Many people think that big data is the next big thing in business, bigger perhaps than the internet, thanks to its capacity not only to provide data but also to give insights into business problems. With big data, businesses will be able to do things that they never dreamed of being able to do before, like being able to test all their decisions in real time and measure the results. What big data offers business, therefore, is an opportunity to perfect their operations, not based on a slow process of trial and error, but through key insights driven by evidence. It should be pointed out that big data doesn’t just mean “more” data. Yes, more data is being generated, but the “big” in big data is designed to capture something else – the emergent properties of big data itself. More isn’t just more. More means being able to do entirely…
How Can I Avoid Being Hacked?
You might think your computer is secure as it is and it very well might be, but hackers are getting smarter all the time. The majority of people know about software designed to stop viruses, which means the creators of viruses and programmes designed to infiltrate your computer and slip past your defences are improving to combat that. Much like a real infection, antibiotics (anti-virus programmes) can only do so much. There’s always more you could and should be doing to protect your system and all its confidential files, because otherwise, as secure and cautious as you may be, there may come a day when an undetected virus steals information from your computer. Even trusted businesses are susceptible to hacks. If big company brands and figures have been infiltrated by hackers, does that mean you will? Not necessarily. However, it does mean that, if you’re signed up to a service…
Buying A Car: 5 Costs To Consider Before You Commit
When taking the decision to buy a car it’s easy to lose sights on the cost of buying the vehicle. But that should only be half your budget! Cars are like children – you have to feed them and pay bills on them and keep them healthy. Before splash out on the priciest motor you can afford, why not take some time to consider these costs so your car doesn’t run you into a chasm of debt. Fuel Fuel prices are always going up. A debate stands as to whether petrol or diesel is more economical Personally, I choose diesel as although it is slightly more expensive, you burn through it a lot slower than petrol. You can drive as carefully as possible, but you’re always going to have to fill up eventually, so make sure you have the spare income to keep your car fed. Road Tax Any vehicle…
Sober Thoughts: Telltale Signs That You’re Drinking Too Much
We all love a drink with our friends and family. It usually marks a special occasion, but too often do we look for any excuse we can to have that occasion. If your cellar is full of wine or your cupboards are loaded with spirits, then you might be drinking a bit more than you might imagine, and you might not be as healthy as you might think. We’ve all heard (and maybe encountered) the dangers of drinking too much, but drunkenness is usually associated with dazed states and being unable to remember what we’ve done. But did you know that alcohol starts to affect your body after a single drink? You may not have noticed it, and some people can handle their drink better than others, but everyone is considered “drunk” after a couple of glasses of wine no matter how well they hide it. If you’re worried about…
The Hidden Health Hazards of DIY
We all love DIY, and there’s something particularly satisfying about improving your home all by yourself. However a new infographic released by slatergordon.co.uk has some alarming facts that everyone should know before they attempt any DIY. While it’s one thing to know which colour wall suits which furniture or the best tool for a particular job, have you considered all of the potential health risks and dangers that may happen during the DIY process? Slater Gordon surveyed more than 2000 Brits to discover how many people were truly informed when it came to home improvements and DIY dangers. The statistics were interesting, and it turns out that 40% of women say they would gladly upcycle some old furniture, while just 26% of men say the same. Surprisingly, Gen Xers are the most active generation getting involved with DIY, and almost 29% of those aged between 35 and 44 are currently…
Little Things Mean A Lot! Notes On Financial Planning As You Get Older
The future… that’s a big, scary word isn’t it? Whatever your age, you are told that you need to plan ahead, and it can feel like that all you are doing is planning for some eventuality that won’t ever happen. There is a fact of life however, that we will all get to the point where we are too old to work, and we need to face retirement. There are a lot of people who simply cannot afford to retire, and you don’t want to be in that group of people. With the financial crisis which we are all still reeling from, there have been an influx of people that are starting their own business, or going freelance because it is a better (and uncapped) way to earn money. The pitfalls of going into business yourself is that you are not saving for your future. What can we do, as…
Staying safe on your winter adventures
Winter is fast approaching, and with it, worsening road conditions. The shorter days and worsening weather combined can be perilous if the appropriate measures aren’t taken. Winter is actually a magical season, perfect for microadventures; the frosty morning and moody sunsets are beautiful. Heading out to enjoy nature shouldn’t be dangerous. Thankfully, www.chill.ie have produced a gorgeous, and informative e-book to help us stay safe through the colder months. The e-book quotes stats from a recent study of 750 people which reveals that people spend more time in their cars during the winter, but, in general, don’t take any extra precautions. Adverse weather conditions can seriously increase the risk of having an accident – driving with extra care is essential. When driving in the rain, visibility can be reduced by up to half. Moreover, stopping distances drastically increase when roads are wet, so make sure you leave double the gap…
Stay Healthy All Winter Long with These Tips
Every winter, millions of people fall victim to one type of sickness or another. The cramped nature of most peoples’ winter lives make catching a cold or flu much easier than throughout the rest of the year, but a combination of factors result in increased chance of sickness during the coldest months of the year. Many people struggle to make it through a single winter without getting sick, but it is possible to maximize your chances of a healthy season. What can you do to improve your chances? We’ll discuss a few simple and straightforward tips that you can employ to enjoy this winter sickness-free. Exercise Regularly If you want to stay healthy throughout the winter – in more ways than one – then you need to be active regularly. Research has shown that those who exercise daily get sick half as often as those who do not, providing many…
Leaving On A Jet Plane? Make Sure These Things Are Done Before You Go
Brief sidebar before we start. The French have a term for that feeling we get when a conversation just finished, and we think of something we totally should have said. A line that would have won the argument, or got you a few laughs at least. It’s “l’esprit d’escalier,” and literally means “spirit of the staircase.” Because you think of it just as you were leaving, you see? The reason for mentioning that is that many of us, when about to fly somewhere, will suddenly remember something. Something we’ve left at home or in the car. Something we’ve left switched on or forgotten to buy at the airport. And we’re now about to be hundreds, maybe thousands of miles away from it, so we’re left like the French guy with the perfect quip. You’d have been better off remembering once you landed at your destination. At least then you wouldn’t…
Your Guide To The Greek Islands
Did you know that there are six thousand Greek Islands? Of which only 227 are inhabited. But in all honesty, there are about nineteen that people are more familiar with. This makes the Greek Islands one of the best, diverse and most collective group islands around. Nestled in the Aegean and Ionian Seas these beautiful islands each have their quirky personalities and offer a holiday maker a different type of vacation. I thought it would be good to share with you a quick guide to some of the most popular islands. Maybe it will inspire you to consider one of them for next year. The best place to party If you want a luxury holiday with the entertainment factor, then look no further than the island of Mykonos. Packed with amazing accommodation like Mykonos Villas through to the best all-inclusive hotels around you will be spoilt for choice. Once you…