where the content creator lives, and can be copied, shared and archived by an unlimited number of users.

As this infographic shows, some governments, including those in mainland China, North Korea and the UAE have taken measures to restrict the kind of content that users can access online. Those countries restrict content that is political or religious in nature. Other countries, including several in Europe, have started to filter content too, blocking websites that contain illegal content such as child pornography or copyright file sharing sites.

The original creators of the Internet wanted information to be free, and love the widespread sharing of ideas, no matter whether they agree with those ideas or not. Freedom of communication is under threat, and the threat may be closer to home than you think.

Infographic provided by CWCS

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4 Questions To Ask An SEO Company

Ever wondered why your site never received as much visitors as your competitor's or why your ranking never improved? Well, you'll be glad to know that you aren't under some evil spell and that you could be getting as many visitors as your competitor or even more but only if you get the right SEO company to work for you. By 'right company' am referring to a company that is all about taking care of your business' needs and ensuring you achieve your goals. Didn't think companies like that exist, did you? Well they do and this read is going to help you find one for yourself.

In the midst of all the struggle to get the best SEO services, a number of quacks and incompetent SEO agents have cropped up. These breed of unscrupulous and unprofessional crooks prey on unsuspecting webmasters who are looking for a quick fix. Better hope you don't fall for their tricks; you'll be in for one rough ride. Enough about the crooks, how do you find a reliable SEO company? Here are some few questions to ask your prospective SEO agent;

1. Who are your current clients?
If you are dealing with a reliable company, then you will be provided with a list of clients. This shows that they provide high quality services and thus easily attract clients. Along with the list of current clients, you should also ask for samples of previous or current projects. An agent that refuses or is reluctant to provide any of the above should be avoided or better yet scrapped off the list of potential SEO companies.

2. What are the tactics that you employ?
Unless you want your site penalized and/or banned, you are best off keeping away from SEO agents that use dubious strategies and techniques. And since few agents will be willing to admit that they do use these unethical methods, such words as 'trade secrets' will be flung around to avoid or change the subject all together. Do not fall for this trick, keep firm and get a precise answer.

3.How regularly will you send reports?
You may not be able to interpret the graphs or make sense of the figures produced but your agent has an obligation to provide regular reports on the progress of the optimization project. Not only are you part and parcel of the project, but you also deserve to be kept in the loop. As for the reports, they need to be comprehensible; even if it means creating reports that have been made more comprehensible for you.

4. How long will it take before I see the results?
While some companies will go about claiming to provide results in the shortest time, let's not forget that good SEO takes time. Professional company however will provide you with a time frame for each different technique. For instance, while paid ads may provide results almost instantly, it takes longer for SEO to yield results. An experienced SEO agent is aware of this and won't be afraid to explain what to expect and why.
In the SEO world, the more you know, the better for you. Hopefully this read will come in handy on your search for the best SEO company.

This post is written by Larry Smith, the Director of Marketing at Cloud SEO, who is an expert in Online Advertising and SEO and a specialist in the management of Google AdWords Advertising Campaigns.

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How To Submit Software, Mobile App and Game On Softpedia

Softpedia is a site where you can find computer programs and technology based articles. It's owned by SoftNews NET SRL, a Romanian company. It was launched in 2001. My programs have been reviewed by the Softpedia editors thrice. I submit my programs whenever they are ready to be released.

I have been asked a few times about this(how to submit..). It's pretty easy to submit your programs to Softpedia all you have to do is fill the form fields and submit.

They have different pages to submit for different platforms such as Windows, Linux, Mac etc.

Submit Windows Softpedia

Submit Games and Tools

Submit Mac OS Software

Submit Linux Software

Submit Mobile App

NOTE : you can submit your java programs in any section except Mobile.

Make sure you go to the right page, if you have a PAD file for your software already just fill the PAD form fields and submit if not fill the regular submission forms and submit. Don't forget to give your regular email address they'll send you an email when your program has been published.

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How To Read A Text File Hosted Online To A String

 

So I got a email asking how to do this, I haven't done this before so went through some Google searches and found how to do this. It was pretty easy. I'll just share the code here maybe it'll be useful for someone.

You need these namespaces :

Imports System.IO
Imports System.Net

Event :

Dim TXT As String = "http://www.ultimateprogrammingtutorials.info/robots.txt"
Dim WC As WebClient = New WebClient()
Dim Read As StreamReader = New StreamReader(WC.OpenRead(TXT))
Dim STR As String = Read.ReadToEnd
TextBox1.Text = STR

• Replace the TXT string value with your .txt link. 
• You can also write into a richtextbox or whatever you want(I used textbox1 for example) 

I hope you learned something from this snippet.

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Your Action Plan for PPC Ad Text Optimization

When you are composing an ad text, it's important to get organized. First, you need to clearly understand what is behind your message. If that's something that appeals to a large audience and doesn't require much consideration to be bought, ordered or signed up to, then your ad should be catchy and creative. Apply alliteration, humour and your poetic talent to create something legendary.

If you sell something specific and unique, pay more attention to how your value proposition is formed. Find out your customers pains and gains and skillfully leverage them when formulating your message. A clear motivation behind the ad text will provide additional targeting and more responsive visitors.

Obviously, in both cases running your campaigns should be followed by proper testing. Don't forget that in case you are looking for conversions, CTR is not the best parameter to track. Check the number of absolute conversions brought by this or that ad message and make the required adjustments.

Tory Woods is an enthusiastic blogger behind REACH Network. She enjoys exploring the PPC world and sharing the findings with her readers.

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Elements Of Modern Construction Software Solutions

Technological advances have led to increased utility in the field of construction software. For small to medium-sized companies, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions can reduce the initial cost of implementation and can provide added support and stability for these advanced technological systems. Understanding the basic elements of construction software packages can provide increased insights into the most effective uses for these systems in boosting productivity and supporting your company's ongoing construction projects.

Dashboard

The primary interface for SaaS systems is the dashboard, which typically allows access to the most commonly used applications and may provide a convenient display of current project information. Secure login technologies allow staff members to work from home or from anywhere with a high-speed Internet connection. Drop-down dashboard menus allow users to obtain additional information about specific projects or work activities.

Cloud Access

Most SaaS systems allow users to access their dashboards and applications securely through cloud computing technologies. Customized logins can ensure that each staff member has access to the specific applications and data necessary for his or her job duties; this can boost productivity and reduce security risks in the workplace.

Scheduling Applications

Shared calendars and email alert systems can ensure compliance with contractual obligations and can prevent scheduled events from slipping through the cracks. Establishing tiered access levels can ensure that only authorized personnel can edit or delete items already in place, guaranteeing optimal protection for these critical scheduling applications.

Centralized Data Storage

Most construction software platforms incorporate searchable data storage for contracts, documents and other business-oriented digital information. Creating hierarchies and categories within these storage systems can allow a greater degree of control over access and editing privileges in the workplace environment.

Contract Management

Contract management is a critical element in managing construction projects effectively. Tracking and monitoring contractual obligations and ensuring that all deadlines are met can protect the company's reputation for reliability and can allow a greater measure of control for supervisors and managers in the corporate structure.

Punch Lists

Punch list applications are designed specifically to allow access via mobile devices while on the construction site. Mobile apps intended for professional use have become immensely popular in recent years; it is estimated that as many as 200 million workers perform at least some part of their job duties using a mobile device. Punch lists are ideally suited for adaptation to the mobile environment and can provide added convenience on the construction site.

Technical Drawing Programs

Drawing management software is designed to streamline the drafting process and to help construction firms manage multiple sets of plans and track changes as they occur. By maintaining a historical record of previous project iterations and revisions, construction firms can more effectively manage the demands of the client and the requirements of the project.

By incorporating the power of advanced SaaS arrangements in managing the computing needs of your construction firm, you can provide your staff members with the tools they need to succeed. Construction software solutions can enhance productivity and ensure on-time completion of projects in progress to create added profitability and improved market position in the housing industry.

Elements of Modern Construction Software Solutions

Grant runs a small construction company, where he uses a software system to handle many of his business needs. He has found that technology developed expressly for the requirements of this industry has made his business run more smoothly and more securely, and recommends these solutions to others.

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Change Your Drive Icon With Drive Icon Changer 1.0

Drive Icon Changer 1.0 is a simple program that helps you to change/modify your Drive's icons with few clicks.

First select the Drive you wish to modify/change the icon, next browse and select an icon(.ICO) from your hard drive. The preview thing shows your a preview of the icon you selected. Finally click 'Change', it doesn't require a restart to effect. An explorer relaunch is enough to see the changes.

Requirements

• Administrator rights
• .NET Framework 2.0(download it from here)
• Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 7 64 bit / Windows 8 / Windows 8 64 bit

Program Details

• Developer : SHIM SOFTWARES(Mohamed Shimran)
• Name : Drive Locker 1.0
• Size : 763 KB
• License : Freeware
• Last Built : December 12th, 2013 

Download
Direct Download - https://www.dropbox.com/s/d160ew0d0fyqz3s/Drive%20Icon%20Changer.exe
Mirrors :

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Beefing Up Network Security

Companies can build firewalls that keep unauthorized persons from breaking into their computer’s network system. A knowledgeable, highly skilled IT employee or computer engineer can create the firewalls, as well as password protection and biometric technology. Other good methods companies can employ include software methods and virus protection.

These companies can invest in effective physical protection methods, such as signing laptops and data storage hardware out to designated employees or logging the location of every company-owned device, including tablets, smartphones, flash drives and laptops. In addition to logging locations, the savvy company security manager will know exactly who is using the devices, where they are being used and why.

Once a device is outdated, it should not be forgotten about, because the data stored on it is just as valuable today as it was the day it was logged into the device. Every outdated laptop, smartphone, flash drive and tablet should be returned to the security manager, where it will be noted as returned, then it should be securely locked away.

Created by the marketing team at GreyHeller.

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Instagram Launches Direct Messaging Service

 
Instagram launches a new feature called Instagram Direct, with that you can send pictures/videos to your friends individually.

Today, we’re excited to bring you Instagram Direct, a new way to send photo and video messages to friends.

How To Use It?

First Take a picture/video > apply filter if you want > once you're up to share screen you will see something like a tab page called "Direct" at the top.

When you select "Direct" it'll take you to Direct-user interface where you can add people you would like to share your picture/video. You must be following the person you want to share the picture/video with.

When you're done with it, tap on the green button at the top.

Watch Instagram’s co-founder Kevin Systrom Announcing Instagram Direct



Read Instagram's offcial blog post about Instagram Direct

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