Guest post by Camille Remoroza.

What has happened to freedom of speech? This is the cry of most people who are against the censorship of some tweets in specific areas. Just recently, Twitter announced that it has completed a system that selectively censors tweets on a country-by-country basis.

Twitter users are upset over this new technology as a result of the Company’s attempt to widen their scope to other countries in order to gain more profit. They have branded Twitter’s assurance to free speech as severely compromised or weakened. However, Twitter said that this step would not get that freedom away from people but will ensure that more and more users can read tweets in line with social, cultural and legislative responsibility.

Expanding their business meant that they have to go in countries which have various ideas about the level of freedom of expression. Though most nations are lenient about this, some are quite held back or strict in terms of public media. Take for example in France and Germany; pro-Nazi tweets will be banned accordingly. This is a way to respect their laws.

Moreover, Twitter also guaranteed that a censorship notice will be received by the account user once it’s removed. The notice contains the reason and the possible legal implications of the post. Twitter is also looking into sharing these removal requests from governments, companies and individuals at the chillingeffects.org website.

It has been said that it is also a response to some reports that through Twitter and Facebook, several protests and riots in the world was put into reality. This is likely linked to the revolution in Egypt years ago to dismantle the government as well as in the U.K. riot. Without a doubt, Twitter is one of the most powerful and fast growing social media site in the internet. Through simple tweets, it is acting like a loud megaphone that resonates around the world.

However, a case was reported before that Twitter erased a tweet and was completely unseen throughout the whole world. This caused a lot of hysteria to Twitter users regarding their freedom to tweet anything they want. It is related to the Company’s blog post that it had not used the new technology yet at that time. Once the tweet is censored, it would completely be wiped out around the world. Those previous cases were mostly about child pornography.

Now, Twitter’s new technology will specifically block a topic only from the country that doesn’t allow it. But you are ensured that your tweet can be seen elsewhere.

So how will you know if your tweets are withheld?

You will actually receive several notifications about it. The very first thing you will find is a gray tweet on your timeline showing this phrase: “Tweet withheld. This tweet from @yourusername has been withheld in: Specific country.” You can actually know additional information by clicking on the Learn More link. If you see this in your timeline, or another user’s timeline, that means some of the tweets were censored in the country specified.

Furthermore, in severe cases, an account will be withheld signified by another gray tweet with the phrase: “Account withheld. This account @yourusername has been withheld in: Specific country.”

Nonetheless, this has been a very hot issue among Twitter users. But the Company is stern about their decision which is in line with their core values. According to a post from blog.twitter.com, “One of our core values as a company is to defend and respect each user’s voice. We try to keep content up wherever and whenever we can, and we will be transparent with users when we can’t. The Tweets must continue to flow.”

Guest post by Andy.

The year 2012 is good one to small and medium sized Business. Because lot of new technologies are introduced to develop their business in secure manner. Here I have listed few top new products which are used to improve the small and medium sized business.

HP Pro 3130 Minitower Business Personal Computers

HP is introduced desktop which is mainly designed for Small and medium sized business. By using File sanitizer we can retrieve the data even it is erased from recycle bin without any additional tools. The HP Pro 3130 Minitower Business PC has a password manager which will help the users to manage and protect their information. The configurations are also looking pretty good; it will really help the business. These kinds of Desktops are runs on Windows 7 OS. We can use various kinds of processors like i3, i5 and i7. It has the primary storages of 160 GB and it can be extend up to 1 TB. So we can store more number of documents. It also configured with optical drive in standard DVD-ROM, Blue-ray writer and DVD writer. It also has Graphics card which will help the business to use 3D and Graphics related works. The price is also affordable.

Intermedia Hosted PBX VoIP Services

We are all known that business related people are making calls to their customers or clients very often. Due to this the business spend so much amount of money on telephone bills. In order to avoid that Intermedia has released PBX VoIP Services. Intermedia is the largest provider of Microsoft Exchange. By using PBX VoIP services we can make unlimited domestic and extension calls. It is using VoIP technology to make or receive calls. An internet connection and Microsoft office communication server is needed to use this service. It will save the large amount of money. So this technology is also useful for small and medium sized business.

Lenovo Think Server Systems

Lenovo released three new servers for Small and Medium based Business to do their works by using remote station. The servers are consists of two rack mount servers, the RD230, RD 240 and Tower based TD230. So these kinds of management tools are built into the servers. So we can use the other systems which are placed at millions of km far away from us.

Microsoft Vail and Aurora Server Products

Microsoft released windows home server product for small and midsized business. It supports 25 users at the time. It supports automatic daily backup of PCs, web browsers and web services.

Guest post by Jared Scott.

If you are searching for the best source to download from the Internet, then look no further than Usenet.

But what is Usenet?

Usenet is a collection of user-uploaded content stored on a network of servers located around the world. It was created over 30 years ago as a text based communications network.

Today, it is the premier technology for downloading anything online. Premium providers now offer access to Usenet in better ways than ever before. Because Usenet offers such superior benefits to other download technologies, there are a lot of options out there when selecting a service.

Here are some tips you should consider when choosing a provider:

1. Check that they offer long retention dates.

Retention dates simply refer to how long providers store their files on the servers. The longer the retention dates, the longer files stay online for you to access. Providers who store their files for long periods of time have more content than others.

Long retention dates are an important factor you should take into consideration when deciding on a Usenet provider.

2. Make sure they offer encrypted connections to the servers.

This insures a safe and secure experience every time you download. Most providers offer at the least a 256 bit SSL encrypted connection when downloading from the Usenet servers. This level of security is the same protection offered by most trusted sites such as banks and credit card pay sites.

To protect your information from harm’s way make sure you pay close attention to what precautions your Usenet provider is taking to defend your privacy online.

3. Choose a provider that does not restrict your downloads.

Look for providers that offer uncapped and unlimited downloads. Some providers restrict the speed at which you can download from the Usenet servers. For instance, you may have a super high speed internet connection but you can only download as fast as your provider allows.

With other download technologies, you are always restricted by other’s connections. Usenet is unique in that you can connect directly to the servers and download at your bandwidth’s full capacity.

Make sure you check to see if your provider offers unlimited downloads as well. Some providers offer smaller block accounts at lower rates for those who do not download much. However, if you are a heavy Usenet downloader you will want to make sure your provider does not limit the amount you can download.

Find a provider that meets your download needs.

4. Look for a provider with all in one software… it just makes things easier.

If you are unfamiliar with Usenet, it is unlike anything out there today. Back in the day you needed access to the servers, a Usenet search engine, and newsreader software to read the files. Today, all-in-one providers have merged all three technologies into one very easy to use program.

Now more than ever, you can access Usenet with ease. No more complicated downloads, just click and the file transfer begins.

5. Try it before you buy it.

Look for providers that offer free trials for their customers. Most offer a trial period to play around with their product without having to pay for a subscription. This is a good way to experience Usenet without any commitment upfront and to make sure you are getting the best service for your needs.

Usenet is a whole world of its own, offering a superior alternative to the everyday internet experience. It’s a massive compilation of user generated content and a great place to explore everything imaginable.

Because of its long history, there are many service choices available to Usenet consumers. Just know your options before you select a provider to insure you are getting the best possible solution for your Usenet needs.

Guest post by Greg Salter.

Backdoor – A Backdoor is a program or set of related programs that are installed on your system by the hackers so that they can access your system for later use. The technique is simple but very efficient. The “goal” of a Backdoor is to remove the evidence (in form of log files) of initial entry in the system. The Backdoor allows Hacker to gain access to the computer and penetrate even if it was detected or remediated by the system.

Wrappers – How do you think a hacker install a virus, worm or Trojan on the victim’s computer? Answer to this question is Wrappers, these are software packages which are used to conceal and deliver a virus, worm or Trojan. Wrappers wrap a legitimate file with virus, worm or Trojan.

Both the legitimate file and the Trojan file are combined into a single executable file and then that file is installed when the legitimate program runs. Generally, games and animations are used as wrappers to install virus files. In this way, users will not get suspicious but only see the program being installed.

Some indications of a virus infection:

• The programs take a long time to load.
• The hard disk is always full even without installing any software.
• The hard disk runs when not in use.
• Remained unknown files appear in the system.
• The keypad emits strange sounds.
• The monitor displays strange images.
• Programs act erratically.
• The names of the files become strangers.
• The hard drive becomes inaccessible.
• The size of the program is constantly changing.

Some indications of a Trojan infection:

• The CD-ROM opens and closes by itself.
• The background wallpaper settings change.
• Documents or messages print on the printer by own.
• The browser you use, look strange or open unknown websites.
• The window colors settings change on their own.
• The mouse functions are exchanged.
• The mouse pointer disappears.
• The person who is chatting with you know too much about you and your computer.
• The computer turns off by itself.
• The account password has been changed.
• Foreign purchases appear on your credit card bill.

Prevention is your protection:

• Install anti-virus software and keep it updated regularly.
• Do not accept or install disks or programs without checking by the latest version of anti-virus.
• Do not leave discs in the CD-ROM longer than necessary.
• Do not download anything from the Internet if you are not 100% sure about the website you are visiting.
• Although the program or file comes from a friend, make sure about the file before opening it.
• Use multiple virus scanner.
• Install software to identify and remove adware (malicious advertising), malware and spyware.
• And keep your OS updated.

Guest post by Kelly Jones.

3G is the in thing to have on your mobile allowing you always on fast speed internet access. But the downside is the huge bills that you can run up as 3G data plans are expensive. If you only need basic internet access, then GPRS / EDGE connections may turn out to be cheaper and more effective.

Some points to be kept in mind while going for that 3G mobile plan are discussed below:

These will help you in deciding if you really want that promised always on nirvana.

1. Email

People normally only need email access on mobiles and blackberry email services can work on GPRS / EDGE connection. 3G is normally required if you need to view heavy attachments. So think and then chose.

2. Browsing the Internet

If you are a high web browser on the go, then you may be better off with a 3G plan as speeds are faster. If you only browse occasionally, then a normal connection would be sufficient as well.

3. Battery Consumption

3G uses a lot of power and you may need to keep a spare battery in hand. Older mobiles go a longer way with their batteries.

4. Video calling

If you need video calling, then you need a 3G connection

5. Connectivity

GPRS / EDGE services and connectivity is more consistent than 3G and you may experience outage in some areas while roaming. Sometimes 3G speeds will be the same as GPRS / EDGE so it nullifies the effect. You can use 3G pre-paid cards for short durations as and when required while sticking to the older plan for cost savings.

6. Using Phone as a Modem

If you use the phone as a modem, then it would be better to opt for a 3G connection as it offer very fast speeds theoretically.

The above factors should help you in making an informed decision. If you decide to opt for 3G, then some things should be kept in mind to keep the monthly bills in check:

• You can turn off 3G if it is not being used. The phone will switch to 2G and you can still receive email. Will save battery and surfing costs. Use 3G intermittently.
• Use browsers like Opera Mini for surfing the net as they compress web pages and reduce data consumption.
• You should download an application that tracks data usage. Will help you in keeping a tab.
• While browsing, use the mobile versions of websites as they consume very less data in comparison to the full desktop version.

Guest post by Oliver Powell.

The hard disk is usually the largest and main data storage space of the computer. With various other files and information, the hard disk also stores the operating system. In addition, the physical hard drive can be divided into various logical units known as partitions. To divide their hard disks into various logical units, different Operating Systems use different partition types. The Windows operating system allows us to make the logical division either to NTFS or FAT partitions.

Logical partitions allow us to organize and manage the important data and information stored on the hard drive more effectively. Moreover, in case of operating system corruption, the disk partitions prevent us from data loss situations. However, sometimes we lose our valuable data due to partition corruption or deletion. This situation of data loss becomes more edgy when we do not have the proper backup of our data but in that case reliable third-party partition recovery software works as a boon.

A hard disk partition can be deleted or lost due to reasons like virus attack, unsupported or malicious software, formatting or reformatting of the drive, power failure, corrupted file system, and accidental deletion. Whatever be the reason of partition corruption the result is same that is inaccessibility or loss of our valuable data. But, the fact is that the data which you think is lost due to partition corruption or deletion is not lost actually, it remains on the hard drive but becomes inaccessible for us. Thus, in this case we need reliable third-party partition recovery software that can scan every bit of effected hard disk partition and restore all our precious data.

Before, using any third-party partition recovery software, it is advised to do a proper research on that as sometimes the online available freeware for this category are malicious software or malware which can damage the computer system rather than recovering the data. Some points which we must look upon before selecting any third-party partition recovery software are:

• Select the software which has simple intuitive user interface
• Select the software which provides the preview of the recoverable data before its actual recovery
• Select the software which is a reliable one and should be recommended by the users
• Select the software which can get the data from deleted, formatted, or lost partitions without affecting the data and information stored on other partitions
• Make sure to install the partition recovery software on a healthy disk

By focusing on above mentioned points, user will always get the right partition recovery software. Efficient partition recovery software has complete Do-It Yourself (DIY) interface and can recover data which is lost or inaccessible due to virus infection, partition deletion, formatting of partition, system crash, etc without effecting any of other computer devices or programs.

Guest post by Chris.

Plagiarism is a common thing on the internet. People copy and paste other person creations without any permission. People may blindly copy your blog post, images or video without your proper permission. If these stuff are unique to your site, then you can easily remove those copied articles on the Google search result as well as from any blogger blogs. To file a complaint, you need to verify you’re the owner. Otherwise you may get penalized!

This post gives the step by step instruction on how to fill Google’s Digital Millennium Copyright Act / DMCA form on the Google Webmaster site. You can visit a DMCA form page here. To start reporting click “Create a new notification” link shown in the screen shot below:

On the copyright removal form page, you have to submit your personal information such as First name, Last name, Company name, copyright holder, your email address and your country:

This is used to report one alleged infringement. If you have multiple alleged infringements, then click “Add a new group” at the end of the page. You can submit up to 10 infringements in one report.

In the “Identify and describe the copyrighted work” field you have to describe your item it could be a blog post, image, video, audio anything that belongs to you. For example, the blog post name. Submit your own copyrighted work accessible web link (URL) in the “Where can we see an authorized example of the work” field. For example, the specific blog post URL.

The next step is submitting duplicate material web link in the “Location of infringing material” field. It should be the another website/blog link. Next you need to check both the statements under the “SWORN STATEMENTS”.

Finally you need to submit the date and the signature (your name).

Google web search team usually responds to this complaint very quickly. After I submitted a complaint they responded to me within 24 hours. However blogger team may take up to 7 days to respond.

Visit Google’s DMCA form page here.

Guest post by Christian Arno.

In order to create the best blog for global readership, you need more than just great content that entertains, informs and educates for your audience to enjoy. You also require maximum visibility for your blog to be discovered among the millions already on the internet.

Even if you already have a following of devoted readers there’s nothing stopping you from going that one step further to tap into a wider audience to increase your daily statistics. This you can achieve with the utilization of search engine optimization (SEO).

SEO plays an important role in increasing your blog’s ranking potential on search engine sites such as Google. However, even though you can employ the services of SEO experts to do this for you, a little time on your part will see that you can just as easily advance your blog’s search engine optimization by yourself by following these easy-to-do eight tips.

1. Keywords Hold Center Court

Even though content is vital to your blog’s success, the use of keywords are just as important. Keywords are the phrases or words that web searchers will put into their search engine box when they are looking for a site.
In order to optimize your content you should first begin with a brainstorm session to determine which words are appropriate to your content and which words you think people will type when searching for a site.

Google’s Adwords keyword tool will assist you and will show you what competition you have and how you can stay ahead. Also, make sure that you don’t simply put keywords in your content, but also in your title, header and URLs for your blog to be picked up in search engines.

2. Utilizing Internal Links

While this should not be overdone you can boost your blog’s visibility by linking with other blogs. Another way of increasing your search ranking is to interlink your blog posts so that readers can read up on more information that you have previously written. You should try to do this from other points of access as well, such as the front page or side bar.

3. The Importance of Titles

Titles are part of the overall blogging package, which means that as Google pays attention to them, so should you. Bear in mind that the words you use first in your title will typically have more weight to them compared to other words in your title, so think about what you want to say.
If you simply want to focus on the SEO side of things then avoid placing the name of your blog in the title tags of single posts. This will only weaken your keywords, which is not what you want.

4. The Benefits of Social Media

Social media provides you with an avenue of readers for your blog. Every time you post a blog you should take advantage of your social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. If you can, get your friends to re-tweet your posts, which will help to get your blog noticed by readers you may not have. By linking your posts to the various social media sites, for example Reddit, Digg and StumbleUpon, you can boost your Google ranking by getting your blog noticed on a wider scale.

5. Categories

The use of categories are useful when it comes to separating your content in the different areas of topic. Not only that, but search engines generally prefer sites that are well structured. With the use of categories you can easily organize your content which will allow you to archive your content so that your readers will have the opportunity to locate older posts with ease

6. The Use of Headings

Headings are ideal when it comes to breaking up your content into easy manageable sections. These can also assist your blog, particularly with SEO when you employ them with keyword search. Headings that include catchy keywords will attract more attention and will place your blog higher up the search algorithm too, all of which is what you want for your blog’s online presence.

7. Limit Your Graphic Design

Tempting as it is to make your blog as attractive as possible for your readers to enjoy, they are only there to read what you have posted. As a result of this, you should limit your graphic design so that you blog does not find itself bogged down with features that it doesn’t need. Flash overload will slow down your blog’s loading time, which will only force readers looking at your blog to turn away.
Flash-free pages that contain simple pages are the best way forward and the ones more likely to attract an audience of devoted readers.

8. URLs

The use of good URLs is just as important as your headings and titles. Make sure that your URLs include keywords such as www.myblog.com/2011/11/SEO-example/ instead of www.myblog.com/?p=40.

While it may not be an overnight success, these simple rules will help you on your way to making your blog a success with the proper management of your SEO skills.

Business users as well as those who are involved in frequent texting now prefer QWERTY phones with Android OS since it’s a better combination. Following is the list of best QWERTY Gingerbread (Android v2.3) Phones arranged from low to high prices:

Motorola FIRE

One of the popular Motorola QWERTY phones with notable features like 2.8-inch Touchscreen, 3 MP Primary Camera and 600 MHz ARM11 Processor. Can’t complain about the low end processor since it’s categorized as a low budget phone!
Motorola FIRE Specifications

LG Optimus Pro C660

Another Gingerbread QWERTY phone similar to Motorola FIRE but with a better processor. It comes with 2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen, 3 MP Primary Camera and a 800 MHz Scorpion Processor.
LG Optimus Pro C660 Specifications

Sony Ericsson SK17i

Sony Ericsson SK17i comes with a more better features like 3-inch TFT Touchscreen, 5 MP Primary Camera, 1 GHz Scorpion Processor and HD Video Recording.

Sony Ericsson SK17i Specifications

HTC ChaCha

Another popular Gingerbread QWERTY phone with 2.6-inch Touchscreen, 5 MP Primary Camera, 800 MHz Processor and a unique dedicated Facebook Button!
HTC ChaCha Specifications

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

High end Slide and QWERTY Gingerbread phone with 8.1 MP Primary Camera, 3.7-inch TFT Touchscreen, 1 GHz Processor and HD Video Recording.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro Specifications

Guest post by Ng Pillai.

Selling your digital product effectively is an art considering the stiff competition you have to face in this field. While well known brands are improvising on their products to get closer to every prospective buyer, new companies are foraying into this sector by launching cost effective products. If you are launching a digital product in the market, here is how can sell it to your customers effectively.

1. The most important point to consider in the initial stages is publicity. You will have to make efforts to let people know that your product exists. You must be able to think out of the box to create this awareness. Organize demos to let people try your digital product. This gives them an opportunity to know what your product has to offer.
2. Offering free samples may seem to be an expensive option, but it does help you eventually. Organize interesting contests or filter a set of people using certain criteria and give them your digital product for free. This will take your product closer to your target audience and create a strong market presence.
3. If you cannot give away free samples, offer them a trial period. This is the best suited for digital products such as banner making software, shopping carts, e-courses and video tutorials. This gives your target audience an opportunity to test the product before paying for it and also portrays the confidence you have in the product.
4. You can also showcase testimonials through blogs or even websites. People do a considerable amount of research before buying any digital product. Having reviews of your products on prominent review websites will also give it the right exposure.
5. Let customers know you value their opinion. Give them a chance to voice their feedback on your digital product. Work on the feedback to come up with improvisations on a regular basis.
6. There is no denying that prices can make your product attractive to customers. With the inflation on the rise and constant apprehensions about an impending recession, customers are constantly seeking more value for money. You can make your product seem promising to the customers if you can assure them more for less. Consider special discounts for corporate world, students etc.
7. Use strong advertising techniques to reach out to your prospective customers. Use the power of social networking to get your product a place among the most sought after brands. This requires out of box thinking and innovative ways of catching the attention of customers.
8. Invite people review your digital product. This displays the trust that you have in the product you have developed and motivates your target audience to give it a try.
9. Reach out to specific audience through your advertising campaigns. Identify the advantage that your product has over the others and showcase this to the audience effectively. If you have selected the target audience carefully, there is no reason for your product to fail.
10. Assure after sales service for your digital product. Not all people who buy the products are tech savvy. Hence they look out for companies that can assure considerable amount of support even after the purchase is made.