Indirect Data Examples

There are two types of Indirect data: that collected for one purpose, and then used for another; and that expressly collected with the purpose of selling it to other organisations.

The Census is collected every 10 years. In the UK the next one will be in 2011. The data is used by the government to make decisions about hospitals, schools, universities, prisons, road building, and many more things. To protect the privacy of individuals this data is closed to the public for 100 years in the UK. However, genealogists can now search old censuses to gain information about their ancestors. This LINK takes you to a free search of an INDEX (ie a database, not the original pages) for 3 censuses - including the 1881 British Census. Do you have an ancestor in there?

Experian is a credit checking company. They collect data and then sell that data on to other organisations. This type of data is known as Indirect Data.

Google Instant

Google is working to give faster feedback to searches. People type slowly, but read quickly; with Google Instant predictions of what you are searching for appear as you search, allowing you to adapt your search, or click as soon as you see what you want. In the past the typical searcher took 9 seconds to enter the search term, now Google estimates that Google Instant will save 2 - 5 seconds per search.

Experimenting with Prezi

AS ICT - a Prezi on Data, Information, Knowledge and Processing

Collaborative challenge to PowerPoint

Prezi, a new, on-line, collaborative presentation service is challenging PowerPoint. The new service, which is free for private users, will allow up to ten people to collaborate on the same presentation. The company is considering requests to make the service available to iPad users.

Cloud computing - Ethical hacker shows security secrets

Cloud computing is increasingly important. There are however some concerns about its use. This video in Computing Magazine discusses the potential security problems of having your data stored on a 'cloud' external to the organisation.

Zamzar

So your mate has e-mailed you something, and you can't open it because you don't have the same version of the software. What can you do?

Zamzar is adding new conversions between different softwares and different versions all the time. It's simple, easy, and free.

Facebook hacking

The Sunday Times (5/9/10) reported how gangs of fraudsters are hacking into Facebook accounts and then scamming their families and friends. They pretend that the person has had some problem (mugged, need to pay a fine, in financial difficulties, etc), and persuade their family or friends to send money - for example via Western Union. The Sunday Times website is a pay for option, but here are links to similar stories.

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