Google News is a repository of news. They compile news from 7000 new sources in a searchable database. The news is selected, compiled, and fed to users though computers. There are no human editors at Google making judgment calls on which stories to add and which to delete.
So it seems funny that when you search for “John Kerry” on Google News you will find more conservative stories than liberal stories. When you search for “George Bush” there is a more balanced representation of stories.
How does this happen? The answer may help us all better use Google as a search tool and a promotional tool for our own web sites.
Mainstream and more liberal news sources tend to refer to John Kerry once in an article and then abbreviate to Kerry; conservative sources tend to refer to Kerry by his full name through a story. Using Google’s method of matching articles to searchers, an article that contains John Kerry throughout is going to rank higher as a better match for a search for John Kerry than an article that refers to Kerry.
It serves as a good reminder to those of us with web site – try to include on your web pages terms that your customers would use to find you through Google or any other search engine.
Today’s Byte is a shorted version of an article I co-wrote with Jan Hepola from Minnesota Technology Inc. It’s all about security and it’s a promotional piece for some upcoming e-commerce classes that are happening at Normandale Community College. I thought you might be interested in the article and maybe the classes.
Internet Security is more than just technology
Think Internet Security is just a concern for the IT department? Think again! The IT department can install the best technology to prevent security incidents, but security is more than getting the right technology. You need to create a security plan that factors in people, policies and procedures. Consider the following elements as part of your security plan:
Acceptable Use Policies: Create a document that outlines the computer activities that are considered acceptable. Include consequences for non-compliance and communicate this to employees regularly. This will protect both you and your employees from any lapses in judgment. Also, develop and monitor the security procedures that take place when an employee leaves your business.
Passwords: Use “strong” passwords. This means using a combination of random letters, numbers, characters and a mix of lower and upper cases. Hackers have tools to break password codes starting with words found in a dictionary or common names. Insist that users not share passwords; this includes posting the passwords on their computers or writing them in Rolodex under “p”.
Virus Protection: Install virus protection software on each computer in addition to the network. This will ensure that files (including attachments and shared discs) will be checked for viruses before they cause damage. Critically important is a policy that each user must regularly schedule the updating of their virus definitions. It is important to show your employees how to do this while communicating why it is important.
Firewalls: Protect your computers and network from attacks from the Internet with a firewall. There are two types of firewalls: hardware and software. As data attempts to come into your network, the firewall determines if it is dangerous (hacker attempts) and should be deflected, or safe and allowed to pass through. Having a strong firewall is particularly important if you are using DSL, cable, wireless or satellite to connect to the Internet.
Training: Teach staff about technology security. Talk about why certain activity is expected or restricted. It is easier to get compliance when users understand the risks to your business and their personal safety.
The primaries were yesterday. Did you vote? I did – in the rain with two kids dragging behind me. I won’t bore you with my political views – but I do implore you to get out and vote on November 2. To help you prepare I am listing some fun political resources:
E-Democracy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan information resource on local politics in the Twin Cities, Chicago, Iowa, and Winona. The best part of – Democracy is the online and email discussion among citizens – anyone is welcome to join and share their opinions respectfully.
MyBallot is another Minnesota resource. You type in your address and it will tell you who’s on the ballot and where you should go to vote.
Balanced Politics is an interesting site that appears to outline the pros and cons of major issues as well as links to less neutral sites on the topics and reader comments.
Remember to register. There are plenty of places to do that online, such as the Rock the Vote. And remember to vote!
Today my oldest daughter starts school. In honor of this momentous step I thought I’d look into some online homework helpers:
BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper – apparently created by a high school student, and hosted by Discovery.com, this is a directory of great sites to use for your homework (like Cliff Notes)
The Internet Public Library – manages virtual shelves of web resources, a teen area that includes guides for writing papers, and kidspace for younger kids. IPL also offers Ask a Librarian sections where you can ask questions of librarians. (I am a former volunteer.)
Check with your local public library. Most offer email-base reference services, which I use and love. Many will provide even more support and guidance to students. For example, St Paul provides supplies and mentors to help students in the library.
Two Byte subscribers recently started blogs; I thought we might all be interested in them:
In Pursuit of a Master’s Degree – Sue Stromquist writes about her experience as a student in the first class of a degree in advocacy and public policy out of UMD.
Sheldon Mains writes two blogs, the first relates to nonprofit management issues; the second is a personal blog on politics and community issues of local interest ( Twin Cities).
It’s not what you know, but who you know. For years the Internet helped with what you can know – but suddenly it seems to also help with who you know.
There are several Internet services that focus on expanding your circle of friends and experts. These web sites help you track the people you know and help you grow that list by tapping into friends of friends. It’s like a giant cocktail party where guests wear résumés instead of name tags.
I am a member of one of these services, Linked In. Someone invited me to join, so I did. Basically I clicked on “OK” and entered a brief biography. (The service is free.) Now I can see and be seen by many people online. It can be a great place to find a new job, a new employee, or just find folks who share your interests.
I haven’t taken great advantage of the network yet, but I see its potential. More importantly, I’ve been a member for several months and have not received unwanted email from them – so I think this is a service worth trying.
I thought about using the Linked In service to send out the Byte this week and then invite all of you directly to try out the service but out of respect for your privacy I decided against it. That being said – I’d be happy to send you an invitation to join via Linked In. I think it expedites the sign in process. If you are interested, let me know and I’ll invite you.
