A Million Lives

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How Net Neutrality Affects Small Businesses

The FCC has caused a major stir in the internet community by announcing rollbacks to net neutrality rules. Net neutrality in simple terms means that internet service providers should not create “fast lanes” for websites that pay for such. The main idea behind the concept of net neutrality is that ISPs should ensure equal access to all websites that are online.

What Does it Mean if Current Net Neutrality Rules are Rolled Back?

Rolling back net neutrality rules as the current FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has suggested would allow certain cable companies to limit speeds for particular websites or online content. For example, Comcast or Verizon could demand that only websites that pay a certain fee can load in under 3 seconds on user’s browsers. This type of data capping was prohibited under the Common Carrier law established under the Obama administration. Pai has advocated for allowing ISPs to control site load speed as they like. So how does net neutrality rules affect small businesses? Read below to find out.

Small Businesses May have to Suffer Slow Loading Sites

If such fast or slow lanes were created for sites and content, then small businesses would be immensely impacted. For example, an ISP could demand websites to pay $10,000 (theoretically) to make sure the mobile version of the site loads in under 2 seconds. Businesses know the importance of site speed for customer retention. Mobile site speeds are especially important because it affects SEO as well. If the small business is unable to pay this fee, then the company will end up with slow loading pages. That’s as good as killing digital business, explains experts with the consultancy firm Corporate Business Solutions.

Small Businesses May Lose Level Playing Ground if Net Neutrality Rules are Eliminated

Now let’s consider who can pay that $10,000 fee for fast loading websites. That would be the biggest brand names with major capital. For example, Amazon can pay that fee and make sure the famous e-store is easily accessible to all customers, while a small, local specialty e-store may struggle to pay the insane fees. This essentially means that small businesses would lose out to big players.

The advent of e-commerce essentially leveled the playing ground between big retail brands and smaller companies. E-commerce platforms don’t charge shelf fees. Therefore, many small businesses were able to find niche audiences online without stifling fees. Rolling back net neutrality rules would mean that small businesses lose this advantage. It would fundamentally change how the internet works in a manner that negatively affects small businesses.

In essence, eliminating net neutrality rules would be catastrophic to most small businesses. It would particularly affect brands that sell products through gadgets and smartphones. It would affect both sales and marketing efforts as well. If net neutrality rules are rolled back, businesses should get ready to do commerce in an uneven field where companies with money have better access to customers. Small business owners can still get politically active and stop the rollback. In case it goes through, companies should prepare for the worst with the help of professionals like CBS consultants.

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Enterprise Innovation Software and How it Can Greatly Help Your Business

There are all kinds of software out there which are available to business owners in order to solve certain business-related issues with there may be. It can be difficult therefore, for business owners to select which is the best type of software solution for their needs, and which most merits their investment.

One area of business that everyone should pay close attention to is innovation as without this, businesses can be easily left behind by the competition. To interlink both of these subjects then, here is exactly what benefits you will get from enterprise innovation software, and why your business should use it.

How It Works

The essence of idea management software is that you are able to share ideas and innovation around the work force be it local or global. Through the use of this software, you can easily connect with everyone within your team, and share ideas, innovations, business proposals and much more. The use of the software cuts out many needs for phone calls and meetings, so that you can take action far quicker.

Passionate Employees

Because of the way that the innovation software works, you can use it to encourage all of your workers to come forward with any ideas which they may have, either general ideas or problem specific ideas. This encouragement of the work force, aside from being able to give you some great ides to move forward with, will greatly boost the morale of your staff. The idea that your employees know that there is a portal where they will be listened to when it comes to their ideas, is a great way to motivate them and incite passion.

Speedy Sharing

One of the biggest benefits of this software is the speed in which you can pass detailed information about innovative ideas around your team. The ability to share such deep information at speed is why so many people are jumping on to this kind of software.

Fact Based Problem Solving

When you have an issue within the business that you need a solution to, you can do a call to action on the software, detailing exactly what issue you need to be fixed and encourage others to come forward with a reply. The beauty of this kind of problem solving is not only that you can dig into the minds of your team to find as solution, but you can present the problem in high detail, to multiple people, in one fell swoop.

New Ideas

This portal can not only be used to encourage specific ideas from your team, it can also be used by your team to present just about any innovative thought which they have had to you. The key to success in business is about innovation and a smart leader knows when the right time is to listen to the best ideas. This software solution lays it all out for business leaders and allows them to seek innovation from within.

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5 Key Things a Professional Photo Lab Will Offer

In the 21st century professional photo lab, people can access a huge variety of services and products. Best of all, these labs are now available online, which means you can access them, their services, and their products without ever having to leave the house. Whether you’re after customized merchandise, digital photo prints, photobooks, or a variety of gifts with your images on, you can access them all through these services. And because these labs are now all available online, you also have the opportunity to compare prices and quality before eventually deciding on which one to go for.

Five Things to Look for in a Professional Photo Lab

A good photo lab will offer the following five things as a minimum:

  1. Digital photo printing. This is likely to be the bread and butter of the photo lab, in fact. They should be able to create prints on a wide range of materials, using digital images, but also old photographs, slides, or negatives. Sometimes, silver halide photographic paper is used, whereas others make digital prints and other still focus on pigment inkjet. Because of the advanced technology that is available today, all of these options will offer fantastic, long-lasting, high quality results.
  2. Framing and mounting prints. Generally, good photo labs also offer a service in which they mount and frame photographs in various styles. For instance, you could choose a beautiful gallery wrap, in which your image is printed on actual canvas and framed professionally.
  3. Other types of displays. You should expect a good, modern photo lab to be able to offer a wealth of different media on which your photograph can be printed. Common options include clocks, t-shirts, notebooks, calendars, business cards, playing cards, postcards, greeting cards, holiday cards, magazine covers, buttons, trading cards, statuettes, mouse pads, mugs, keychains, and more. Some will also be able to print an image on edible paper, which can then be placed on a cake, for instance.
  4. Photo album and photobooks have always been popular. In the past, when we still had negatives, we would print the most popular ones and stick them in albums. Now that we don’t use negatives anymore, we often forget to make books as well. Good photo labs, however, offer you the opportunity to create stunning photobooks. You can fully customize these, adding as many pictures as you want to each page, changing borders and shadows on the images, manipulating the background, and more. Of course, if you don’t feel like you’re artistic enough to create something like that, good services also have an autofill option, which means you tell them which pictures you like, and they will be placed there for you.
  5. Additional services. Many photo labs also offer various other services. For instance, turning slides and negatives into digital images, restoring vintage photographs, creating online albums and galleries, and storing images on the cloud are just some of the services you are likely to come across.

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Finding the Best Mobile Phone Deal for Your Needs

It seems as if new smartphone plans are popping up on a daily basis. As companies continue to face an increasing amount of competition, it only makes sense that they provide their customers with a wealth of options. Although the sheer number of money-saving bundles is formidable, it can be a bit confusing to make the correct selection. EE mobile deals, Virgin Media contracts and O2 bundles are only three examples. However, another popular option is known as a SIM-only phone deal. Why could this be a great option and what will you need to look out for in order to come across the most appropriate plan?

A Look at SIM-Only Phone Plans

As the name suggests, the main principle behind this option is that you will only be purchasing a SIM card as opposed to a yearly contract. Besides the obvious money-savings advantages, there are several other unique benefits to keep in mind. These include:

  • You can keep your current phone.
  • Your can top up voice and data limits on demand.
  • You are not limited in terms of how many times this card can be recharged.

In other words, these plans are much more flexible when compared to a standard contract. What are some of the situations when a SIM-only deal could be a worthwhile option to consider?

Numerous Needs Satisfied with a Single Card

There are many circumstances which can be addressed with a SIM-only calling plan. Perhaps the most well-known example involves those who travel a great deal. Communicating while away from home can be quite expensive and some carriers might not be available within certain regions of the world. SIM-only packages effectively eliminate this limitation.

University students will also utilise these plans, as they are no longer required to be tied into a lengthy (and potentially expensive) contracts. SIM contracts are known for their flexible nature and it is likely that the correct bundle will be discovered. Students who are looking to save money should seriously consider a SIM-only option.

There can also be times when a user possesses two or more phones. Contractors and business professional may fall into this category. As opposed to being forced to carry multiple smartphones at any given time, a SIM card can simply be switched between devices when required. This also lessens the chances that the user might accidentally lose a phone which contains personal information.

More Than SIM Cards Alone

Many SIM-only deals are now associated with a virtually unlimited amount of data usage. Examples can include more than 10 gigabytes of data and thousands of text messages before the unit will need to be recharged. Some contracts are as short as 30 days while others may extend for up to one year. This will primarily depend upon the provider in question. In fact, certain EE mobile deals are able to offer unlimited minutes and texts alongside free trial applications.

There are also instances when it is possible to be rewarded with a free phone when signing up for one of these packages. Although we might not necessarily be referring to the iPhone X, the fact of the matter is that a free mobile phone can be a welcome addition; particularly for those who have been looking for a spare device.

How to Find the Best Deal

There are many variables to account for when deciding between two or more plans. Data usage is a critical consideration. In other words, are you planning to stream videos or download large files? In such cases, it is wise to opt for a deal which provides you with hefty data limits; perhaps 20 gigabytes per cycle or more. The second factor is the price in combination with the length of the contract. Perks such as a free phone are always tempting, but try to be pragmatic as opposed to jumping into a deal which may prove to be expensive in the long run.

Broadband Choices has compiled a detailed list of the best SIM-only deals currently on the market. As these are likely to change from time to time, it is wise to check back on a regular basis so that the best bargains can be discovered.

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Secure Channels Inc. on Computer Hacking Methods and How You Can Stop Them

It is very important that you fully protect your computer against viruses, hackers, and all other types of damage. This is why Secure Channels Inc. has developed a number of effective security solutions for individuals and businesses alike. The company believes in increasing the knowledge of their customers, however, which is why they have released new information on the different dangers you can face online and how to protect yourself from them.

Secure Channels Inc. on the Importance of Effective Security Solutions

If you have an electronic device and it is online, then you have to properly protect it. The amount of personal data that is stored on each of these devices, whether you realize it or not, is vast and it is also very valuable. Hackers would love to get their hands on it, sharing your company’s secrets or taking your banking information to steal all your money. Different attacks do different things, however, which is why Secure Channels Inc. has listed some of the most common ones.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attack

With a DoS attack, a hacker will send a huge burst of traffic to a website in one go, effectively choking it and stopping it from working. DoS attacks used to be highly complex, but you can now download software to enable you to do it with just a few easy steps. Some people hold websites ransom through “ransomware”, which was seen earlier in the year, and this is particularly dangerous.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Attack

Recently, the SNMP interface was used for a DDoS (distributed DoS) attack. The attack focused on a variety of different industries across this country and China in particular. It was completed by the hacker group “Team Poison”, and they have been able to continue with this for some time. However, anti-hack software is in the pipelines to stop this.

SYN/AWK Attacks

These attacks are similar to DoS attacks, but more complex. This is because more efficient security solutions have been put in place to prevent DoS. Unfortunately, the world of online threats is a cat and mouse game with no end in sight.

USB Auto-Run Attacks

If there is an .exe file on a USB stick, Windows will run it by default. This means that, if the .exe file is a virus, it will run straight away as well. If you have a good antivirus program in place, however, you should be able to prevent this.

Other Attacks

There are numerous other possible attacks, including:

  • Remote connections.
  • Microsoft program inventory.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to have a system that is truly 100% secure. Every time a security patch is developed, hackers find a new way to get in. This is why the most effective security solutions are those that continuously update. You do have to take personal responsibility, however, for making sure that you put these types of solutions in place. If not, your computer and devices will essentially be like homes with the doors and windows wide open.

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5 Productive Habits to Incorporate into Your Daily Smartphone Usage

Smartphones have become a ubiquitous portion of our daily lives. From browsing the latest social media posts to checking our email accounts, it seems as if we cannot live without these clever devices. However, we also need to keep in mind that more productive options literally exist at our fingertips. What are five interesting choices and how can these fill your time with additional activities other than snapping the occasional selfie?

  1. Searching for Online Shopping Discounts

The prevalence of the Internet signifies that countless retail outlets from around the world face a stiffer amount of competition than ever before. This often directly translates to online discounts, QR coupon codes and similar rebates. As opposed to spending your time at a local cyber cafe posting memes, why not perform a quick search for the latest deals?

You can also sign up for mailing lists. This enables you to stay one step ahead of the game and to save a great deal of money along the way.

  1. Your On-the-Go Organiser

Many of us spend a good deal of time stuck in traffic when driving to and from work. Use this window as an opportunity to schedule any upcoming tasks as well as to wrap your head around additional projects with the help of an organiser. There are countless free versions available and each will enable you to prioritise what needs to take place in the near future.

  1. Work Remotely

Working remotely is a growing trend within many industries. In fact, some even believe that the days of the traditional office may soon be coming to a close. Thanks in part to 4G connectivity and partially as a result of amazing processing power, it is now possible to work while out and about. Still, we are not necessarily referring to filing large orders or closing a million-pound sale via a single handset. Many professionals utilise their smartphones to take care of more laborious tasks when they have the time. Some examples include:

  • Looking over a potential marketing campaign.
  • Creating a customer-based mailing list.
  • Sorting through junk emails.
  • Replying to client queries.

Completing these duties will allow you to focus your efforts one more engaging projects.

  1. Accessing the Online Currency Markets

Why not earn a bit of extra liquidity with the help of your mobile phone? One increasingly popular method is to access the Forex marketplace. It is estimated that more than $5.1 trillion dollars changes hands within this world of currencies on a daily basis. It is therefore understandable why even novice investors wish to obtain their small piece of such a large pie. Modern online providers such as CMC Markets are equipped with all of the necessary tools to enact lucrative trades within only seconds. With experience and foresight, the potential to accrue appreciable profits is well within your reach.

  1. Brainstorming

Inspiration often comes to us at the most unexpected of times. This is when a smartphone can indeed come in handy. Nearly every phone is equipped with some type of notepad. Use these digital applications to jot down any ideas that you may have; regardless of how odd they might initially appear. You can always come back to them at a later date to flesh out such concepts.

These are only a handful of worthwhile concepts to keep in mind the next time you decide to access your smartphone. With so many useful resources at your fingertips, there is simply no reason to not take advantage of their more useful options.

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EARN A FORTUNE FROM YOUR PHONE WITH THESE APPS

This text takes you through some of the most useful mobile applications that you can use to earn a decent amount of money online. Some apps pay you for doing nothing while others let you do what you enjoy and still earn from serious business or part-time hustles. Here they are.

CMC Markets App

CMC Markets helps you trade online by giving you relevant financial information for online trading and investments. CMC Markets has got a dedicated CFD Android and iOS mobile trading application which is able to provide mobile alerts, has powerful charting technology and also provides live streaming of prices. With the app, you can trade on a wide range of markets from anywhere. The markets you can trade on include thousands of CFD instruments that have competitive margins and spreads on forex, shares, treasuries, commodities and indices.

Acorns

This free app will help you start investing. Once you download the app and link your bank account you get a $10 bonus as you continue spending your money the normal way you do. It does not matter whether you have an MBA, the app is easy to use and anyone can pick up quickly and understand how to invest in it. Once you link your bank account, leave the rest of the work for Acorns. The app will round up your payments to the nearest dollar then automatically invest your digital change in the stock markets. Though you might not consider it as a proper way to save for your retirement, it is still a great app for setting aside a fortune for the future.

Swagbucks

With this app, you can accumulate their SB points as you search the web, watch videos, complete surveys, shop in malls attached to it, complete special offers, find swag codes among other activities. You can redeem the points you earn on gift cards from stores such as Target and Walmart. You can also redeem the points for PayPal cash. The app is available for both iOS and Android users.

Clashot

If you want to earn from selling your images, then this app is one of those that let you do so. Using Clashot is simple; you download it, take photos then upload them. The Clashot team will then moderate the photos and upload them to Depositphotos website for sale. You will get a percentage of the final sale once your photos sell. It would be necessary to promote your photos in order to sell better. You can also get invitations to upload photos with specific themes and if you do it right you increase your earnings. The app works best on Android but fairly on Apple devices. Other apps you might consider selling photos with include Foap, Snapwire, and Stokimo among others.

SurveysOnTheGo

This app pays you between $1 $5 on the go for various surveys. The offers are regular, easy to complete and includes topics on politics, graphics and issues of the day among others. They are focused only on mobile surveys. You can instantly cash out with PayPal if you a have a minimum amount of $10. The app is available in the App Store but other similar apps include iPoll, Mobee, NPoll, and Toluna.

Ibotta

If you are a coupon clipper then look for Ibotta. You can earn cash back as you shop online and submit receipts- you can also link a loyalty account when you download this app. When shopping online, you first need to unlock cash rewards on the app by completing tasks given. After you have shopped, you scan your product barcodes then send photos of your receipts to verify your purchases. You only need to enter your phone number or scan your card if you are using your loyalty card. Other related apps include Snap by Groupon, Receipt Hog, and Ebates.

Tapporo

This is one of the oldest and among the most reliable apps on Google Play Store. It offers lucrative referral rates of $0.60 for each signup. Though it could be hard to earn money through other means, you can focus on making more referrals to earn more due to the high reward. Rewards include mobile accessories, Amazon vouchers, and PayPal cash among others.

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Taking the Mystery Out of Saving Money on Confusing Broadband Deals

Deciphering the different broadband deals on the market and encountering the most appropriate package can be challenging at best and downright frustrating at worst. With so many providers on the market and due to an increasing amount of competition, it seems as if every company is now offering the best bundle at the lowest price. Of course, this is simply not the case. As a consumer, it is important that you know how to separate the wheat from the chaff. Let us take a look at some general guidelines as well as a handful of specific metrics to address before committing to a specific provider.

Your Data Usage Requirements 

Although this may already seem to be completely obvious, many consumers are lured into purchasing plans with massive amounts of broadband data per month. The fact of the matter is that many consumers will require far less than what a contractual package offers. The remainder simply goes to waste. This is very much akin to throwing hard-earned money down the digital drain. So, try to calculate how much data you require per billing cycle. If you utilise the Internet for basic tasks such as checking the weather or watching the news, the chances are high that you will not require the most robust package. Those downloading HD films or watching streaming videos are more likely to leverage the power of high-end broadband deals.

Hidden Fees and Surcharges

In the past, ISPs were not required to quote line rental costs into the price of a broadband plan. This has all changed thanks to the recent actions of the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority). The ASA has ruled that business-oriented Internet service providers are obligated to make these prices clear from the onset. The ultimate goal is to provide consumers with a more transparent perspective so that they will be capable of making informed decisions. Still, be sure to check the fine print associated with any plan before committing.

Online Comparison Portals

This next piece of advice cannot be stressed enough. It can be difficult to navigate to different web pages and contrast what each is offering. Therefore, take advantage of the objective reviews provided by third-party portals such as Broadband Choices. All of the most trusted companies are rated in terms of price, customer service and the types of packages that they have to offer. Navigation is easy and in the majority of cases, you will be able to walk away with a clear opinion. It is then much easier to contact the most appropriate broadband firm.

The Myth of “Unlimited” Broadband

It is important to clear the air in reference to this topic. There is simply no such concept as “unlimited” broadband in today’s digital world. This very same concept is applicable to online storage systems such as Dropbox and Google cloud services. It is therefore ironic that many providers continue to use such a term to describe a specific deal (particularly in the case of smartphone packages). Always take this claim with a grain of salt.

Ask Questions

In the event that any terms and conditions are not made entirely clear from the beginning, never be afraid to contact a customer service representative. Not only will you be able to address any grey areas, but robust client support is one of the signs of a reputable firm.

All of these suggestions should be employed if you hope to find the most amenable broadband provider. You will also save a great deal of money along the way!

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How To Balance Work and Social Life On Social Media

Without a doubt, we are well and truly living in a digital age. There are gadgets at our disposal for almost every task imaginable, and for the most part,  it’s truly amazing. One large aspect of the digital age which we are surrounded by, is social media, and for most, the idea of shutting it out would be wholly unrealistic. Social media can be extremely advantageous in the business world, as well as on a personal level, allowing us to reach far-flung corners of the world and make connections at the click of a button.

When working in an online business, this is when it starts to become difficult to juggle between using social media for personal and professional purposes. How do we keep the two separate? Do we keep them separate? When working online, how do we resist the temptation to quickly log onto our private accounts?

Create separate accounts.

Having clearly defined accounts for professional and personal use is vital. If it is a blog you which run, you will want to keep some aspects of your life private and so from a posting point of view, the two should be separate. If you have a certain number of followers for example, you don’t necessarily want them knowing every part of your life.

There are always going to be connections between one and the other, and therefore posting something risqué on one could damage the other so it’s important to think about what you’re doing and who has the potential to see it.

Time.  

When you work online, it might be a sensible idea to not allow yourself to dip in and out of your personal accounts whilst working. It’s probably still a good idea to treat working online, or indeed, within social media, as if it were any other job. For example, if you were a teacher you wouldn’t dream of logging onto your Facebook account in the middle of a class, and so it is important to remain in that state of thought. You might even want to opt for a ‘day off’. Leave your phone somewhere safe and simply have a day off using it. No checking emails, social media, constantly texting friends, it might be quite liberating! Giving yourself allotted time to access social media could mean you utilise this time better.

Go old school.

Make connections with people how we used to. Physically talk to their face! Tone and sarcasm do not translate that well digitally. Talking to someone in person allows us to reconnect with each other, to read body language and gauge people’s reactions. Make a phone call instead or, I might even be so bold as to suggest putting pen to paper. I relish in the idea of becoming pen-pals with someone, writing a long letter detailing things I’ve been doing recently, I think it’s romantic, nostalgic and a dying art I want to keep alive. My grandma also loves receiving postcards from the kids when we go on trips away.

Rules.

Putting some restrictions on usage can be very beneficial. Send your goodnight texts and then leave your phone in another room. Spend the hour or thirty minutes before you go to sleep reading a book or talking to your partner. Less screen time before bed has been proven to aid a better night’s sleep.  Ban devices from the dinner table so everyone is more present during a meal.

We spend over half our days ‘plugged in’, and it was only five years ago that we were spending twice as much time present in the physical world around us. A worrying thought, or just the inevitable advancing of society? I’ll let you decide that one…

A Million Lives

Travelling in all its glory is fun and exhilarating but sometimes you might want to find some information on where to go, what to see and how to go about it from someone other than the go-to websites, especially when it comes to travel hacking and the coolest, most useful ways to get the most out of your next adventure.

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