The Hidden Risks of Social Media

Social media has forever changed the rules in the job marketplace. The amazing amount of information that is so quickly accessible provides a tempting opportunity to be a fly on the wall of an applicant's personal life. Recruiters need to exercise caution and tread carefully. There are a plethora of social network sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and LinkedIn that provide instant and often personal information about a candidate.
There are risks associated with social media and if employers are not careful, they can open a Pandoras box of litigation possibilities. Social network profiles reveal private information such as age, race, political affiliation, gender, disability and religious affiliation. This type of information is usually interspersed throughout a candidate's personal profile.
There are a few disturbing scenarios that can occur when an employer does a social network web search on a potential candidate. Consider the following: a recruiter does an internet search and finds the candidates picture and religious and political affiliation and uses this information to weed out that particular candidate, or an internet search reveals a candidate in full regalia at a gay pride festival. What does the recruiter do with such personal information that would have never revealed itself in a traditional resume?
Using online information skates a thin line between invasion of privacy and an employer learning as much as possible about a potential employee. Employers must decide if the benefits of researching candidates on social networking sites outweigh the risks. It is critical that employers utilize legal counsel and develop written policies to determine the best protocol for using social media in recruiting efforts.
The policy must clearly define the types of position that would warrant utilizing social media and specific guidelines for the type of information the employer hopes to find by using social network sites. A comprehensive written policy will go a long way in helping to mitigate risks that arise from social media searches.
Working closely with legal counsel can go a long way in protecting a company from the potential of a case of disparate treatment and its cousin disparate impact, which can occur unintentionally when using social media for recruiting. Human Resources experts argue that using social network sites can open the door to disparate treatment (an intent to discriminate) or Disparate Impact, when using social media sites that do not reflect the demographics of the total population.
Social media is one of the best ways to recruit passive candidates and is an essential resource in engaging the best candidates in the marketplace. Social media will continue to evolve and recruiters must use common sense, stay compliant with EEO practices and maintain records to avoid being on the losing end of a discrimination lawsuit.

Software Digest for Beginners

What is the meaning of the term Software?
Generally, the term software is associated with computer software, which is an indispensable part of the computer system that stores and process all encoded information or computer instructions on PC. They have very vast scope in computer world.
Software is processed by computer systems, programs and other data. Being totally opposite to hardware, which is used to store or execute the software, software is connected with random access memory and then carry out the work in central processing unit. Usually, software is a coded machine language that is not easy to understand for the users.
Software & Use
Softwares convert tough machine language into simple usable language to make it really easy for users to understand. As softwares understand machine language that consists of several groups of binary values, which gives processor instructions and data. Generally, every operating system has its own software that requires an individual processor.
Secondly, software acts as a connector between electronic hardware and data that enables a user to operate the series of data instructions with the help of software. Further, software can use any kind of data such as output/input. Sometimes the output of software can be input for software. It also provides an interface between hardware, data and other software.
Types of Software
According to their usages, softwares are classified into three broad categories; system software, application software and programming software. With the help of system software, a user can run computer hardware and computer system including operating system, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems and some more.
Whereas, application software helps users to perform one or more tasks simultaneously. Application software also enables users to perform all applications like office suites, business software, databases and games. Programming software carries some functional tools that help the programmer to make some difficult computer programs. They also provide some useful tools like text editor, compiler, interpreter, linker and debugger etc.

10 Online Hacked Flash Games

10. Road of the Dead Hacked
Whats the hack? Start with 100 CR, all upgrades cost 1 CR only. The game is 25 MB - let it load. Hack updated with : car takes no damage and unlimited ammo.
9. Crush the Castle 2 Hacked
Whats the hack? All projectiles unlocked from the start.
8. Coaster Racer Hacked
Whats the hack? Start with 100 cash, all upgrades give you more.
7. Warlords Called to Arms Hacked
Whats the hack?
Unlimited Money, Instant Troop Spawn, Demons class unlocked, Charge ready in 1 kill, All classes unlocked
6. Madness Retaliation Hacked
Whats the hack? Start with 100HP and AP instead of 5. Gain 100 AP each turn. Using medikits, smoke grenades and flashbangs doesn't take them away. We don't want to overkill the game with hacks and 100AP will get any enemy killed with 1 unit only so let us know if there's something else we can help you with (hack wise).
5. Weapon Hacked
Whats the hack? Lots of health, enemies do no damage, 999999 money - you can buy all the upgrades/weapons you want.
4. Thing Thing 4 Hacked
Whats the hack? Health, Ammo, And all weapons owned ! Pipe and Sword 1 hit kill ! All guns auto ! All outfits unlocked after completing the 8 achievments ! See info below for weapon & health tip ! Also you can Play naked lol outfit "0"
3. Achievement Unlocked 2 Hacked
Whats the hack? Market Place Items only cost 1 coin - 30 minutes instead of 4 in time mode
2. Shopping Cart Hero 2 Hacked
Whats the hack? verything in the shop is free!
1. Toss the Turtle Hacked
Whats the hack? Everything in the shop costs $1. After the first shot you'll be able to get everything. No need of other hacks since it will take the fun out of the game.

Learning More about Internet History

The internet is a huge network of networks. Several computer networks across the world connect seamlessly with each other using a protocol known as the "IP Protocol". The connection is made possible through various telecommunication mechanisms such as telephone wires, cable lines or satellite signals. Sitting before your computer, any information that you want which is located in some remote computer on the far corner of the earth - is pipelined from server computer to server computer, until it lands on your screen, in a lightning fast speed. Chris Freville is an expert in this particular field, and throughout this article we shall dwell on some of his notes on internet history.
The Internet Society, also known popularly as ISOC, governs the internet. The mission of the ISOC is to promote global information exchange through internet technology. The governance of the protocol standards - that is, the practical details of how communication happens between computers and software applications - comes under the purview of another body called Internet Architecture Board (IAB). The IAB board also decides on the tracking mechanisms of the 32-bit address number that uniquely identifies every single device hooked onto the internet. There is a third governing body known as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), whose responsibility it is to regulate operational and near-term technical issues facing the internet.
Just like there is somebody who builds, owns and operates the roads which our cars drive on, and to whom we have to pay toll for their usage, in the same way, we as customers pay for the elaborate infrastructure that has been built to run the internet. This payment is by way of the rentals to the internet service providers and the telephone companies.
The first vision of the internet was outlined by J.C.R. Licklider, an MIT researcher who in August 1962 wrote about a "galactic network" of interconnected computers that will be capable of providing access to information and programs from any site to any point of consumption. A paper published by Leonard Kleinrock, as noted by Chris Freville, concurrently followed this that dwelt on how to make communication on the internet practically feasible.
An outcome of this vision was the development of ARPANET in September 1969. This network of computers was first assembled at the Network Measurement Center at UCLA; and gradually roped in the computer networks at Stanford Research Institute, UC Santa Barbara and the University of Utah. Three years later, a stable version of the ARPANET was successfully demonstrated at the International Computer Communication Conference (ICCC). Over a period, other computer networks from the region, across the country, and later from around the world joined the ARPANET, to become what we know today as the internet.
Chris Freville also writes how from academic environs, the internet moved towards commercialization in 1990, when "The World" became the first internet service provider, offering internet service using dial-up. Companies such as CompuServe, Prodigy, America Online soon followed. Within two years, by the end of 1991, the internet had grown to include three dozen countries, 5,000 networks, 700,000 host computers, all serving over 4 million people.

Explore the world of Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is really one of the most misunderstood terms floating around the Internet at the moment.
We have had a wide variety of questions and comments related to Web 2.0. Things like
* Do I have to go somewhere to download this new version of the internet?
* Does my website have the 2.0 already installed?
* Is Web 2.0 a product offered by Google?
* Can you design my website in Web 2.0 colors?
The answer to all of the above questions is NO. Web 2.0 certainly is not a brand new version of the Internet, something you can install, a part of the google offers or a certain selection of colors and styles in web design. Fundamentally, it's really utilizing existing technologies to benefit people. It's a movement away from static content and towards interaction with people.
To simplify Web 2.0 is all about interaction. Ultimate Interactivity.
As business entities embrace the web as a platform and move towards using its many strengths, they can then build their services and applications using the unique features of the internet as opposed to just building applications to suite other platforms.
Giving people the opportunity to upload, download, share and connect in unique ways.
Examples of Web 2.0
Tim O'Reilly, the founder of O'Rielly Media, sums it up by saying that "Web 2.0 has a layered approach to the levels of interaction with users.
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Level 3 applications are the most "web 2.0" oriented and they only exist on the internet. They drive their effectives through human interaction and from the networking effects that web 2.0 makes possible and they grow in effectiveness as more and more people use them. Some examples of level 3 applications are: amazon.com, ebay.com, craigslist.com del.icio.us, dodgeball and Adsense.
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Level 2 applications can operate offline, but can greatly benefit from going online. O'Reilly cited Flickr, which greatly benefits from its shared photo database and from its community generated tag database.
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Level 1 application operate offline, but gain features online. A few good examples of this are Google Docs & Spreadsheets as well as iTunes because of its store approach.
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Level 0 applications work as well offline as online. O'Reilly gives the examples of MapQuest, Yahoo Local and Google maps.
Misconceptions
To add even more confusion to the mix, it's important to notice that a variety of website design 'effects' have also been referred to as being Web 2.0. For example, rounded corners and drop shadows are two often used elements used and described as being Web 2.0. The problem with that is that rounded corners and drop shadows certainly do not encourage interactivity. When was the last time you had a drop shadow ask you for your opinion? If you are having conversations with rounded corners then you should probably be reading a totally different article entirely.
Perhaps, this misconception of Web 2.0 as being a style is related to AJAX technology (AJAX allows a web page to request an update for parts of its content, and then to alter those parts in your web browser without needed to refresh the whole page each time) and also DHTML (often found in drop down menus.) While these fantastic technologies will allow a designer to create user friendly websites that work extremely well with a Web 2.0 application, they are certainly not required.
Web 2.0 sites often do have a certain user friendly look and feel, so it's very easy to see how someone could understand web 2.0 to be a style.
What Can You Plug In?
We briefly touched upon the term AJAX as one way to provide a better 'user experience.' Other technologies such as Flash, the new Flex from Adobe and Java have all evolved to improve user interaction in browser based applications.
Although it may not always be apparent, these technologies are surrounding you every time you open up your web browser. Some other technologies are:
* XML and RSS feeds: These provide your customers with a syndicated version of your 'pushed' content. This convenient technology allows the consumer to 'pull' data from anyone you decide you want to receive regular information from and for others to 'push' the technology they want you to be aware of to you.
* Mashups: A mashup is a hybrid tool that flows out of RSS. Essentially a mashup is a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. There are numerous tools available that allow your web site to pull in 3rd party RSS feeds, filter them based on your unique specifications and criteria and then display the information within your website.
o Another great example is the use of cartographic data from Google Maps to add location information to real-estate data, thereby creating a new and distinct web service.
* Weblog (Blog): These are publishing tools, as well as WIKI and forum software designed to support user generated content that includes user commenting, encouraging back and forth interaction.
* Social Indexing: Also known as tagging or social classification, this is now the default method to annotate and categorize content. It is typical to see hyperlinked 'words' in blog articles. Tagging information is intended to make volumes of information easier to discover, search and navigate over time. This results in ultimate usability and allows people to find related content quickly and easily.
It is easy to see the interactive pattern here and the connection of people to people defines what Web 2.0 really is and why it is important to you.

Web Development with Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a broad umbrella concept covering a great number of areas ranging from web site design and software architecture to new business models. It combines a wide range of technological and social trends which form the new Internet and a new class of web applications.
Technologies themselves are not what Web 2.0 is about. Revolutionary new ideas are at the bottom of Web 2.0. It embraces quite a number of social phenomena like social networking, user-generated content and collective intelligence. And technologies which become popular in the Web 2.0 era are merely the means to make it easy for everyone to participate, share and create. Therefore blogs, social bookmarking and networking sites are some of the most popular online destinations nowadays.
Since 2004, when the term "Web 2.0" was used for the first time, it has transformed from an IT buzzword into a mainstream trend which affects both individuals and enterprises. Developing software, as well as doing business, in the Web 2.0 era demands from us to adjust to the realities of the new Web.
Web as a Platform
One of the key principles of Web 2.0 - the Web as a platform - states that now the Web can serve as an operating system. This introduces new benefits for both software vendors and customers and allows building new products and services by bringing desktop functionality capabilities to the web , enhancing and improving existing websites' and applications' functionality and performance.
Rich User Experience and Usability
Simple layout, don't-make-me-think navigation, big fonts and bright titles distinguish Web 2.0 design style and let developers improve the look and feel of websites and user interfaces. But design is not the only thing which ensures the improved usability of Web 2.0 software. The use of AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) makes it possible to create rich-client internet applications (RIAs) that are both more interactive and more productive than traditional web apps.
Composite
The Web 2.0 era gave rise to a new term in web development - mash-up, also referred to as a composite, or hybrid, web application or page. A constantly growing number of web sites are releasing XML feeds (such as RSS or Atom) and APIs which enables developers to mix and match them to create entirely new, unique and innovative services based on third-parties' data.
Architecture of Participation
The most popular Web 2.0 projects confirm the fact that the easiest way to make your customers your product's evangelists is to let them participate in its creation and development. "The architecture of participation", which lies at the core of YouTube, Wikipedia, Digg and many other successful Web 2.0 websites, enables them to not only get millions of visitors daily, but also to put to good use the "collective intelligence" effect developing a rich pool of valuable data generated by users themselves.
Perpetual Beta
Web 2.0 software is shifting from software packages to ongoing services that are always on and at the same time are being constantly refined and improved. This introduces a new approach to updates and enhancements that can be delivered monthly, weekly or even daily without interrupting web system operation. In "the perpetual beta" model the users are co-developers and real-world testers of applications, since software vendors now can gather their feedback and thus produce the service which always meets current customers' needs and preferences.
Web 2.0 Development help you meet the requirements of the new generation of the Web delivering:
Next-generation Portals
Rich Internet Applications
Composite Applications
Software as a Service Applications
Enterprise Mash-ups
Business Strategy Assessment
We work closely with clients to define their business vision and strategy to plan, implement and support their Web 2.0 initiatives. We identify business objectives and the benefits that Web 2.0 can provide and develop a detailed roadmap for solution implementation.
Technology Assessment and Architecture
The complex Web 2.0 technology infrastructure presupposes considerable complexity in application implementation, testing and support as compared to traditional web applications. When designing technical architecture we pay special attention to proper selection and effective usage of various Web 2.0 methods, frameworks and techniques including server-side software, client-side software, RSS, web protocols, valid XHTML markup, ActiveX controls, applets, real-time push, Web Services, APIs, etc.
Implementation, Support and On-going Improvement
Based on the roadmap and architecture developed during the assessment stage we deliver solutions with comprehensive business logic, efficient performance, business and technical scalability. After the initial launch of the system we help clients grow and improve the solution by seamlessly integrating new features and services on top of existing functionality.
Take your business to the next 2.0 level and thus benefit from the latest trends in web development.

Will Firefox Win The Browser War?

For as long as you can remember the basic Internet browser was Internet Explorer. Of course, there was a moment in time when Netscape was trying to get that market share, but Internet Explorer won out and there are many people that don't realize Internet Explorer is only their browser and they can change if they like. In fact, most folks believe Internet Explorer is the only option for reaching the Internet. However, this is not the case and there is a new kid on the block that is taking advantage of the security issues Internet Explorer has experienced and pulling a significant amount of market share in a short period of time. This newcomer web browser is Firefox.
Firefox is a browser that focuses on opening web sites rapidly while keeping those nasty pop-ups and spyware at bay. Firefox was in its final stages last summer and fortunately for the up and coming browser two federal agencies recommended Internet surfers choose a different browser than Internet Explorer due to security issues IE was facing. This timing was perfect for Firefox and when it was placed on the web for download there were so many people trying to download at once the server almost could not handle all of the requests.
However, Firefox came through and many web surfers switched from Internet Explorer. In fact, Internet Explorer held the market share for web browsers at 95.5%, but has slipped to 92.9% in just the few months Firefox has had its test version on the market. This might seem like just a few percentage points, but these percentage points represent millions of individuals who have switched from IE to Firefox. In fact, approximately 23 million preview copies of Firefox have been downloaded.
So, what does this mean for IE and Firefox? Who will win this browser war? If Firefox continues gaining market share as it has then Firefox might come out on top. However, if IE works to fix its security problems it can probably hold onto its 90% plus market share. Only the future has the answer, we will just have to wait and see.

Blogging for Beginners - A Guide

Exactly what is a "blog"? A blog, shortened from "weblog", is basically an online journal where you can digitally put down your ideas, thoughts, opinions and practically anything that you want people to read. Blogging is very popular all over the world and basically there are no rules when it comes to blogging. Bloggers have the freedom to express themselves how ever way they want, and the best thing about blogging, is that most blogging sites are free.
Blogs come in many different styles, formats, and settings, depending on user preferences. Many blogging sites, offer built in features such as hyperlinks, pictures, mp3's, videos, etc. Some bloggers choose to make their blogs more audio friendly, by using spoken word entries. This is called audio blogging. There are also video logs.
Blogging is really for everyone. Overall, it can be lots of fun, very simple and easy to do. Basically, a blog will contain these features at a minimum:
archive- list of older articles,
title- where you label your post,
body- the content of your post,
blogroll- other sites can be linked back to your blog,
comments- this allow readers to post comments on your blog.
Unlike other websites that are made up of numerous individual pages, blogs are usually made up of only a few templates making it easier for blog users to create new pages. This can be very helpful for beginners, since they can start blogging right away once they've set up their account. One of the appeals of blogging is that it creates a community of people sharing similar ideas, thoughts, and comments with each other.
The most popular blog type by far is the personal journal. This is the kind that is usually used by first time bloggers. Individuals who want to document the daily struggle of their everyday lives, rants, poems, writings, ideas, and opinions find that blogging offers them a medium in which to express themselves.
Blogging is not just limited to personal usage. There are a lot of blogs online that follow a particular theme such as: sports, politics, philosophy, social commentary, mobile technology, web design, pets, etc. These blogs focus on their specific themes. This way blogging becomes a way where people can share their knowledge and opinions about a variety of themes and topics.
There are a lot of other things you can do with a blog. Some bloggers use their blogs as a means to advertise and earn money. Some authors advertise their books or products on their blogs while other bloggers use their blogs to shed light on currents issues, news, family issues, personal thoughts and discoveries, events or catastrophes.
A lot of entrepreneurs benefit from blogging by promoting their products and businesses on their own blogs. With millions and millions of people logging onto the net each and everyday, blogging has become a lucrative move. Some bloggers who run online businesses promote their merchandise online. Others profit through advertisements placed on their blogs.
Blogs can also play an important part in education. Professors can use blogging to document the lessons that they have previously discussed and taught. This is one way students who missed class can easily catch up with their assignments.
Want to learn more about blogging in general or a topic in particular? Blogs varying in topics, themes, and set-ups, and can be found in blog directories. First time users who want to get an idea of what the blogging world is all about can browse through a number of blogs using these kinds of directories. In this way people can get an idea of what these blogging communities, and blogging in general, are all about.
Want to find out more about blogging? Go to Yahoo, MSN Live or Google and search for blogging directories. You'll get a list of a lot of blogging sites that are available on the net. In this way you can find exactly what you are looking for and are interested in. After that you can decide whether or not you want to enter the world of blogging to share yourself with the world.

10 Blogging Mistakes To Avoid

Do you blog the right and correct way? Whether it is a yes or a no, it does make a huge difference. On my last visit to Johnchow.com, I noticed an article that catch my attention. "10 Blogging Mistakes to Avoid". And I'm should ask the attention of every single blogger : Do not practise It!. Wrong way blogging will get your blog killed! Don't believe? Try it and see.
Blogging Mistake #1 - You Don't Get Your Blog Updated
Nothing kill a blog faster than lack of updates! If you are serious in blogging, do show commitment to keep your blog updated. A non-updated blog is a dead blog!
Blogging Mistake #2 - Blogging = Money
If the only reason you're blogging is to get rich, you'll fail. Blogger like John Chow makes money because he doesn't blog for money. He really write good posts in his blog. Start filling your blog with really quality posts and put aside your money-minded thinking.
Blogging Mistake #3 - Rushing a Post
There is always mistakes in your post. So take some time double/triple checks your post before you hit the "Publish" button to make sure your post is error-free. Doing this wouldn't kill you, but not doing this will get your blog killed! Please don't rush to get your post published, there is always cons than pros.
Blogging Mistake #4 - Not Being Personal
A blog is not a CNN or News.com. People read your blog to get your opinion and your point of view. Give it to them!
Blogging Mistake #5 - Being a Copycat
What's make your blog unique and difference from others? Is your blog unique or just another copycat? There are thousands of blogs about Agloco. I am not definitely the first person writing about Agloco. You can write the same thing as the other blog, but putting your point of view will differentiate your blog and other blog. That's makes your blog unique. Giving your own opinion is what blogging is all about. The most unique thing about your blog is you.
Blogging Mistake #6 - Not replying to Comments
Do reply to your readers comments as soon as possible. A blog is a two way communication tool, remember it!
Blogging Mistake #7 - Not giving a Full Feed RSS
Unless you make 10+ posts per day, then you have no excuse for not offering feed RSS to your reader. I am using FeedBurner by the way.
Blogging Mistake #8 - Not Reaching Out to Other Bloggers
The best and yet the economic way to get your blog noticed is by saying hi to other blogs in your niche. The best way is to comment on other blogs and make sure you put down your blog's link. Other alternatives includes linking to them, sending trackbacks and adding yourself to their MyBlogLog Community.
Blogging Mistake #9 - Writing for Google Instead of People
You can have the most perfectly written Google optimized page in the world and still not ranked number 1 because Google follows people. And people won't read a page written for a search engine because it makes no sense. I do keep an eye on my keywords and key phases when I'm writing a post, but I also keep in mind that the readers come first, Google comes second.
Blogging Mistake #10 - Not Reading John Chow dot com
He is a great blogging source. Not reading John Chow dot com is definitely the biggest mistake that a blogger can make.

Get Paid To Blog - Blogging For Money

You can blog for money. Anyone with basic writing skills can be blogging for dollars within hours. What you first must know how to set up a blog and then learn how to get traffic. Most people fail at generating traffic.
Social networks, link swapping and article directories are just a few ways to generate traffic to your blog but this is often not enough. These are common practices but it helps to have a few other tricks up your sleeve. Where most people fail on a new blog and give up within weeks is promoting their own content and blog which can be done also with article marketing. There are so many ways to promote a blog but finding the best methods of promotion when starting out can be difficult.
Finding a place to set up a free blog is not difficult just do a search. For under one hundred dollars you could have your own web site and blog with a domain for a year and if you are serious about blogging for money this is the best route. If you are wanting to be a success you need to write at least 3 to 7 posts a week and it depends on the subject the more popular the more posts. You could have a blog on bad girls, cheerleaders, food, money, investing or even a sports blog.
Get paid to blog is you goal to making money. There are affiliate networks you can join for free that would share revenue with you when you make a sale. You could spend precious energy and time scouring the internet on ways to make money online. Blogging for money by writing great content is one of the easiest ways to make cash on the internet.
Most people think that the Internet is a gold mine waiting to be cashed in and yes it is but you have to have the right information and tools. Blogging for dollars is the best way to start out making money online spending no or very little money. Web 2.0 is a great way to make money blogging.
Blogging for money does not require any specialized skill most people can learn blogging in a few hours having the right information. A free blog can be set up in minutes you just need to know what people are searching for to be a success and get paid to blog.