Monthly Archives: March 2009

Porn Images and the Public Sector

An Audit Commission report published in June this year highlighted a huge increase in the viewing of computer pornography by public sector workers. The report called for public sector organisations from councils and government departments to the NHS, police and fire-fighters to invest in technology to prevent inappropriate or illegal images in the workplace.

Chris Hurford, head of IT security at the Audit Commission reported that the detection of computer porn had grown exponentially since 1997: “Many managers do not pick up on it because, unlike fraud, it is not obviously damaging to the organisation. People haven’t taken the issue very seriously.”

Yet the scale of the problem is reflected by the incident at the Department of Works and Pensions that hit the headlines last year. It was disclosed that, after an investigation, 2 million inappropriate images and, more alarmingly, 18,000 illegal images were discovered on their computer systems. Furthermore, out of 1,451 convictions resulting from Operation Ore, the largest UK anti-paedophile investigation, 27 per cent were public sector employees.

LACK OF AWARENESS

A part of the illicit image abuse problem is lack of awareness and understanding. A recent survey, carried out by The Irish company and the Chartered Institute for Personnel & Development, revealed that the majority of senior managers were unaware that they and their organisation could be criminally and civilly liable if inappropriate or illegal images were found on workplace computers. The Legislation in the UK is clear – directors and the managers they appoint could be held personally liable if negligence is found in the management of data and images on workplace computers with a penalty of up to five years imprisonment.

NOT JUST AN INTERNET PROBLEM

The conventional method of preventing pornographic or illegal images entering the corporate network is by implementing an Internet gateway filtering solution. But gateway technologies are limited in scope and can easily be bypassed using techniques such as encrypted data transmission, unrecognisable file formats and secure connections through HTTPS. But even if these limitations could be overcome, today’s desktops are subject to multiple data entry points. PCs have conventional points of entry such as a CD/DVD drive, Ethernet card and serial and parallel ports. But with USB, Firewire and wireless networking, the desktop has been opened up to multiple new hardware devices with high data transfer rates such as portable hard drives, memory sticks, 3G phones and cameras.

PREVENTION

Gateway filtering is only a small part of the solution. At the Department of Works and Pensions it was reported that a mere 2 months after installation of image detection software at the gateway, a further 500,000 inappropriate images had been introduced on to its computers. The only effective solution is to audit files on corporate IT resources and monitor and report on images as they are being viewed by the user.

To undertake a detailed audit of machines across an entire corporation can take months or even years. However, using the latest image analysis technology it now only takes days or weeks for even a large organisation to detect inappropriate and illegal content stored on all PCs, servers and removable media including email archives, embedded images and ZIP files and provide a detailed audit trail and comprehensive management reports. The same technology can be used to identify and prevent inappropriate or illegal images at the desktop in real time. Images that breach pre-set guidelines can even be blurred to avoid the risk of inadvertently displaying a harmful image that may lead to sexual harassment claims. Full details, are recorded and can be dealt with by the designated administrator and HR department.

LINE OF DEFENCE

While in most organisations monitoring of computer systems is permitted it is essential to have an unambiguous and up-to-date Acceptable Computer Usage Policy. This should be communicated to all staff so they are fully aware of expected employee behaviour, measures the organisation is taking to monitor and enforce as well as the disciplinary policies and procedures.

Clearly it is time for companies and organisations to take action. Reinforcement of policy, regular audits and a visible line of defence at the desktop is the only sure way of dealing with and ultimately putting a stop to this undesirable activity in the workplace.

About the Author:
This article was written by Colm Doherty of Pixalert – http://www.pixalert.com – Data Loss Prevention, Email Monitoring Solution, Porn at Work. PixAlert is the market leader in products and services that provide detection of critical data for corporations.

Keyword tags: data loss prevention, block porn, email monitoring solution, data leakage prevention, porn at work

Tips in Writing a Eulogy For a Friend

You want to express how fortunate you are for having him. His body may not be able to hear all your thoughts about the things that drew you closer to him but his spirit will. And nothing can best express the feelings, love, respect and grief over the loss of a good friend but only through a superbly written eulogy.

In writing a eulogy for a friend especially if it is mean for a younger generation, generally you start off by introducing yourself and how you came to know the deceased. If there are funny instances that you have shared with that friend, you limit your narration of it to those only which would be appropriate to the occasion. This means if you have to tell a story about your friend, make sure that it remains wholesome so as not to offend the members of the family present. There is a practical purpose why it is advised that you start off in a jovial story. This is because to enable you to keep your composure and to gradually boost your confidence in public speaking.

Members of the family listening would also like to hear how their son and daughter as a friend. Hence, it is only proper at this point that you describe the departed in how he dealt with things when you were together, the things that you admired most of him, the things that make him unique with others. You can also state the problems and success you shared together. If there are things that he told you which the other people should know, include that in a eulogy.

There are several ways in how people deliver their eulogy. It maybe expressed in the form of poetry, narration, dance, song or a combination of those things. In making your choice, you must bear in mind the venue of the place and of course, the time allotted to each speakers. Usually, if you are a friend of the deceased, you maybe given a shorter time to speak or nobody expects you to speak lengthily. Hence, it is not necessary to prepare a long eulogy for a friend. Focus on the times you shared with him and leave those parts that although you know, or taken part with him and his family, to the family members to prevent redundancy.

Stating the life lessons you learned from the friend who died will not only honor his memory but will also make the family members proud. They may even be grateful for you for having him as a friend. But always remember not to exaggerate the compliments for the friend. It will appear insincere to those people listening.

If you feel intense grief for the loss of the friend, have someone ready to finish the remaining parts of your speech in case you break down. It will give you relief knowing that you have expressed how sorry you are or how much you will miss him despite the fact that you were not able to finish the eulogy for friend.

About the Author:
Margaret Marquisi is a retired novelist and fulltime grandmother. For tips on http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ eulogy for a friend, please visit her http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ funeral speech for a friend website.

Keyword tags: eulogy for a friend, funeral speech for a friend

The Lean Mean Business Machine

Now more than ever, it is imperative that a business owner look for ways to keep their business running efficiently. Streamlining operations in a way that minimizes expenses while maximizing productivity is a mandatory business strategy. Most businesses wait until demand forces them to make changes. This is no longer acceptable. Customers and prospects are fickle and can turn on a dime and go to a competitor. A wise business owner plans for growth when the business is started in order to maintain positive momentum and a steady growth pattern over time.

This can be achieved by obtaining and instituting an 800 number and PBX system for your business. With this system and the following steps you can be the lean profitable business that you envisioned from the start.

Keep expenses low. The highest expenses are those that are associated with the people part of the business. Think payroll. Adding employees is more expensive than ever and the rules and regulations that come with it are overwhelming. An 800 number and PBX system will allow you to keep payroll at a minimum. Sure you still need people to perform certain roles in your business, but they need to be revenue-generating roles as much as possible.

Increase Profitability. As you look for ways to streamline your operations there are many ways to perform that task. Looking for less expensive alternatives for the procurement side is a good area on which to focus. Looking for better ways of performing tasks is too. A good PBX system will allow you to deliver information to callers that will allow them to help themselves to your knowledge and solutions.

Streamline Your Business Activities. Making time for the little things like returning phone calls can be a chore. Using a PBX system to allow you to return calls when you are able allows you to focus on the business activities that keep your business going. For example, sales generation. Also important is the ability to connect with those which whom you operate. If you have contractors or others who work with and for you that are outside of your local area, a PBX system can bring you all together under one ‘umbrella’ that allows connectivity in a more efficient manner. It’s good for you and your customers.

Serve Your Customers. You can meet the needs of your customers and prospects better with an 800 number and PBX system because it is there 24×7. No longer do people have to wait until you are ‘in the office’ to do business with you. And if your business is global, this has to be a priority for you.

Once you take the time to purchase and set up an 800 number and PBX system in your business you will wonder what you ever did without it. It frees you to be even better at what you do while increasing the opportunities for profitability and growth. And that is worth gold to businesses in the day and age in which you are forced to operate.

About the Author:
Lee Percival is a small business owner who uses http://Get800Today.com toll free number service. He recommends getting a toll free phone number for business use to improve your professional image and customer service.

Keyword tags: 800 number, PBX system. telecommunications, phone, communications

Updated Technology Equals Easier Business Management

There is a segment of society that embraces antiquity and eschews modern technology and all that it brings. But this is unfortunately not the path that businesses need to take in order to be profitable and remain in business for a long period of time. The reason is that the global nature of doing business has changed the way businesses operate. The demands on a business are such that it connect and interface in a way that takes advantage of marketing paths which will bring business.

Technology has brought enhanced ways of doing business that have had a great impact on profitability. Consider the 800 number alone. This feature has helped increase business many times just by allowing customers and prospects to be able to make calls at no charge to a business. And, if you add onto this a PBX system, you can see very quickly that being able to handle calls and inquiries is made easier and more efficient.

Leading Edge, not Bleeding Edge. The overall outlook for businesses (especially the small businesses) is to follow leading edge trends, but not be the first to enter the foray into them. There is a certain amount of ‘shaking out’ that needs to happen in a marketplace before the embracing of the technology can be fully realized. Many good business ideas and concepts are taken and made better which helps all to be able to benefit from them.

Keep Up With Good Trends. The good trends are those which are still fairly new, but also have a time-tested element to them. This would be true of an 800 number and PBX system. The phone has been around or generations, the 800 number is not new and the PBX system certainly is a proven business tool. But, put them together in a strategy that makes sense helps businesses become profitable while maintaining ease of use to customers.

Watch for tools. If there were ever at time to be on the look-out for business tools, this would be it. There are always new things being introduced and new trends to examine closely. But these are only beneficial if they are able to help a business become better than they are without bogging the business down. Such is the case with an 800 number and PBX system. The proper use of one of these systems insures that not only will it help the business grow, but it becomes the structure upon which the business operates. It is indeed one of the best tools around.

Network with Others. Information passes between business owner fast. It is imperative to keep in touch with others who are in like businesses in order to help each other perform to peak efficiency. You can learn a lot from the ways other businesses handle the same problems and issues you face on a day-to-day basis.

There is nothing wrong with looking back at that ‘good old days.’ In fact, there are still many things we can learn from those who have blazed the paths with great business models. But being able to add to that the modern tools that are needed to succeed in business will help you go farther than you ever imagined. An 800 number and PBX system will give you a great modern tool upon which you can build your business success for many years to come.

About the Author:
Lee Percival is a small business owner who uses http://Get800Today.com toll free number service. He recommends getting a toll free phone number for business use to improve your professional image and customer service.

Keyword tags: 800 number, PBX system. telecommunications, phone, communications

A Father Eulogy They Will Never Forget

A father is considered to be the source of strength in a family. Aside from being the Provider of the family a father in the house could give the family a sense of foundation and a sense of security in many ways. That is why when a father dies, the pain could be unbearable. A loss of a father may be synonymous to a loss of security and strength. All of a sudden, the family will never be the same. The foundation weakens and if the mother is not strong enough to handle things, family members may go astray. The sense of direction and autonomy that a father could demand in the family may be destroyed at a glance with a death of a father. Some children may not understand their father; at times they may view their father as over-strict or too domineering. Understanding a father sometimes takes time. They even say that you have to be a father yourself in order to understand how it feels like to be a father. But regardless of the things one may not understand about his or her father, there is always something that you will admire about your father that you would want to cherish for the rest of your life-something that you would want other people to know about him, that they haven’t known when he is still alive.

When a father dies, we often hear a father eulogy that tackles the kind of life the father has lived. During a father’s death it is only righteous to render a father eulogy that will be remembered by every living soul present in the gathering. A father eulogy is a tribute to a dad, or a pa, or however one calls his or her father that will let other people know how beautiful his life and yours was when he was still around. (SUMMARY)

Listening to a father eulogy always make other people sad. Whenever a son or a daughter takes the microphone and start speaking about his father people can’t help themselves but cry, while the speaker shed his or her own tears. But with every word spoken about the father, the people are given the idea of how well this person has lived his life. It is also a way to make people remember the person and his life, and relive the times he has touched other people’s lives. For a daughter or a son who were left behind, a father eulogy is their way of saying thanks to one of the most important persons in his or her life.

One can deliver a loving and heart- touching father eulogy that will mark in the minds of the people who are around during the occasion. If one has to write a father eulogy, he has to make sure that he would only write a heartfelt eulogy that will not bore other people. A father eulogy should effectively convey the sadness for the loss and the happiness for having such a father in one’s life.

About the Author:
Margaret Marquisi is a retired novelist and fulltime grandmother. For tips on http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ eulogy for a father, please visit her http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ funeral speech website.

Keyword tags: funeral speech, funeral speeches, eulogy for father, father eulogy

How to Compare Your Own Eulogy Speech to a Sample Eulogy

In formulating a good eulogy speech, we are often caught in a scrambling situation wherein we would not know how to start and go about with the speech. If we are assigned to deliver a eulogy speech, which would just mean that we are the ones who know the deceased well. Alright, we know everything the deceased, from his or her secrets, attributes, attitudes, favorites and experiences that everyone would not know. But why do we get the feeling of being mentally blocked when the time comes that we need to talk about the deceased? Why do we often freeze every time we attempt to roll our pens? Why do we waste much of our time in scribbling unnecessary notes about the deceased? The answer must be simple. We just do not know how to make an organized eulogy speech.

A sample eulogy can be squeezed out from many available sources just like the Internet. There are a lot of websites that offer free sample eulogy to choose from. Sample eulogies are being published not to be exactly copied. They would just guide us in our woes and dilemmas in making our own eulogy speeches. These samples are made by some writers who have the expertise in creating good eulogy speeches. These would help us draw our own concept in making our own speeches. If you want or aim to deliver a good and well- remembered eulogy speech, then learn how to compare your compositions to a sample eulogy. Be specific with the content. If you want to base your speech from a sample eulogy, just concentrate on the form and not with the content. If you feel that the content of the sample can relate to your own thoughts, make statements which are the same with the sample’s thought and idea. Ideally, this does not mean that you copy the entire article. You can rephrase or reword each part and be sure to apply some personal touches to them. If you had just copied what’s inside a eulogy sample, you might not deliver the eulogy speech whole heartedly. Adding up to the heartfelt delivery of the speech is to mention the achievements and aspirations of the deceased. Again, read thoroughly through eulogy samples if you want to be guided by them. You might just include unnecessary citations if you would pursue on just copying the sample’s content. You will be able to find yourself uneasy during the delivery if you have mistakenly imparted wrong information.

By using the information above, you should be well on your way to creating a great eulogy. Just remember to always think ahead and plan your speech well. Think about the great times you spent with the person, and the things that the person left with you here on earth. In the end, speaking from your heart will be for more impacting than studying samples and trying to come up with something that impresses the audience. I wish you my very best of luck.

About the Author:
Margaret Marquisi is a retired novelist and fulltime grandmother. For tips on using a http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ sample eulogy, please visit her http://www.besteulogyspeeches.com/ funeral speech website.

Keyword tags: funeral speech, funeral speeches, sample eulogy, sample eulogies