Internet Dating - Introduction

So you're single. And you don't want to be single any longer. Welcome to the club. It's not an exclusive club and it's not new. In fact, it's a large club with millions of members and it's been in existence forever with a constant churn of people signing in and passing through. For as long men and women have been dating, there's always been a point when the dates no longer feel fun and meeting new people becomes a chore instead of a chance.

As soon as you reach that stage when you just know you don't want to be alone any more, membership is automatic. It's not that you don't like your own company or that your life seems meaningless by yourself. But you know you'll be happier sharing your time and your future with someone else-and the sooner it starts the happier you'll be.

It used to be the case that when singles reached this stage-when they were ready to turn their backs on their bachelorhood-they'd ring up their pals, talk to their friends and go through a string of introductions until they found someone they were prepared to settle down with.

Today, it's a lot easier. You're not limited to your social circle's social circles and there's no pressure from pals who are convinced you should like their pal-and believe there's something wrong with you if you don't. You can just go online, sign up to a dating site and gain access to millions of singles from around the world and from all walks of life.

It couldn't be easier and you're in control. For less than the price of a decent bottle of wine, you can contact thousands of singles who live near you, want to hear from you and are looking for exactly the same thing as you.

You can write them emails, chat with them online, swap photos and make arrangements to meet. Believe the blurb on the websites and you can find the love of your life in minutes-one click and you're there.

Clearly, it's not that easy.

At their most basic, dating sites are just giant databases stuffed with details on eligible singles-only some of whom are at the same stage as you.

People come to dating sites for all sorts of reasons and to find all sorts of relationships. Most are looking for a long-term connection that may lead to marriage. Many are looking for a new relationship that may become long-term. Some are looking for a quick fling that won't last longer than a weekend.

And even when you do find someone who looks interesting and wants the same thing that you do, there's no guarantee that they'll want what you have to offer. Rejection lives online too.

The fact is, while online dating certainly makes meeting the love of your life a great deal easier, it still requires effort, planning and an investment of both time and money. Exactly the same rules apply on the Web as in bars, clubs and parties.

You have to look good, be charming and stay honest if you want to build a new life with someone you're only just getting to know. You have to know how to make a great first impression, pick the right person and see it through. And you have to know how to make the most of the tools and chances you have available. All of those thing remain true throughout the online dating process-just as they're true offline too.

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UK Small Businesses and Internet Security

We live in times which are greatly influenced by technology, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is for you to decide but, the fact is that we must learn to live with it and make it work to our advantage. Small business everywhere are trying to incorporate their products and services on small business websites due to the fact that the Web is a huge gateway which offers the potential to tap into thousands upon thousands of potential customers.

Realizing the potential of the Web is a first step towards a successful online operation, the second step which is often overlooked is security. Securing your business computers as well as the server which is on 365 days a year allowing your customers to purchase your products or services is of the utmost importance.

It has been estimated that well over 60% of all businesses would face serious problems and most likely will come to a halt if their computers work malfunction because of technical problems or because of cyber crime. In the UK alone, it has been estimated that online businesses have lost an average of 19% in revenues due to server downtimes and problems related to their computers.

Lets take a look at some of the precautions you can take in order to keep your computers working in optimal condition:

-- When you purchase a computer for business-related activities it is important to also acquire a backup system which will you to restore all of your important information just in case something were to happen.

-- Installing antivirus software is also a great way to protect your data however, this is not the only software necessary when it comes to data protection, you will also need to use an anti-spyware application which will cover you against other threats. Having a physical firewall in your routers as well as a firewall software will decrease the chances of getting your data stolen or your computers hacked.

-- When you create your company's website it is important for you to understand the security settings that are applied to individual folders which hold critical information for instance, the folder within your Web server which holds the admin scripts need to be password protected with an .htaccess file and folder itself needs to have a CHMOD setting of 664, other folders may have a setting of 755. Never set the permissions to 777 unless it is extremely necessary.

Learning a little bit about technology and securing your data will help you avoid revenue losses and headaches.