Question 1

What is Big Data?

Accepted Answer

Incredible amounts of data are produced every day, so much that we can’t use it all. Big data is a term used to describe the tools and processes that seek to make this data useful and productive. This video uses the example of traffic data to teach:

Where big data comes from and how it’s collected
Why special tools are required to use it
The three big challenges: Volume, Variability and Velocity
The potential of big data across multiple industries

Video Transcript:

Imagine standing at an intersection. Every time the lights change, you count and record the number of cars that drive through. Over a day, you collect some basic data. Over a week, your data gets more useful and over a month, it becomes a potential resource for discovering ways to make the intersection more efficient.

It’s this idea, collecting data on a huge scale and analyzing them, that may help us see new opportunities to solve big problems.

Let’s say that instead of you recording cars at one intersection, we put sensors at every intersection in the U.S. and they all report data. Over a day, the sensors report millions of pieces of data, over a week, billions and in a month, over 100 billion pieces - and growing every day.

Hidden in this big pile of growing data are important clues that could help commuters save time.

That’s the goal of big data – turning all these data into useful information. But it’s not that easy.

Big Data is really huge and complex data. To make it useful information we need a few things in place. First, we need a place to put it - our normal computers and programs are too small and slow. Big Data needs serious computing power.

Second, we have to handle lots of incoming traffic data, which may come from multiple sources and in different formats. To be useful, it needs to be in a format that makes it similar and comparable.

But we also need to handle data about relevant and changing conditions, like weather or gas prices. With these systems in place, we can collect and analyze huge amounts of complex data in real time - data that can provide clues to solving traffic problems and a lot more.

Consider the enormous amount of data produced by the healthcare industry, weather organizations and social networks. These data could help with healthier lives, safer families and more successful businesses.

Today scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs and organizations of all types are focused on putting big data to work.

By understanding the challenges of working with Big Data, we can make it work for us.

While big data may not make the light change when we want, it may help us find ways to get around a little more efficiently.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 2

What are Blogs?

Accepted Answer

This video introduces the concept of a blog as a way for every person to have the power to share news and information. It includes:

How blogs are changing the idea of news in the 21st century
How blogs are created and organized
The role of blogs in bringing like-minded people together
How blogs facilitate conversation and networking

Video Transcript:

You've seen the word, you've seen the web sites and you may even have one. But have you ever wondered: What's the big deal about blogs?

To make sense of blogs, you have to think about the news and who makes it. We'll look at news in the 20th vs. the 21st century to make our point.

In the 20th century, the news was produced professionally. When news happened, reporters wrote the stories and a tiny group of people decided what appeared in a newspaper or broadcast. Professional news was mainstream: general and limited.

The 21st century marked the point where news became both professional and personal. A new kind of web site called a weblog or blog came onto the scene that let anyone be a reporter and publisher - often for free.

As blogs became popular, they created millions of news sources and gave everyone an audience for their own version of news. Of course, we're using the word "news" loosely. But really - isn't everything news to someone?

With a blog...A business owner can share news about his business

How did this happen? Well, blogs made sharing news on the web easy. Anyone with an idea can start a new blog with the click of a button and share news minutes later. Here's how blogs work.

Blogs are websites that are organized by blog posts - these are individual news stories, like articles in the paper. Bloggers simply fill out a form like this one to post a new story. With the click of a button, the blog post appears at the top of the web page, just above yesterday's news. Over time, the blog becomes a collection of these posts, all archived for easy reference.

Also, Each blog post can become a discussion through comments left by readers. Blogs make the news a two way street.

But really, the fuss is not about how blogs work - it's about what people like you do with them that matters.

Let's say you have a blog about green living and outdoor photography. It reflects your unique perspective. This helps you build relationships with your readers and other bloggers with similar interests.

Speaking of relationships, bloggers often work together. In addition to comments,You'll read each other's posts, quote each other and link your blogs together. This creates communities of bloggers that inspire and motivate each other.

Whether it's their ease of use or the opportunities they offer, blogs have been adopted in a very big way. Since 2003, there have been over 70 million blogs created, each with it's own version of news. So, the big deal about blogs is that they gave people like you the power of the media and created a personal kind of news that appeals to a high number of small audiences.

So, it's up to you - what will you do with this new power? There is likely a group of people out there who want to hear what you have to say.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 3

What is a Computer Software

Accepted Answer

This video introduces the role of software in making computers useful. It focuses on different kinds of software and software's roles in computers and other tools we use every day, including:

The role of software as a translator
How operating systems cover the basics
How software programs help to customize computers
The role of software outside of computers

Video Transcript:

It’s easy to think of computers as just machinery – buttons, screens and parts that work together. But the magic of computers comes from something that makes them unique to you.

The problem with computers is that most of us don’t speak their language. We need a translator, something that can understand our needs and put the computer to work for us. The translator is called software and it makes computers useful.

Look at it this way. Like a typewriter, a computer without software is just a lifeless machine. By adding software, the computer becomes more alive, easy to use, and built for you. Most computers have two basic kinds: The operating system and software programs.

If you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve used an operating system. From saving files, to using a mouse or fixing problems, the operating system covers the basics. Operating systems come with all new computers and do a lot of same things. You’ve seen them called Windows, Mac and Linux.

But the operating system is only part of what we need. To make them personalized and more useful, we can add software programs. For example, if you need to edit a photo you can add a software program that is built for that purpose. If you need to design a house, you can add a software program that lets you see the house from all sides.

By adding and removing software programs, you can make the computer fit with exactly what you want to do. And adding most software programs is easy. You can get them from a computer store or download them from the Internet. No computer nerds required.

Once a program is on your computer, opening it is as easy as clicking an icon.

But what is a software program? What’s really happening when you open one? Think about it this way. Computers are really good at following instructions. And a software program is essentially a set of instructions that tells the computer exactly what to do.

When you open a program, the computer goes to work, completing the instructions until the program is ready for you to use. The ability to add and remove software programs means that everyone’s computer can be different and unique to them.

So, to review. We’ve talked about operating systems that take care of the basics, and software programs that make computers personalized. It’s this combination that makes computers so useful. But it’s not limited to computers on your desk.

Consider your cell phone. Just like a computer without software, it’s a lifeless machine that doesn’t speak our language. Thankfully, cell phones have software that bring them to life.

The same thing is true for many cameras, music players, and even our cars. Every day we rely on software to bring machines to life and make them personalized and useful.

The next time you use a computer or cell phone, think about software’s role in translating your needs into instructions that put the machine to work for you.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 4

What is Harassment Online?

Accepted Answer

This video follows the story of a person being harassed online. The trouble starts with mild language in a discussion forum and then escalates to more serious behavior over time. It teaches:

How to recognize online harassment
Common tactics of harassers
What to do if you’re being harassed
Why it’s important to save messages from harassers
Whom to contact

Video Transcript:

Long before the internet, or even the telephone, some individuals harassed others. This could mean making threats, spreading rumors, physical intimidation or other tactics that cause fear, humiliation and distress. Harassment is never okay and today it’s taking on new forms thanks to the Internet. To understand how online harassment works, let’s look at an example.

Imagine that you are a member of an online discussion group. Every day or two, you log in and respond to questions and comments. You enjoy the interactions and have become used to debates and being challenged. It goes with the territory.

But recently, something changed. One of the members is singling you out and using language that isn’t as friendly as usual. You can’t seem to post anything without them responding to disagree or maybe even call you names. You’re concerned and wish they would stop, but you’re not sure it’s a problem.

Then, it gets worse. The person starts to spread rumors about you in the group discussions. They even make up quotes that you never wrote. In one instance, the person edits and shares a photo of you to look embarrassing. You’re not sure why they’re doing it, or how to stop them.

Over time, the situation escalates. The person starts to send you personal messages outside of the group discussions. These messages are sometimes vulgar and contain threats of violence. Your concern grows and you save the messages for future reference. This person has crossed a line.

Then, it escalates again. The person writes blog posts outside of the group discussions that are inflammatory and untrue. Some of the posts contain contact information and even home addresses. They also use stereotypes regarding race or gender to impact your reputation and even contact your employer to share lies about you. When you try to contact them, they ignore you, or respond with more threats. You feel terrorized and start to fear for your safety.

This is a classic case of online harassment and it’s not normal or okay. In fact, it can cause long lasting problems like depression, anxiety, loss of employment and more. At heart, online harassment is repeated behavior, focused on a specific person, with the goal of causing them fear of bodily harm or emotional distress.

Awareness and being able to recognize harassment is important and in many cases it may be against the law. If you are being harassed, remember that stopping it may be a team effort. Save all messages from the harasser and consider speaking with a lawyer or law enforcement. Look into the rules of the online space and talk to the moderators about your experience. If you are a minor, be sure to tell an adult.

By collecting evidence, working as a team, being aware of your rights and contacting the appropriate people, you may be able to prevent future problems.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 5

What is Clear Communication in Email?

Accepted Answer

Every day, emails are sent that don’t get results. Part of the reason is that people aren’t receiving the information they need. This video explains the problem and how to fix it by asking three simple questions. It teaches:

Why writing effective emails can be difficult
What prevents recipients from seeing or responding to email
How to get the recipient’s attention
How to respect the recipient’s time
How to get the results you want from email

Video Transcript:

Think about it this way… When you speak with someone in person, you can tell a lot about them. You can see if they are happy, sad, or in a hurry. This information helps you adjust what you say and how you say it. For example, if someone looks confused, you might try using different language or examples.

With email it’s difficult to make these adjustments because you can’t see the recipient. And if your message doesn’t account for their needs, it could be ignored.

That’s why it’s important to write emails in a way that’s very clear and helpful for the recipient.

You can do this by answering a few basic questions for them. What is this about? Why am I receiving it? Is there anything I need to do?

When your email appears, this busy person will quickly need to decide if it’s a priority.

Next, your recipient will wonder why they are receiving the message. In the beginning, quickly explain the situation. You might write, “I’m writing to update you on the project.” or “I’d like to schedule a call.” Be specific and direct and they will notice.

Lastly, they will wonder if they need to act. Be sure to state your request clearly. This might be a request for a response, a link to a website to review or a number to call. Consider using bold font to be sure your request is noticed.

By considering these three questions, you can communicate clearly, get results and respect the time and attention of those who receive your emails.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 6

What is Bias Detection?

Accepted Answer

Building on the example of sports fans, this video illustrates how bias is a common and sometimes productive part of how we communicate. It also shows how bias can cause problems when it’s hidden or not detected. This video teaches:

Why bias is a common and expected part of communicating
Why high quality information needs to be unbiased
What problems occur when bias is ignored
What to look for - common signs of bias in media

Video Transcript:

You probably know someone who is a big sports fan. Win or lose, their team is the best and they love to let others know.

In sports, we expect people to be biased for their own team. Their goal isn’t fairness and it’s obvious.

They wear their bias on their sleeve, or even their face on occasion. And just like people root for sports teams, they also root for ideas, laws, products, research, politicians and more.

People often write articles, make videos and do interviews that are biased. They are designed to promote their team’s side of the story. And that’s fine. Bias can rally a team and win debates for the greater good.

The problem is that bias is often hidden. What might appear to be neutral, fair information can be biased.

For example, to understand the current state of climate change you can’t depend on one team’s biased perspective. You need information that is neutral, fair and unbiased.

The same is true for important decisions in science, education, government and more. Unbiased information is essential.

The problem is that it can be hard to see whether the goal of an article, for instance, is to be fair, or to root for their team. The best you can do is learn to detect bias.

Imagine reading an article and asking yourself: Who is the author and what is their motivation? Do they earn money or benefit by promoting one idea over another? If so, the article may be biased.

Does the author provide only one way to think about a subject? Do they ignore key information or perspectives that don’t fit their own? If so, they may be biased.

Are sources cited in the article? Who or what are they and what role do they play? If the sources are biased, there may be misinformation and the article itself may be biased.

Does the article use insulting language or buzzwords? Does it use examples that appeal to only one side of a story? If so, the article may be biased.

It’s important to note that bias isn’t always bad, and can be helpful. The key is learning to recognize the author’s bias and evaluating the information with that bias in mind. This way, you can choose the best sources for your needs.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 7

What is Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)?

Accepted Answer

This video tells the story of Carson, who has an idea to sell interactive maps on his website. Rather than buying and implementing all the tools himself, he discovers APIs that help him get started quickly and build upon a foundation provided by specialists. It teaches:

Why APIs can be important for organizations and websites
How APIs can differ from buying technology outright
How APIs work, using examples of map data and credit card transactions
What APIs can provide websites and applications

Video Transcript:

When you visit a website, it’s easy to assume that one organization owns and runs everything you see on the site. But these days, many websites are actually a combination of specialized tools from organizations across the Web. And making it all work is something called Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs.

Meet Carson. He has idea for really cool interactive maps and he sees an opportunity to sell them on his website, but he has a problem. The maps would require a huge amount of data to work and he can’t afford the programmers and hardware to make it successful. And maintaining it all is a hassle. He just wants to make the maps a reality.

Carson has two big concerns: First, he needs an easy way to access and manage all the map data. Second, he needs a way to collect payment from customer credit cards. These are complicated tools to build and he knows there must be options.

In doing research, he found companies that specialize in the software and data he needs. He considered buying their tools outright, but it seemed too expensive and he would have to manage it himself. He needed something easier.

That’s when he learned about Application Programming Interfaces or APIs. APIs meant that he could rely on organizations that specialize and connect his website to their tools over the Internet. They simply provide a way for websites and applications like Carson’s to connect to and use their system.

This connection, or interface, makes it possible for two different systems to talk to each other and make requests.

For example, instead of Carson having to store and manage maps and data, he can use a map company’s API to do the heavy lifting. His website just asks for data and the API delivers it.

The same thing is true for billing. Instead of having to manage credit card numbers and billing details, his website hooks into a billing company API that provides and stores this information. All Carson needs is a bit of programming to make sure that his application and the API speak the same language. With this in place, information can be processed quickly and reliably, usually for a fee.

These days, his website visitors can try out and purchase Carson’s maps and it all works seamlessly. And behind the scenes, APIs are connecting his service to specialists via the Internet. And he’s not alone, today organizations large and small are depending on APIs because they create connections with specialists that help keep up-front costs down and provide a solid foundation for getting started.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here:https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 8

What are the Benefits of Working as a Team?

Accepted Answer

Using an example of a robot building competition, this video follows the story of two teams with different approaches to teamwork. Using their example, we can see what helps, and what makes it difficult, for winning the competition. It teaches:

What all successful teams have in common
Why clear communication can be more important than skills or experience
How to develop a sense of team strengths and weaknesses
Why some teams have a difficult time finding success
What teams can do to improve their weak spots

Video Transcript:

Welcome to the CC robotics competition! Today, teams are competing to design and build a robot. The team whose robot is judged to be the best in the time allowed wins and earns internships at CC Robotics. The competition requires skill and talent, but what really matters is how teams communicate and collaborate, or not.

Any successful team, whether it’s a soccer squad or lab of scientists, works together in the same ways. They define the goal and what steps are required to reach it. They communicate and develop a sense of strengths and weaknesses. This helps them identify gaps that must be filled to be competitive and reach the goal.

Having the best player or most brilliant scientist isn't enough. To win, they must work together to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Let’s consider two teams in our competition: green and purple. Team Green got started by reviewing the challenge, dividing it into steps, and discussing each other’s skills and ideas for completing the robot. All input was welcomed. These discussions showed gaps in their skills that could slow them down. They considered each gap and how they could work together to fill it.

For example, the robot was electric and electrical engineering wasn’t a strength.

During the project, they agreed that any team member could propose an idea or share a concern. This open communication helped them make necessary adjustments along the way. Before long, victory was in view because the team was operating as one.

Team Purple, despite their talent, was in disarray. Andre assumed the role of team leader and without a discussion, divided the team into two groups: hardware and software. These groups got to work without discussing their skills, strengths or weaknesses.

Each group followed their own path and assumed it would work out. They had concerns, but Andre was dismissive. Nothing was more important than speed. The team also saw that Claire was distracted and not contributing to the software side. When Team Purple finally shared their progress, it was bad news. The software didn’t match the hardware and they realized they’d have to start over.

It’s not difficult to imagine which team was better prepared to win. Experience and expertise are not advantages when team members are dismissed or some members don’t contribute.

On the other hand, when teams communicate clearly and work together to identify and solve problems. They can overcome challenges and be stronger than other teams.

The next time you’re on a team, remember that success comes from open communication and cooperation that’s focused on the goal.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here:https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 9

What are Web Search Strategies?

Accepted Answer

This video introduces the best ways to use search engines to find information on the Web. It uses real-world examples that illustrate ways to reduce useless results and includes:

How search engines work
Picking the right key words
Using quotes and the minus sign
Combinations of strategies

Video Transcript:

The Web may seem like a vast ocean when it comes to finding something you need. Thankfully, search engines can help turn oceans of information into small pools that make finding information easier.

Before we dive in, let’s talk a bit about how search works on the Web. Search engines go out and try to account for every word on every webpage. All this information is then organized for easy reference.

When you search for a word, the search engine finds all the pages where the word appears, and displays them in the search results. Usually the pages that appear highest in the search results have lots of other web pages linking to them. Each link acts a vote to say, “This may be a good resource.”

The problem is that there are often too many results. You need a way to reduce the number of results so you can find what you need. Let’s look at how this works.

Say you’re looking for a specific kind of fish, and these represent all the websites on the Web. Searching for FISH doesn’t help much. There are way too many results. You need to be more specific.

Try to imagine the exact fish and describe it in the search box. You’ll see that each word you use gets you closer to what you need. You can do this for any website by imagining the website that has your answer. What’s the title of the page? What words appear on it? If you put those words in the search box, you’ll get closer to finding answers.

But to be a smart searcher, you should know some basic shortcuts. Let’s say you’re looking for words that appear together, like a phrase or a quote. An example is a search for information on sand sharks. If you search for it like this, the search engine looks for pages with SAND and SHARKS. To get better results, put quotes around the words like this. It limits the results to the exact phrase.

Here’s another shortcut. Words often have multiple meanings. Consider the word MULLET which is both a fish and a hairstyle. A search for MULLET may give you a number of results about the hairstyle, but fewer about the fish.

To remove the results about hair, place a hyphen or minus sign just before the word you want to exclude, which means “show me the pages about mullet, but take away results relating to hair.” By being specific, and using words and symbols that remove useless information, you can find exactly what you need, and keep the Web from swallowing you whole.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here:https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 10

What is Twitter for Business?

Accepted Answer

Twitter has evolved into a powerful business tool. Organizations large and small are using it to communicate with and learn from customers. This video focuses on the three businesses who use Twitter in different ways. It teaches:

Twitter basics - what it means to use Twitter and follow an organization’s account
How a mobile restaurant uses Twitter to inform customers of lunch locations
How a large company uses Twitter to support and educate customers
How a non-profit business uses Twitter to connect with and endear patrons
The role of policies and strategies in making Twitter use safe and productive
How Twitter can create long term relationships

Video Transcript:

It’s official. Twitter is everywhere, and along with your friends, favorite celebrities, and pets, organizations of all sizes are getting involved in a big way.

These days, Twitter helps people like you stay informed about news, people and organizations that interest them. When they sign up and follow a Twitter account, those updates, or “Tweets” become a part of their Twitter stream, which they can track each day.

It’s these tweets that can create an opportunity for businesses to build connections with followers. It can turn a simple click into a long-term relationship that can inform, educate, and endear.

Here’s how a few businesses are using Twitter.

That’s because devoted lunch-goers follow him on Twitter. Now he’s able to inform followers about his location and get ready for the rush. But it’s not just small businesses.

Emi’s customer service department at a Fortune 500 company has been on Twitter for over a year now. While her team is dedicated to posting tweets and responding to customers, she’s focused on listening. People mention her product every day on Twitter.

Using Twitter Search, she can stay on top of what’s being said around the world whenever someone mentions her company or products. This instant access to relevant information has become her company’s early warning system and a valuable of way of engaging and educating customers.

For Raghav though, Twitter is simply a better way to communicate. For years his non-profit primarily used mailers and email to alert patrons of projects and campaigns. Now, along with monthly updates, his organization can use daily tweets to build long-term relationships. Their interactions on Twitter endear patrons in a way that other communications can’t.

For many, Twitter works because people who click “follow” choose to be involved and many stay involved over time. And keeping them engaged may mean having conversations, using humor, and sharing interesting links, photos or videos.

But Twitter also comes with some risk. It’s easy to post something regrettable. That’s why policies that ensure Twitter is used responsibly are important for an organization’s reputation.

Further, a strategy for Twitter, like any outside communication, can be helpful. Use your account to follow others and share your unique perspective. And don’t forget to make it easy for people to find you on Twitter.

Soon enough, you’ll see why Twitter is everywhere.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here:https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.