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General

The Technical Side of SEO Audits: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

A robust technical SEO audit is the cornerstone of any successful digital strategy. By diving deep into the architecture, performance, and underlying code of a website, you ensure that search engines can crawl, index, and rank your content optimally.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, a comprehensive technical audit not only identifies hidden issues but also paves the way for actionable improvements that directly impact rankings and user experience.

What Is a Technical SEO Audit?

A technical SEO audit is an in-depth evaluation of a website’s backend structure. Unlike on‑page or off‑page audits that focus on content or backlinks, the technical audit examines elements such as site crawlability, indexation, URL structure, page speed, mobile-friendliness, structured data, and security.

Essentially, it’s a health check that ensures your website meets search engine standards and provides a seamless user experience.

By identifying and resolving issues early, you secure your site’s foundation—making it easier for search engines to discover and rank your content. (semrush.com)

Key Elements of a Technical SEO Audit

technical-off-page-on-page-seo-types — Source: Wordstream

1. Crawlability and Indexability

Search engine bots need clear pathways to access and understand your site. A well-configured robots.txt file, up-to-date XML sitemaps, and clean URL structures are essential. Issues like blocked resources or duplicate content can hinder indexing and prevent key pages from appearing in search results.

Regular checks and targeted crawls (often via tools like Screaming Frog or Semrush) can uncover hidden barriers and ensure that your entire site is being properly indexed.

2. Site Speed and Core Web Vitals

User experience and speed are now major ranking factors. Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse help measure core metrics—Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and Interaction to Next Paint (INP, replacing FID soon). Optimizing images, minifying code, and leveraging browser caching can significantly improve load times.

Faster sites not only please users but also send strong positive signals to search engines. (neilpatel.com)

3. Mobile-Friendliness

With mobile-first indexing in full swing, a responsive design is crucial. Ensure that your site is fully accessible on mobile devices, with properly sized tap targets and optimized media. Testing via mobile-specific tools or Google Search Console’s Mobile Usability reports can help identify and rectify issues.

An excellent mobile experience is critical to retain users and boost organic visibility.

4. Structured Data and URL Architecture

Structured data (schema markup) enhances your site’s visibility by enabling rich results in the SERPs. A clear and consistent URL structure, with appropriate use of canonical tags, helps search engines understand the hierarchy and relevance of your content. This not only aids in indexing but also reinforces the overall authority of your site.

By implementing structured data correctly, you can improve click-through rates and earn additional visibility through enhanced search results.

5. Security and Protocols

HTTPS, secure server configurations, and proper handling of redirects (avoiding lengthy redirect chains) are fundamental to maintaining trust with both users and search engines. A compromised security setup can lead to lower rankings and diminished user confidence.

Ensuring every page is secure and efficiently redirected is a vital part of a technical audit.

6. Database Optimization and Code Efficiency

In addition to traditional technical SEO factors, a robust database and clean coding practices are critical for sites related to database and coding. The performance of your database can have a direct impact on page load times and overall site speed—two important ranking factors in today’s SEO landscape.

Optimizing your database by regularly indexing tables, streamlining SQL queries, and implementing effective caching techniques can reduce server response times and prevent bottlenecks. Additionally, ensuring that your codebase is clean, well-documented, and free of redundancies not only enhances maintainability but also improves the efficiency of data retrieval processes.

For websites that rely on complex database interactions, a well-optimized database layer translates into a smoother user experience and a significant SEO advantage.

Tools and Methodologies for a Successful Audit

Conducting a technical SEO audit is made easier with the right tools:

Screaming Frog SEO Spider: Excellent for crawling and identifying crawl errors, duplicate content, and broken links.
Semrush & Ahrefs: Offer comprehensive site audits that help pinpoint issues across various technical aspects.
Google Search Console & Analytics: Provide valuable data on indexing, crawl stats, mobile usability, and user behavior.
Google Lighthouse & PageSpeed Insights: Measure core performance metrics and offer actionable suggestions to boost speed and UX.

Combining insights from these tools creates a 360-degree view of your website’s health and helps you craft a prioritized action plan.

Actionable Insights and Best Practices

Once your audit is complete, the next step is to transform data into action:

Prioritize Quick Wins: Tackle high‑impact, low‑effort fixes first—like correcting broken links or optimizing meta tags.
Develop an Implementation Roadmap: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and ensure regular follow-ups with your team or client.
Monitor Results: Use Google Search Console and analytics platforms to track improvements over time.
Schedule Regular Audits: The digital landscape evolves quickly; quarterly or monthly mini‑audits help catch new issues early.

These steps ensure that your website not only recovers from technical issues but continues to perform at its best as search engines and user expectations evolve.

Conclusion

Technical SEO audits are indispensable for any website aiming to succeed in 2025 and beyond. By focusing on crawlability, site speed, mobile responsiveness, structured data, and security, you create a robust foundation that supports all other SEO efforts.

Regular audits, combined with a structured action plan and the right toolkit, empower you to continuously optimize and stay ahead of the competition.

For a deeper dive into advanced techniques and get an in-depth process, explore this resource on mastering technical SEO “Mastering Technical SEO: Our In-Depth Audit Process“.

Embrace technical SEO as a continuous journey—one that transforms raw data into measurable improvements in rankings, traffic, and ultimately, business growth.

How to adjust OOM score for a process?

In Linux, each process is assigned an Out-Of-Memory (OOM) score, which reflects its memory usage relative to other processes. When the system nears memory exhaustion, the kernel’s OOM killer terminates the process with the highest score to free up memory.

This mechanism is crucial for system stability but can inadvertently target critical applications such as database servers if not properly managed. DBA Square brings you an insight into this today!

Understanding the OOM Score

The OOM score is primarily determined by a process’s memory consumption, but it can also be influenced by other factors such as process priority and historical behavior. The OOM killer uses this score as a heuristic to decide which process to kill when the system is under memory pressure.

Adjusting the OOM Score

To protect important applications from being terminated, you can manually adjust their OOM score. This is done by modifying the oom_score_adj file located in the /proc filesystem. For older kernels (pre-2.6.29), the interface is provided through oom_adj.

For modern kernels (>= 2.6.29):
The file /proc/[pid]/oom_score_adj accepts values ranging from -1000 to 1000.
For older kernels (< 2.6.29):
The file /proc/[pid]/oom_adj accepts values from -17 to 15.

A negative value decreases the likelihood of the process being killed, while a positive value increases it.

Each process in Linux has a OOM score assigned to it. Its value is primarily based on the amount of memory a process uses. Whenever system is about to run out of memory, OOM killer terminates the program with the highest score.

To prevent it from killing a critical application, such as for example a database instance, the score can be manually adjusted. It is possible through /proc/[pid]/oom_score_adj (or /proc/[pid]/oom_adj for kernels older than 2.6.29). The range of values which oom_score_adj accepts is from -1000 to 1000, or from -17 to 15 in the deprecated interface that relies on oom_adj. The score is either reduced or increased by the adjustment value.

For example to reduce chances of loosing mysqld process:

# ps ax | grep '[m]ysqld'
 6445 ?        Ssl    0:04 /usr/sbin/mysqld --defaults-file=/etc/mysql/my.cnf
# cat /proc/6445/oom_score
124
# echo '-1000' > /proc/6445/oom_score_adj
# cat /proc/6445/oom_score
0

Practical Example: Protecting the MySQL Server

To reduce the risk of the MySQL daemon (mysqld) being terminated, follow these steps:

Identify the Process ID (PID):bashCopyps ax | grep '[m]ysqld' This command filters the process list to find the PID of mysqld.
Check the Current OOM Score:bashCopycat /proc/<PID>/oom_score Replace <PID> with the actual process ID obtained from the previous step.
Adjust the OOM Score:To significantly lower the chance of termination, write -1000 to the oom_score_adj file:bashCopyecho '-1000' > /proc/<PID>/oom_score_adj
Verify the Change:Re-check the OOM score to ensure it has been adjusted:bashCopycat /proc/<PID>/oom_score The score should now be reduced accordingly (often showing as 0 when the adjustment fully compensates the calculated score).

Considerations and Best Practices

System Stability:
Adjusting OOM scores can protect critical services but may inadvertently lead to less critical processes being terminated. Always test changes in a controlled environment before deploying them to production.
Automating with Systemd:
For services managed by systemd, you can set the OOM score directly in the service unit file using the OOMScoreAdjust directive. This provides a persistent configuration that survives reboots.
Monitoring and Alerts:
Consider implementing monitoring tools to track memory usage and OOM events. Alerts can help you understand when the system is under memory pressure and allow you to take proactive measures.
Documentation:
Document any manual changes to OOM scores within your system configuration management to ensure that all team members understand the custom settings and their rationale.

Conclusion

Adjusting the OOM score is a powerful technique to ensure that essential services remain operational during memory pressure events. However, it should be done with caution and a clear understanding of the system’s overall memory management strategy. By following the steps and best practices outlined above, you can tailor the behavior of the OOM killer to better suit your system’s needs.

General

Harnessing the Power of Chatbots: A Game-Changer for Local Businesses in 2024

In an era where digital transformation is no longer optional, local businesses are discovering a powerful ally in their quest for growth and customer satisfaction: chatbots.

These AI-driven conversational interfaces are revolutionizing the way small enterprises interact with their customers, streamline operations, and boost their bottom line.

The Rise of Chatbot Technology

Chatbot technology has come a long way since its inception. In 2024, we’re seeing sophisticated AI models capable of understanding context, sentiment, and even local dialects.

This leap in natural language processing has made chatbots an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes, but particularly for local enterprises looking to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Key Benefits for Local Businesses

1. 24/7 Customer Service

One of the most significant advantages of chatbots is their ability to provide round-the-clock customer service. For local businesses with limited staff, this means:

Answering customer queries at any time of day or night
Reducing response times and improving customer satisfaction
Freeing up human staff to focus on more complex tasks

2. Personalized Customer Experiences

Modern chatbots can offer personalized interactions by:

Remembering customer preferences and past interactions
Offering tailored product recommendations
Providing location-specific information and services

chatbot development company and automation agency

3. Streamlined Operations

Chatbots can help local businesses optimize their operations by:

Automating appointment scheduling and reservations
Managing inventory inquiries
Handling basic transactions and order processing

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

In 2024, chatbots are becoming powerful marketing tools, capable of:

Engaging customers with interactive promotions
Collecting valuable customer data for targeted marketing campaigns
Providing instant product information and comparisons

Lead Generation and Qualification

Chatbots have become powerful tools for lead generation and qualification in 2024. For local businesses, this means:

Engaging website visitors 24/7 and capturing contact information
Asking qualifying questions to identify high-quality leads
Nurturing leads by providing relevant information and follow-ups
Seamlessly handing off qualified leads to sales teams
Collecting valuable data on customer preferences and pain points

By automating the initial stages of lead generation, chatbots allow local businesses to cast a wider net while ensuring that human sales resources are focused on the most promising opportunities. This efficiency can significantly boost conversion rates and ROI for marketing efforts as showcased by these professionals.

Implementing Chatbots: Best Practices for Local Businesses

To make the most of chatbot technology, local businesses should consider the following:

Start Simple: Begin with basic functionalities and expand as you learn from customer interactions.
Maintain a Human Touch: Ensure your chatbot reflects your brand’s personality and local flavor.
Integrate with Existing Systems: Connect your chatbot with your CRM, inventory management, and other business systems for seamless operations.
Continuously Improve: Regularly analyze chatbot interactions to identify areas for improvement and expansion.
Provide a Clear Path to Human Support: While chatbots can handle many tasks, always offer an easy way for customers to reach a human when needed.

The Future of Chatbots for Local Businesses

As we progress through 2024, we can expect to see even more advanced chatbot capabilities, including:

Enhanced voice recognition for voice-activated services
Augmented reality integration for virtual product demonstrations
Emotional intelligence to better understand and respond to customer sentiments

Conclusion

The power of chatbots in 2024 extends far beyond simple automation. For local businesses, these AI-driven assistants represent an opportunity to level the playing field, offering enterprise-level customer service and operational efficiency at a fraction of the cost.

By embracing this technology, local enterprises can not only survive but thrive in the digital age, forging stronger connections with their communities and customers alike.

As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for chatbots to transform local business operations is boundless. The key for local entrepreneurs is to start integrating these tools now, learning and growing alongside the technology to ensure they remain at the forefront of customer service and operational excellence.

General

Google Cloud Unveils Revolutionary AI Agent Builder

Google Cloud has recently introduced its revolutionary AI Agent Builder, marking a notable advancement in AI development tools by enabling developers to create sophisticated intelligent agents with ease. This tool emphasizes natural language processing and supports multiple languages, making it invaluable for enhancing conversational commerce applications.

By incorporating advanced data training techniques such as retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and robust vector search functionalities, the AI Agent Builder guarantees top performance by anchoring model outputs in real-time data sources. To understand how this innovation might reshape the landscape of AI deployment and adoption, particularly in the APAC region, further exploration is warranted.

Key Takeaways

Google Cloud launches AI Agent Builder to streamline intelligent agent creation for developers.
The tool excels in multilingual natural language interactions and conversational commerce applications.
Employs advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and vector search capabilities.
Anchors outputs in real-time data from sources like Google Search for enhanced decision-making.
Supports large language models (LLMs) and voice interactions through telephone interfaces.

Vertex AI Agent Builder Overview

The Vertex AI Agent Builder, introduced by Google Cloud, represents a significant advancement in AI development tools. It is designed to streamline the creation of intelligent agents for developers across a broad spectrum of expertise. This innovative platform excels in leveraging natural language capabilities, enabling seamless interaction in multiple languages, thereby enhancing conversational commerce applications.

By integrating retrieval augmented generation (RAG), it guarantees high-quality data training, improving the relevance and accuracy of AI responses. Additionally, the inclusion of vector search allows for efficient embedding-based RAG systems, facilitating the development of sophisticated and contextually aware agents.

This all-encompassing approach empowers developers to build robust AI solutions, bridging the gap between novice and expert users in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Key Features of AI Agent Builder

Among the key features of the AI Agent Builder is its ability to facilitate natural language interactions in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Spanish. This enables seamless Natural Language Capabilities essential for Conversational Commerce, allowing businesses to engage diverse customer bases effectively.

The platform employs advanced Data Training Techniques, particularly retrieval augmented generation (RAG), to enhance the accuracy and relevance of AI responses. Additionally, the integration of powerful Vector Search capabilities supports custom embeddings-based RAG systems, ensuring efficient and precise data retrieval.

These features collectively empower developers, from novices to experts, to create sophisticated AI agents that can handle complex queries and provide exceptional user experiences across various applications and industries.

Enhancing AI Agent Performance

Improving AI agent performance requires anchoring model outputs in real-time data sources such as Google Search to guarantee contextual relevance and accuracy.

Leveraging data connectors to ingest real-time information from business applications enhances the agent’s decision-making capabilities, thereby improving efficiency.

Utilizing advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) allows AI agents to access vast, up-to-date datasets, maximizing effectiveness in diverse scenarios.

Deploying multiple agents tailored to specific tasks further refines operations, ensuring that complex use cases are addressed with precision.

Additionally, supporting various large language models (LLMs) and incorporating voice interaction through telephone interfaces expands the functional scope of AI agents, making them more versatile and robust in handling multifaceted queries.

AI Adoption in APAC

AI adoption in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is gaining momentum, driven by strategic initiatives from key players such as SAP, the Australian government, and DBS Bank. SAP’s accessibility features enable enterprises to seamlessly integrate AI into their operations, democratizing advanced technologies across various industries.

Concurrently, Australian experimentation with AI demonstrates a proactive approach to leveraging AI for public services and innovation, setting a precedent for governmental involvement. DBS Bank’s robust data foundation underscores its commitment to data-driven decision-making, enhancing AI deployment in financial services.

Collectively, these efforts illustrate a growing regional focus on AI, supported by both public and private sectors, which is pivotal for APAC’s digital transformation and competitive edge in the global market.

General

GitHub Unveils Cutting-Edge Developer Trends Graph

GitHub has recently introduced its cutting-edge Developer Trends Graph, a detailed tool offering essential insights into developer activities and innovation on a global scale. This graph not only highlights the increasing adoption of AI technologies but also underscores the growing use of chat-based generative AI tools for documentation and a renewed interest in niche programming languages such as Julia, ABAP, and Elm. With substantial contributions from UK developers, this tool illuminates the pivotal role of the UK in the global software development ecosystem. How does this new tool enhance collaboration and decision-making within the developer community?

Key Takeaways

GitHub's Innovation Graph reveals a surge in AI technology adoption among developers globally.
The graph highlights significant international collaboration, especially between developers in the UK, US, Germany, and France.
Developers are increasingly exploring niche programming languages like Julia, ABAP, Elm, Erlang, and Brainf*ck.
Documentation trends have seen notable improvements with the use of AI tools.
Policymakers and researchers benefit from the graph's visualization capabilities for analyzing developer activities and trends.

Global Developer Activity Trends

Analyzing global developer activity trends from Q4 2023, GitHub's Innovation Graph reveals a significant surge in the adoption of AI technologies among developers worldwide. This rise in AI popularity is closely linked to the enhanced project documentation facilitated by chat-based generative AI tools.

Additionally, the Advent of Code has encouraged the exploration of niche languages, with developers delving into obscure programming languages such as Julia, ABAP, Elm, Erlang, and even Brainf*ck. These trends highlight the dynamic landscape of software development, where both mainstream and niche technologies are gaining traction.

The increased use of AI tools for documentation and coding challenges underscores the evolving toolkit and methodologies employed by developers globally.

UK Developer Insights

The latest data from GitHub reveals that the UK boasts over 3,595,000 active developers and 195,000 organizations, contributing to more than 8.3 million repositories.

UK coding languages show a strong preference for JavaScript, Python, and Shell, reflecting the dynamic and versatile nature of the UK's developer community.

Developer collaboration trends indicate significant interactions with peers from the United States, Germany, and France, underscoring the global connectivity of UK developers.

Additionally, the UK developers uploaded code to GitHub over 5.3 million times, emphasizing their proactive engagement and consistent contributions to the platform.

This vibrant ecosystem highlights the UK's pivotal role in the global software development landscape, fostering innovation through robust coding practices and international collaboration.

Innovation Graph Metrics

Building on the insights from the UK's developer landscape, GitHub's Innovation Graph Metrics provide a detailed analysis of global developer activities over the past four years, highlighting trends and seasonal patterns.

The metrics reveal a significant increase in AI adoption and language exploration, driven by events like Advent of Code, which encourages the use of niche programming languages. Documentation trends have seen notable improvements, likely influenced by chat-based generative AI tools.

Collaboration patterns indicate strong international cooperation, with developers frequently working across borders. By tracking Git pushes and repository activities, GitHub's Innovation Graph sheds light on pivotal shifts in the development community, offering valuable data for understanding evolving software trends and practices.

Functionality and Impact

Launched to support policymakers, researchers, and developers, GitHub's Innovation Graph offers an invaluable tool for analyzing trends and fostering insights within the global development community. The graph visualization capabilities enable users to decipher complex data sets, highlighting key metrics like Git pushes and repository growth over the past four years.

This functionality not only aids in understanding seasonal patterns but also in identifying emerging trends such as the rising use of AI and niche programming languages.

Moreover, the Innovation Graph enhances developer collaboration by facilitating a shared understanding of activity and progress across various projects and geographies. By focusing on relevant data and excluding less pertinent topics, it guarantees that stakeholders can make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information.

General

Unveiling Lessons From Record-breaking DDoS Assault

The record-breaking DDoS assault serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and the imperative of robust cybersecurity measures. This unprecedented attack not only exposed critical vulnerabilities but also highlighted the essential role of collaborative defense strategies in mitigating such threats. By examining the incident, one can uncover pivotal lessons on the importance of regular patching, structured vulnerability management, and continuous network monitoring. Yet, the most intriguing insights lie in the integration of automated threat responses and behavioral analysis. Discover how these elements can redefine your approach to cybersecurity.

Key Takeaways

Implement automated threat responses to minimize the vulnerability window during DDoS attacks.
Continuously monitor network traffic to detect anomalies and unusual patterns early.
Employ layered defense strategies, including network segmentation and traffic filtering, to reduce attack surfaces.
Regularly patch vulnerabilities and implement supplementary defenses to protect against zero-day exploits.
Collaborate with industry peers for real-time information sharing and coordinated efforts in attack mitigation.

Regularly Patch Vulnerabilities

Regularly patching vulnerabilities is paramount in maintaining a secure and resilient cybersecurity posture. Effective vulnerability management necessitates a structured approach to identifying and rectifying security flaws.

Automated patching serves as an essential tool to address known vulnerabilities efficiently, minimizing exposure windows. However, patching challenges persist, particularly with zero-day exploits like the HTTP/2 Rapid Reset (CVE-2023-44487). These exploits can be leveraged by attackers before patches are available, necessitating additional protective measures.

Consequently, organizations must prioritize timely updates and employ supplementary defenses such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and IP blocking to mitigate risks. By combining automated patching with strategic defenses, organizations can enhance their resilience against emerging threats and maintain robust cybersecurity infrastructures.

Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

A proactive approach to cybersecurity involves the implementation of continuous network traffic monitoring and behavioral analysis to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate. By leveraging advanced network monitoring tools, organizations can gain real-time insights into traffic patterns, enabling early detection of anomalies indicative of potential DDoS attacks.

Behavioral analysis enhances this by distinguishing between normal and malicious activities, facilitating prompt intervention. These proactive measures allow for automated threat responses, significantly reducing the window of vulnerability.

Furthermore, integrating network monitoring with behavioral analysis aids in identifying emerging threats, thereby enhancing overall cybersecurity posture. This approach not only mitigates immediate risks but also fortifies defenses against future sophisticated attacks, ensuring sustained network integrity and operational resilience.

Implement Layered Defenses

Beyond proactive measures, implementing a layered defense strategy is crucial for guaranteeing thorough protection against sophisticated DDoS attacks.

Network segmentation helps isolate critical systems, limiting the spread of an attack.

Intrusion detection systems monitor for suspicious activities, providing early warnings of potential threats.

Traffic filtering at various network layers blocks malicious packets, reducing the attack surface.

Adaptive protections dynamically adjust defense mechanisms based on the threat landscape, enhancing resilience.

This multi-faceted approach not only mitigates the immediate impact of a DDoS assault but also ensures the strength of the overall infrastructure.

Employing such thorough strategies fortifies the defense perimeter, making it significantly more challenging for attackers to breach systems and disrupt operations.

Collaborate With Industry Peers

Engaging with industry peers is essential for enhancing cybersecurity defenses and effectively mitigating DDoS attacks. Information sharing among stakeholders, including software maintainers and cloud providers, is paramount to understanding emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Real-time collaboration enables rapid response and resource pooling, which are critical during large-scale attacks. For instance, the recent DDoS mitigation involved coordinated efforts between Google, Cloudflare, and AWS, showcasing the power of collaborative defense.

Building a supportive community fosters knowledge exchange, ensuring that best practices and innovative solutions are disseminated quickly. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, organizations can adapt and fortify their defenses against increasingly sophisticated DDoS threats, thereby ensuring robust and resilient cybersecurity infrastructure.

General

Crafting the Perfect Database: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to design a database is an invaluable skill in today’s digital age. Whether it’s for a business application or a personal project, a well-structured database can greatly improve efficiency and productivity.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the crucial steps of designing a database. Let’s delve into it.

The Importance of a Database

A database is essentially a collection of related data organised in a way that facilitates efficient retrieval and modification. It’s the backbone of any software system, storing all the necessary information in a structured and easily accessible format.

A well-designed database boosts performance, simplifies data management, enhances data security, and increases the scalability of applications. However, designing a database is a meticulous process that requires careful planning and execution.

Step 1: Defining the Purpose

Every database design process should start with a clear understanding of its purpose. The aim of the database should align with the broader goals of your project or organisation.

Whether it’s storing customer transactions, tracking inventory or managing employee details, having a defined purpose simplifies the subsequent steps of database design.

Step 2: Identifying the Data

Once the purpose is defined, the next step is to identify what data the database will store. This requires a detailed understanding of the data and its relationships.

For instance, an e-commerce database might need to store data about products, customers, orders, and transactions.

Step 3: Structuring the Data

Data in a database is typically structured in tables. Each table represents a specific entity (such as products or customers), and each row in the table represents an instance of that entity. The columns of the table, known as attributes, describe the characteristics of the entity.

For example, a “Customers” table may have attributes such as CustomerID, FirstName, LastName, and Email. The CustomerID serves as a unique identifier for each customer and is often referred to as the primary key.

Step 4: Establishing Relationships

The power of a relational database lies in its ability to link related data across tables.

These relationships are established through primary and foreign keys. A foreign key in one table is a primary key in another, creating a link between the two tables.

For example, in an e-commerce database, an “Orders” table might have a CustomerID attribute as a foreign key, linking each order to a specific customer in the “Customers” table.

Step 5: Normalising the Data

Normalisation is the process of efficiently organising data in a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity.

It involves dividing a database into two or more tables and defining relationships between the tables to eliminate duplicative data.

Consider a scenario where an e-commerce store has multiple orders from the same customer. Instead of repeating the customer’s details for each order, the customer’s information is stored in a separate “Customers” table, and the unique CustomerID is used to link the order to the customer.

Step 6: Implementing Constraints

Constraints are rules enforced on the data columns of a table. They ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data in the table. Common constraints include primary key, foreign key, unique, and not null constraints.

For example, the CustomerID in the “Customers” table can be a primary key constraint, ensuring that each customer has a unique identifier.

Step 7: Creating Indexes

Indexes are used to speed up the retrieval of data from a database. They work similarly to an index in a book, providing a quick way to locate information without having to scan every page. In database terms, an index allows the database engine to retrieve data without having to scan every row in a table.

Creating appropriate indexes is crucial for improving database performance, particularly for large databases.

Step 8: Prioritising Data Security

Data security should be a primary concern when designing a database. It’s essential to implement measures that protect sensitive data from unauthorised access. This includes encryption of sensitive data, using secure passwords, and limiting the privileges of database users and administrators.

Step 9: Planning for Backup and Recovery

An often overlooked aspect of database design is planning for backup and recovery. Databases are vulnerable to various threats, including hardware failures, software bugs, and human errors. Having a robust backup and recovery strategy ensures that you can quickly restore your database in the event of any mishap.

Step 10: Documenting the Database Design

Documentation is an essential part of the database design process. It serves as a reference guide for anyone who needs to understand the database structure in the future.

A comprehensive documentation should include the purpose of the database, a description of each table and its columns, the relationships between tables, and any constraints or indexes applied to the tables.

Conclusion

Designing a database is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. However, with a clear understanding of the purpose, the data, and the relationships between the data, you can create a robust and efficient database that meets your specific needs.

Remember, the design of a database is not set in stone. As your needs evolve, so should your database. Regular reviews and updates will help keep your database aligned with your goals, ensuring it remains a valuable asset for your organisation.

General

Exploring the Best Databases to Deploy in 2023

Among the essential assets of any organisation, data ranks highly due to its critical role in decision-making and streamlining operations.

As such, businesses are constantly seeking the most efficient ways of storing and managing their data.

Consequently, the choice of database becomes a crucial determinant of an organisation’s competitiveness, given the increasing reliance on data-driven operations. In this article, we delve into the fastest aand mosthighly efficient databases set to dominate the market in 2023.

Understanding Databases

A Database constitutes a methodical collection of wide-ranging structured and unstructured data in an electronic system.

This collection is typically managed through a Database Management System (DBMS). Together, the data, database, DBMS, and all associated applications form a database system.

Essentially, a database system can be likened to a vast table with multiple rows and columns, though it is significantly more complex.

As information continues to multiply, the necessity to create an advanced Database Management System (DBMS) has led to the development of numerous databases to yield precise results. Databases can primarily be categorised into Flat Files, Relational, and Non-Relational Databases.

Types of Databases

The three key types of databases include:

Flat File Database: This type of database stores data without any proper structure or indexing. The data in a Flat File Database does not relate to one another, thereby serving as a solution for relatively simple database tasks. This lack of correlation renders it almost ineffective in the data-driven world.
Relational Database: As the name suggests, a Relational Database stores and provides access to related data points. It was developed to structure a wide variety of information. For instance, an E-Commerce business needs to track its transactions. In such a case, storing information in multiple tables proves more accessible than the linear model of storing data. This structure defines a hierarchy to access and manage all the data and hence, it is referred to as a Hierarchical Database.

Non-Relational Database: This database was created mainly to manage Unstructured Data sourced from numerous platforms such as documents, audio, video, social networks, etc. It stores data differently from relational tables to allow related data to be kept within a single data structure. The Non-Relational Database is further categorised into four types of databases, i.e., Document Store, Key-Value Databases, Wide-column Stores, and Graph Databases.

Benefits of Utilising Database Software

The central advantages of using a database include:

Improved Data Sharing: Databases equip users with better access to well-managed data, enabling them to respond promptly to changes occurring in their environment.
Reduced Data Redundancy: The File-based Data management system often led to data redundancy as it comprises several files stored in multiple locations within a system. This issue was fostering numerous copies of the same file. Today, in a database, any minor change is immediately reflected throughout the tables, preventing any chance of encountering duplicate data.
Enhanced Data Security: As the number of new users increase, the amount of data sharing also escalates. This increase heightens the risk for data security. However, Database Management Systems (DBMS) offer a secure platform and robust policies that ensure data privacy.
Faster Data Access: Databases facilitate impromptu responses to database queries, thereby enabling quicker and more accurate data access.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Database Software

Many developers prefer to work with a Database they’re familiar with. However, as your application grows, you are bound to encounter issues that are challenging to rectify.

As such, it is crucial to consider various aspects before choosing Database Software for your project. Your Database option should complement the requirements of your application or project.

Take into account the following factors before deciding on a Database for your application:

Understand your requirements. Check on the speed, scalability requirements, data structures, and amount of data you’re working with. SQL Databases are perfectly suited to store and process structured datasets, whereas NoSQL Databases are best suited for semi-structured and unstructured data types.
Familiarise yourself with different types of Databases. Model your data to ascertain which type of Database (Relational, Columnar, Graph, etc.) is relevant for your use case.
The data stored in your Database should be well protected at all times. ACID-compliant Relational Databases are more secure compared to Non-Relational Databases.
Regardless of the type of application/project, it’s always preferable to opt for a Database Management System with multiple Database options to manage data.
Ensure that your Database securely integrates with third-party tools and services within your project.
Look for additional Databases that support added features like Data Pipeline processing, Searching, and Caching.

Top-Ranking Databases

The 12 best databases anticipated to dominate the market in 2023 are as follows:

MySQL: Launched in 1995, MySQL is an Open-Source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) based on the Structured Query Language (SQL). It is highly scalable and can run on multiple platforms such as Linux, Windows, and Unix.
PostgreSQL: It is a free and Open-Source Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that emphasises extensibility and SQL compliance. It is compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOSX, Unix, etc.
Microsoft SQL Server: Developed by Microsoft Corporation in 1989, the Microsoft SQL Server is an excellent Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for both On-premise and Cloud environments. It is available both on Windows and Linux platforms.
MongoDB: MongoDB is an Open-source Document-oriented Database that is used to store high-volume data. It is a scalable, flexible database platform that overcomes the relational database approach.
Oracle: Oracle Database is a widely used Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) across industries. It supports Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with the database.
Remote Dictionary Server (Redis): Developed by Salvatore Sanfilippo, Remote Dictionary Server (Redis) is an Open-source In-memory Key-value Database that supports multiple data structures.
ElasticSearch: ElasticSearch is an open-source full-text search engine-based Database that stores and indexes any type of data in JSON format.
Cassandra: Cassandra is an open core, distributed, wide column store and commonly used database. It offers high scalability which is very important for handling huge amounts of data in industries.
MariaDB: MariaDB is a popular Relational Database Management System that is compatible with MySQL Protocol and Clients. MariaDB can easily replace the MySQL server without any coding requirements.
IBM DB2: The newest version of IBM DB2 runs queries faster than ever. IBM DB2 supports most of the Data Science languages and AI-dedicated capabilities required to manage complex data frameworks.
SQLite: SQLite is a small but fast open-source best SQL Database with an integrated Relational Database Management System (DBMS). Built upon a C-language Library, SQLite is capable of running SQL queries at faster speeds.
Amazon DynamoDB: DynamoDB is a Non-Relational NoSQL Database offered by Amazon.com as part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) portfolio. It is a fully managed, serverless Database for mobile apps that supports key-value and document data structures.

Which Database is Easiest to Use?

Upon evaluating the list of best Databases, as a beginner, you might wonder which Database is the easiest to get started with. While there is no straightforward answer to this query, the easiest to use Database really hinges on the use case and the problem you’re looking to solve.

Most modern businesses today utilise multiple databases for their operations. This results in a complex situation since a common analysis integrating data from all these databases can be a complex task.

A data integration solution has to be built first that can integrate all data from these databases and store it in a centralised location. Businesses can either choose to make their own data integration solutions or use existing platforms.

In Conclusion

A few years ago, selecting a database was a more straightforward process, with most organisations opting for a Relational Database for most of their requirements.

However, in modern software development, the selection process has become more intrinsic. The choice of the best databases available in the market is influenced by various factors, ranging from the nature of data, the scale of operations, the business model, and the project needs.

The year 2023 is set to be an exciting year for databases, with several strong contenders lined up. The choice of database will significantly shape how businesses operate and compete in the data-driven world.

Therefore, it is crucial to keep up-to-date with the latest database trends and make informed decisions to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of your data management practices.

General

Introducing Copilot: Windows 11’s AI-Powered Assistant Takes Center Stage

Experience Windows 11 like never before with the arrival of Copilot, Microsoft’s groundbreaking chatbot, now integrated into the operating system. Powered by OpenAI’s advanced GPT AI, this omnipresent assistant is set to revolutionize the way users engage with Windows settings and interact with their devices.

Embracing the cutting-edge potential of OpenAI’s generative AI technology

Microsoft has seamlessly integrated the chatbot, Copilot, into Windows 11. With its initial debut among Windows Insider program subscribers, Copilot offers a world of possibilities.

By simply installing the Build 23493 update, users gain access to Copilot by simultaneously pressing the Windows and C keys. The Copilot module promptly emerges on the right side of the screen, ready to assist.

Unlike Cortana, Copilot becomes an integral part of the user’s Microsoft account and is designed to be impossible to overlook. Microsoft has deliberately positioned Copilot as a constant presence within the system, ensuring its accessibility and usefulness.

Much like Bing Chat, this interactive chatbot features three conversation styles, enabling users to choose between straightforward fact-based responses or a more imaginative ambiance that encourages increased originality.

However, it is important to note that the latter option comes with a higher risk of “hallucinations” for the AI, adding an element of surprise to the conversation.

Unveiling the Power of Copilot

Copilot takes advantage of OpenAI’s powerful Dall-e 2, a text-to-image generator already present in a more robust version within Bing Image Creator.

Going forward, Copilot will also enable users to seamlessly modify Windows 11 settings using natural language. This capable assistant can execute specific commands that would typically require technical expertise, such as switching to dark mode or capturing screenshots.

Microsoft has reassured users that Copilot’s capabilities will continue expanding over time as new features are introduced, ensuring an evolving and adaptable AI experience.

The Advent of Targeted Advertising within Copilot

Parallel to Bing, Copilot will include targeted advertising content right from its launch. Simultaneously with the Copilot preview update, Microsoft has improved the settings page, providing users with a more user-friendly and practical interface.

Additionally, native support for various compressed archive formats, including Tar, RAR, 7-Zip, and others, has been introduced. This empowers users to effortlessly open files in formats beyond the traditional Zip, enhancing their overall Windows 11 experience.

In Conclusion

Microsoft has revolutionized Windows 11 by seamlessly integrating OpenAI’s chatbot, Copilot, into the operating system. This versatile assistant unlocks the potential for engaging conversations and effortless system settings customization.

With the integration of Dall-e 2, Copilot expands its functionality by incorporating text-to-image capabilities. Microsoft’s strategic decision to incorporate targeted advertising within Copilot demonstrates the potential for revenue generation through this innovative feature.

As Copilot evolves, users can look forward to enhanced functionality and an AI assistant that adapts to their unique needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate Copilot in Windows 11? To activate Copilot in Windows 11, simply install the appropriate update (Build 23493) and simultaneously press the Windows and C keys.
What conversation styles does Copilot offer? Copilot provides three conversation styles: fact-based responses, creative ambiance with increased originality, and an option that carries a higher risk of surprising “hallucinations” for the AI.
Can Copilot perform tasks that require technical skills? Yes, Copilot can execute commands that typically demand technical expertise, such as switching to dark mode or capturing screenshots.
Will Copilot feature targeted advertising content? Yes, similar to Bing, Copilot will introduce targeted advertising content from its launch, creating potential revenue opportunities.
What other enhancements accompany the Copilot preview update? In addition to Copilot, the Copilot preview update includes an improved, user-friendly settings page and native support for various compressed archive formats beyond the traditional Zip.

General

The Role of a Database for a Website

A database is a critical component for a website. It is responsible for organizing information in a secure manner into tables that contain multiple rows and columns. As websites become more dynamic, the role of the database increases.

A static website only displays information, while a dynamic website processes requests and responds differently to different users. There are many different types of databases available in the market today. Each serves a specific service.

Public role

There are a few things to remember before assigning the Public role of database for a website. The role is not explicitly assigned to a user, but it has its own permissions. For example, a user must be able to read and write data. A website user should be able to change the data on a page, but they should not be able to change other properties.

The Public role is the default role for all users of a database. New users will be assigned this role automatically. This role is permanent and cannot be disabled or removed. It grants all users a minimum set of privileges. If the user has this role, it will be able to read and write all data in the database.

Users can also enable roles. In addition, roles can be password-protected. To enable a role, a user must set its password.

Default role

Setting default roles for database users allows you to use the database without specifying the user’s password. However, to use default roles, users must have been granted a role with a GRANT statement. Directory services and other external services cannot manage the database’s default roles. To change a database’s default roles, use the SET ROLE DEFAULT statement.

When using the SET ROLE statement, you can enable and disable roles. You can also restrict the number of roles a user can have. The maximum number of roles that can be enabled at any time is limited by the MAX_ENABLED_ROLES initialization parameter. For example, if you want a clerk role to be enabled, you should use the SET ROLE command to set a password for the clerk role. Oracle will enable the privileges in the user’s default roles if the user has explicit privileges.

Changing the default role of a database is not possible for users who connect through shared servers or other network connections. However, users can change the default role by granting privileges to specific users. To learn more about these privileges, refer to the Oracle documentation.

Cloud database

A cloud database provides flexibility, with features you can turn on and off, a wide range of servers, and a flexible pricing structure. Although cloud databases are popular and widely used, they have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to decide which one best meets your needs before making the decision.

The first benefit of a cloud database is the fact that it is managed by a provider, not the website owner. This means that the provider will take care of the hardware, software, and support staff. Depending on your business needs, you can choose between different cloud database types, which include hosted databases, DBaaS databases, and Data API/serverless databases.

The second benefit is the fact that cloud databases are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can build as much or as little database as you need, and the provider will manage the rest. As long as you don’t use a cloud database for more than one website, it should work just fine for you.

Relational database

When choosing a relational database for your website, you should consider a number of factors. The first factor to consider is the expertise of the developer. It is essential to select a database that has a strong level of data integrity to ensure that data is accurate. Another important consideration is the anticipated growth of your organization’s data needs. If the database must accommodate simultaneous access, consider a relational database with high concurrency and integrity.

Relational databases are based on the idea of tables that are connected to each other by keys. For example, if you own a shoe store, you might have two tables containing information about your customers. The first table would contain customer names and shipping addresses. The second table would contain details about the products purchased, their quantity, size, and color. If the customer made an order online, this key would toggle between the two tables.

Relational databases are used for many different purposes. For example, Firefox uses an SQLite database and bank accounts use an Oracle database.

General

Best Internet Security Practices in 2022

Among the best ways to keep your computer safe is to update your software regularly. If there’s a problem with a specific software version, contact IT to have it fixed. In some cases, they can also help with security alerts and upgrades. However, it’s important to understand that even a savvy IT team may not be aware of all the threats to your computer. For example, many data breaches are the result of internal fraud, so organizations need to restrict employee access to customer data.

Cyber attacks are a common occurrence

Hackers are increasingly targeting Western countries in a bid to get access to sensitive data. In January 2022, hackers attacked diplomats of several countries, starting with an email containing malware. The Iranian government announced that the government foiled a cyber intrusion into its system, but the Chinese government has not provided any evidence that this has happened yet.

Most cyber attacks begin with spear phishing emails. This form of social engineering allows attackers to target specific people in a company and craft an email campaign specifically for that person. By 2022, spear phishing will be one of the biggest problems facing the world. Most firms don’t have a good idea of what sensitive information they have on their systems, or how critical it is to the company.

Malware tricks users into believing that their security measures are outdated

Malware is a form of malicious software that targets computers to send email spam, monitor web browsing behavior and display unsolicited advertisements. According to a survey by Osterman Research, there are over 11 million malware variants that can infect a computer. The majority of these malware variants are distributed via hidden downloads from popular websites.

Malware attacks have evolved in recent years. In June 2012, attackers compromised the DDoS mitigation service CloudFlare and exploited AT&T’s voicemail service for mobile users. In July of that same year, a malware attack on Google’s account recovery service affected Gmail users. With an estimated 2 billion smartphone users worldwide, mobile malware is growing rapidly. In fact, in 2012, global malware detections on Android devices increased by 17 times. This growth is a concern for cyber security experts, as recent malware variants like banking Trojan Zeus are being adapted to mobile devices.

Multi-factor authentication strengthens security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a technology that is designed to increase security by using two or more authentication factors. Those factors may include hardware (such as a keycard or cellphone), biometrics (fingerprints, iris scans), and voice recognition. Multi-factor authentication is important because it decreases the risk of data breaches, and it can be an important tool for businesses as well.

Multi-factor authentication strengthens internet security by adding extra layers of protection for the information on a website or service that an unauthorized person cannot access. It is a way to limit access while still maintaining a frictionless experience for users. Organizations often have third-party users that need access to sensitive information, and it can be difficult to keep their network safe when it contains thousands of people using various devices. Multi-factor authentication allows organizations to define which third-party users are allowed to access sensitive data, which can prevent identity theft.

Privileged users can steal sensitive data

Privileged user accounts are the most dangerous types of accounts in the IT world. These accounts give bad actors access to sensitive data and can make it extremely difficult to track them down and protect the data. Such incidents can take months or even years to investigate. When they are discovered, the data has long since been lost or discarded.

Many organizations do not even realize they have privileged users. In some cases, the privileged account is used by an employee who has disgruntled or malicious reasons for breaking the security policy. These users are highly privileged and have access to corporate secrets and intellectual property. This makes them an attractive target for hackers and insiders. In addition, privileged users are easily able to bypass controls that prevent other users from accessing the data.

Setting up a VPN

Setting up a VPN is a great way to protect your privacy while using the internet. It routes all of your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and hides the history of your network from your internet service provider and other third parties. Without a VPN, your ISP can see everything you do online, including the websites you visit, time you spend browsing, and what device you’re using. Unfortunately, many ISPs share much more data with third parties than they should. In a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, it was revealed that many of these companies are sharing much more information than their customers would have believed possible.

Setting up a VPN will also allow you to geo-switch your location without compromising connectivity. For example, if you’re working on a remote project, setting up a VPN will allow you to work in a less-congested region without sacrificing your connection speed. VPNs also allow you to geo-relocate with ease and avoid the most popular regions of the globe.

Encrypting traffic between server and device

It is easy to sniff traffic between servers and devices, and the best way to protect yourself from this is by encrypting the data between them. This is a proven method that will not only keep you safe from hackers, but also help you keep your network running smoothly. To encrypt traffic, you need to use a VPN or other secure network connection. You can also use network mapping tools and perform network behavior anomaly detection to detect sniffers.

Using a captcha to counter spam

While CAPTCHA is important in preventing spam, its limitations make it not a perfect solution. It is easy for bots to circumvent it, and it can be annoying for users. Moreover, it cannot prevent malware or other forms of human fraud. In addition, it can be bypassed by modern AI tools.

As the internet gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, bot activity followed. To combat this problem, CAPTCHAs were invented, with the aim of separating human users from bad bots. The acronym stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. In the early days, these CAPTCHAs simply involved altering text and were highly effective. However, quick advances in computing technology made it possible for bots to decipher text and get around the CAPTCHA

Important Tech Trends

Cloud complexity as a major drawback to mass adoption

Research conducted in early 2022 highlights the main concerns of European IT and security decision makers who are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud models. They believe there is significant room for improvement in their visibility of hybrid and multi-cloud workloads, and see visibility as the key to ensuring high levels of security and better performance.

Advanced network observability is in demand

With cybersecurity at the forefront of business concerns, 50% of respondents now recognise the importance of ‘advanced observability’ of the cloud environment. That is, visibility that provides real-time intelligence at the network level and actionable information to mitigate risk.

While both European and US IT managers see visibility as a key element in strengthening cloud security, European-based organisations ranked visibility of cloud traffic, as well as application access and control of data in motion, between 20 and 30 points higher than their US counterparts.

In addition, 64% of European IT managers have made visibility their number one priority when it comes to building a more secure cloud environment.
Cost and complexity are the two confirmed barriers to cloud migration

The Pulse and Gigamon survey also identified cost and complexity as two major barriers to cloud migration. According to the survey, 78% of European IT managers believe that the high cost of cloud makes it more difficult to migrate workloads and applications.

Other migration issues raised include

Finally, the survey results indicate that IT managers want to streamline their approach to the cloud to ensure security and performance are optimised across multiple cloud environments.

97% of respondents believe that network bottlenecks and complex cloud incident resolution operations slow down migration to hybrid or multi-cloud
99% say teams are not meeting expected application workload SLAs due to the complexity of cloud infrastructures
60% believe that the cost and complexity of cloud infrastructure is reducing the budget that would otherwise be required for investment in other mission-critical applications.

In Europe, 68% of respondents said they prefer to manage the security of their working environments with a single source of visibility across the entire environment, rather than working in silos.

“The cloud is now an integral part of business strategies and the speed of migration has accelerated dramatically. This means that organisations are facing a number of challenges for which they were not prepared and for which they did not necessarily budget,” comments Bertrand de Labrouhe, Sales Director Southern Europe at Gigamon France. “It is very positive to see that companies value visibility as a top priority for cloud security, as well as for performance and cost reduction. Ultimately, an advanced level of observability through an overview of all data in motion has never been more valuable for the continuity and success of business development.

Security

World Backup Day 2022: automate your backups!

Every year more and more data is produced. According to an IDC study, the total amount of data created and consumed worldwide was 64 zettabytes (ZB) in 2020 (or 64,000 billion gigabytes) and could reach more than 180 ZB by 2025! On 31 March 2022, the 14th World Data Backup Day will be held to remind people of the risks of storing their data on a single device. Everyone who owns a computer, smartphone or tablet is encouraged to make a copy of their files on another medium (external hard drive, USB stick, cloud, etc.).

Data backup

Remember that backup consists of making a copy of data in order to preserve it in the event of events that could damage it. Backing up documents is applicable both to active files that are used on a daily basis and to inactive, unmodified documents. Backing up data ensures that it will not be affected if it is lost. It is also strongly recommended to store documents on two different sites.

For most people, World Data Backup Day means that they should pay more attention to the data stored on their electronic devices. Many people already do some form of backup, with an occasional download to a computer and then to a hard drive. And increasingly, backups are made to a cloud that is subscribed to or made available by default by devices or applications.

Most people are only concerned about the integrity and availability of their personal or family data. If it is lost and unrecoverable, it is unfortunate and probably very inconvenient for a while, but rarely will the consequences be catastrophic. For a professional whose job it is to ensure the integrity and availability of the company’s data and digital assets, however, any loss is far more significant. Not having backups of data or being able to recover them can have disastrous consequences, both financially and reputation-wise.

A backup professional works with one or more dedicated backup and recovery products. They must be able to back up any source or platform, ranging from unstructured files and media to structured data in databases such as SAP, SAP HANA or Oracle. It must be possible to back up physical infrastructure and virtualised environments as well as different file systems and operating systems. As storage technologies evolve, the manager is also looking at the possibility of backing up containers and cloud-based applications such as Microsoft 365 Online.

However, the volume of data to be backed up is increasing exponentially and the backup window continues to shrink as businesses need to operate 24/7. Therefore, anything that improves performance is key. For example, if deduplication is available, it can be used to reduce network traffic and conserve storage utilisation. The same goes for block backup. While multi-threading can help manage the many backup jobs that need to be run daily, weekly and monthly. All this contributes to the improvement of the backup.

There are many aspects to consider for a backup product. However, the most important of all is the ability to restore data when needed. It is essential that businesses can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible, even in the event of data loss or corruption.

So, this World Backup Day, it may be worth considering running a full data and systems recovery test. Companies often have a disaster recovery plan in place, but when was the last time it was tested? Testing today to ensure that all daily work is recorded on backups and recoverable when needed may be a good resolution.

Important Tech Trends

Google Chrome notifies you if your password has been stolen

Chrome is one of the most used web browsers in the world, if not the most used. Whether on a computer or smartphone, on Android, Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, or iOS, the browser offers a relatively similar experience on all platforms it is present. A visual experience, on the one hand, but also the protection of users. Chrome provides the possibility to save and enter passwords.

Chrome putting security first

Google has updated the protection tools built into Chrome, including those related to passwords. The main new feature is a message that alerts the user if they have entered their credentials on a site whose security has been compromised. Protection against phishing has also been extended.

However, if the identifiers stored at Google are globally secure, they are not necessarily stored outside Chrome. Two situations are potentially at risk: servers of websites where passwords are stored can be attacked, and websites to which users connect can be fraudulent. Google has an answer to both these problems. Today the Mountain View firm detailed how it plans to improve the safety of Chrome users.

The first interesting element: the security alert. If you have saved a password in Chrome and the security of the website associated with that password has been compromised, Chrome displays an alert inviting the user to check the password and change it. This function was first integrated into the Password Checkup extension. It is now extended to Chrome in the Safe Browsing protection package. Log into Chrome with a Google Account for this to work.

Predictive and real-time protection against phishing

The second interesting element is the predictive detection of phishing sites. To understand the interest of this function, let us recall the rules of phishing. It is a fraudulent site that poses as a legitimate site and invites you to enter your login and password to steal your credentials and usurp your identity (or take a few pennies). Google has a list of sites identified as dangerous or potentially dangerous. When you click on a link to a hazardous site, Chrome protects you from it.

This list is updated every 30 minutes. During this time, new fraudulent sites may appear (or old sites may change their address). And you are exposed. Hence the interest of predictive protection, which identifies potentially dangerous sites according to their behavior. This protection already existed for all Chrome users connected to their accounts and having activated synchronization between devices. It now extends to everyone, even without synchronization. It is especially useful if you connect with a device that does not belong to you (such as a public computer).

General

How to know the performance of a site: website analytics

Monitoring is one of the essential components of any good website project.

Indeed, it is necessary to monitor the performance and results of a website to judge the interest or performance of the actions to be carried out. Today, there are various criteria to observe to carry out proper monitoring. Similarly, there are numerous free tools available to webmasters to monitor their site. We talk to you about all these points in this article dedicated to website monitoring!

Free tools to monitor your website!

One of the main tasks of the digital project manager is to monitor visits to his site. And for that, nothing could be more natural, Google itself provides a free comprehensive monitoring tool: Google Analytics.

Similarly, to control its loading time, Google makes its Google PageSpeed Insight tool available to webmasters, which highlights points for improvement to optimize the loading speed of your site, both on the server and the client side.

However, these free monitoring tools can quickly prove to be limited, and it will then be necessary to subscribe to a paid monitoring software to deepen your website monitoring.

Analytics: an essential component of digital project management!

According to the marketing definition of the term, website monitoring consists of monitoring the accessibility, availability and loading times of the website to access it. The objective of monitoring is therefore to work in such a way as to keep the site accessible and to optimize its operation day after day, particularly in terms of loading time.

To successfully monitor a website, a digital project manager must set up different monitoring tools 24/7. In particular, it must set up alerts in the event of an accessibility problem. It must also perform regular analyses and diagnostics to detect any security breaches or problems related to loading time or database accessibility.

What are the essential criteria to be followed in the context of proper monitoring?

Most often, monitoring consists in detecting and correcting errors that users of a website may encounter. These can be unavailable pages, totally buggy sections of the site, but also infinite loading loops that prevent good navigation on the site.

The server-side response time is also monitored very closely during monitoring, as it can lead to longer loading times on the user side. It is also recommended that companies set up a private hosting solution which, although technical to be set up, allows better management of loading problems than a shared hosting which, in all cases, will cause slowdowns depending on the sites that share the hosting with you.

As you will have understood, website monitoring is an essential component of web project management. Today, there are various tools available at the click of a button to help you define areas for improvement for your website, so take the opportunity to learn about hosting and accessibility issues.

Security

Web Hosting and Data Security: Things to Know

Certain things require the most significant attention when it comes to websites. The most important is “data security.” In the world where we live, the Internet has revolutionized the way we interact with people and do business. However, the Internet is not perfect and, as you may already know, cybercrime is one of the greatest threats we face.

Things haven’t improved in recent years. So, as we said, security is a big issue, and the hosting service you choose will depend on it.

The need for security in web hosting

The Internet is borderless, and anyone can access anything. It is what makes the Internet so exciting and dangerous at the same time. This very open structure makes websites vulnerable to all kinds of security threats, with data breaches being the most significant.

The colossal amount of money is traded every day on the Internet, which means hackers are targeting the most vulnerable sites. You can be sure that once a site is identified as vulnerable, hackers will cross it in no time.

Thus, it becomes a prerogative for website operators and owners to provide the best possible security and this means choosing a reliable web hosting service.

What to look for in a secure web host?

So, what should we prioritize in are we looking for in a web hosting service in terms of security?

Well, here are a few things:

Backup: Does the hosting service offer data backups? Data backup is vital and must be performed regularly. The objective is to ensure that all your data is available even in the event of a security problem. Of course, the data backup can be done on your side. However, it is always useful to have this option when your hosting provider provides it. If so, try to conduct further assessments on the type of data backup systems they use, where the data is stored and how often they are performed.
SFTP: When you upload files to your hosting account, you work with what is called FTP or File Transfer Protocol. However, there is a protocol called SFTP or Secure File Transfer Protocol, which, as you may have realized, offers a safer way to do the same. SFTP provides an additional security layer, which is not available with FTP. Of course, this does not mean that FTP lacks security. It offers safety, but not the one you find with SFTP.
Server support: Your hosting provider must ensure that the server is regularly updated to not only operate efficiently but also to ensure that it provides sufficient security. Find out if your supplier offers a published security protocol that lets you know if you have the latest updates/patches.
SSL: Finally, look for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates. It is the most fundamental component of security, and your hosting provider must offer it. SSL encrypts data transferred from one system to another, preventing other systems in the network from seeing or accessing it. In other words, only the sender and the recipient have access to the data.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article!

Companies

Siteground: A web host everyone is talking about!

Siteground has just celebrated its 10th anniversary! It has been 10 years since former university classmates launched themselves into the accommodation market from their student rooms. And with what success?!

Every day, hundreds of webmasters rely on this company’s hosting services. In total, Siteground already hosts more than 320,000 websites and offers its services in no less than 11 different countries. Data centers are now located in Europe, the US, and Asia. In short, it is possible to host your site where you want it!

The creation of the Siteground host

Siteground is a hosting company founded by Tenko Nikolov. It was during his second year of university that he had the idea of launching an Internet hosting platform at a time when the demanding offers for the general public were not very widespread. Success was quickly achieved as Siteground now employs more than 150 employees and handles more than 1000 customer calls per day. With a critical level of service, Siteground can boast of answering all its customers’ requests in 10 minutes at the most! And yes, you read it right: only 10 minutes!

What are the hosting plans offered?

Siteground offers both hosting services for the general public and more specialized packages for larger companies.

Details of the hosting services offered at SiteGround

Beginner webmasters will be particularly interested in the first pack of the host. The latter is only $3.95 per month. For this price, someone who wants to get started has everything they need: a domain name, 10-gigabyte disk capacity, unlimited traffic, unlimited emails and databases, and a multitude of pre-installed applications.

The Geeks will be able to go further by obtaining 30 Giga disk space, about thirty backup backups per day, including an SSL certificate, all for $14.95.

For more essential needs, in order not to make this ticket too long, we invite you to consult their offers by yourself by visiting their website.

Pro tip

Siteground, thanks to a “fantastico” type interface, allows its customers to pick for free in a series of templates for Joomla, WordPress, Free Mambo, Drupal which are regularly updated. Thus, you can create a site in a few clicks and without knowing anything about it. It is ideal for beginners!

Siteground’s strengths

Siteground’s principal assets are the quality of impeccable service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers adapted to small and large companies. It is no coincidence that this company is winning more and more customers: it is promised a certain future and allows many websites to obtain optimal hosting.

Siteground’s weak points

The rates applied are slightly higher than those of competing companies, but it is a rate that corresponds to an excellent price-quality ratio. The resources are invested in offering customers high-end techniques and processors.

What do Siteground’s customers think?

The customer comments on the Siteground website and those available on Google are quite positive. Siteground is frequently cited as a reliable and fast alternative to the traditional hosting providers available worldwide. The first quality we recognize is the reliability and speed of the servers. The speed with which customer service is provided is also appreciated.

If you are interested, take advantage of Siteground’s offers now, especially since some packs are currently on sale.

Security

10 tips for protecting your data

How to protect your data without leaving it open to hackers? With these tips, you will be able to deal with scams and other computer attacks.

Although the Internet is a public space, the risks are multiple: phishing, intrusion, data theft, software rescue, etc. Unfortunately, there are still some Internet users who underestimate the consequences of such acts or the value of their data.

To prevent hackers from facilitating access to your data, follow these tips:

1. Create a secure password

And, above all, avoid having the same password in all your accounts, messaging.
So forget your birthday, your pet’s name, etc.

Define long passwords (at least 12 characters), mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.

2. Update your operating system

As well as all your security software such as your antivirus, personal firewall, etc..

3. Check the wifi key of your box

By default, ISPs offer a WEP key, but it is the least secure key.

To increase the security of your data, select a WPA 2 key.

To modify your password, access the configuration of your wifi box from your account.

4. Remember to make a backup copy of your data

No one is immune to computer problems, theft, data loss or rescue.

Back up reasonably regularly to an external hard drive or USB memory stick.

5. Beware of hyperlinks

Don’t click too quickly on links, even those that are familiar to you.

Phishing is a typical example of this type of risk,

It consists of deceiving the Internet user by encouraging him to click on malicious links in an email.

A solution: enter the address of the link in the address bar of your browser.

6. Beware of email attachments

Be alert, even if they come from friends or people you trust.

Beware of the following extensions:.pif;.com;.bat;.exe;.vbs;.lnk

7. Avoid using your online administrator account

If hacked, the cyberpirate will have full control of the user machine.

Therefore, to minimize the risks, prefer a user account.

8. Avoid giving out personal information

On the Internet, you are not anonymous, so be careful about distributing private information.

Avoid providing confidential data in forums or on sites that do not offer all the required guarantees.

The advice: consult the protocol https:// at the beginning of the web address and the presence of a small padlock.

It means that your website is secure and certified, otherwise, in case of doubt, it is better to abstain.

9. Use an antivirus and/or firewall

An updated operating system doesn’t mean you’re safe from viruses.

The safer your computer, the more difficult it will be for malicious people to access your data.

The function of the firewall is to limit incoming and outgoing connections.

10. Caution with known shippers

The email address of your contacts can be retrieved to send you emails with malicious links.

Pay particular attention to the way in which they are expressed, to spelling errors.

Be careful, if the email contains an attachment and be careful with the presence of hypertext links.

With these controls, which are very easy to implement, it is possible to protect your data with a minimum of knowledge and avoid many concerns for your privacy.

Have you already implemented these tips? Or will you do it quickly?

Security, Web Hosting

5 Tips to Have a Secure Web Hosting in 2018

The world of hosting is something complex but necessary. It’s what helps the system to be able to store any type of information, files or content over the internet. Sometimes, it brings certain complications like threats to your server and more, so here are some tips to have a secure web hosting in 2018:

JavaScript Coding

JavaScript is a programmer that many computer servers have, and to avoid any danger, you must code it. This is necessary and indispensable, in addition to trying to clean any website entry that you’re going to use.

Effective Passwords

Try to put complex passwords, so you provide security to your server. In order to do this, you should avoid using any common words, family names or specific dates. It’s best to try to combine upper and lower case letters with signs, numbers, and symbols.

Error Reports

Many servers have an error reporting tool, which collects any information automatically. Therefore, experts recommend for you to disable this tool in case you are not cleaning any website.

Unreliable Applications

This is always an alarm that shows up with the use of certain pages. To avoid this, there are websites codes that you need to check and verify that it’s safe to use. Besides, you should also try to clean any type of third party application.

Secure Hosting

You must try to use the most secure hosting in the world of computing in order to provide greater security and protection to your server. This will not guarantee a server free of dangers, but it guarantees greater efficiency.

Script attacks, weak countersigns, falsification of requests or even a very common one is the possession of an unsafe host. Following these tips without hesitation, you can get rid of this type of issues that could be damaging your hosting website service.

Companies, Web Hosting

The 5 Best Web Hosting Service Companies to Consider in 2024

Having in mind that to catch peoples’ attention it is necessary to have the right tools, you should know which web hosting services work best for you when making a website. Whether it may be bloggers or corporations, they all can find something of their liking here, so here’s a list of the 10 best web hosting service companies to consider in 2024.

GoDaddy

I’m sure you have seen this add on TV. This web hosting service is available in many languages all over the world, and little by little is getting more recognition thanks to its advertisements and reliability. Dedicating their time entirely to its clients, it works 24/7 and supports both Windows and Linux. Also, with its WordPress-like interface, it is very user-friendly. All this for only $1.00

DreamHost

As what we dream gets stored in our memory, based on its name, DreamHost Web Hosting offers you high-security features to store your information. With extensive domain-management tools, feel free to create your website the way you like it. Also, cloud hosting offers you the guarantee to have your money back if expectations aren’t met. Its price starts at $2.59.

HostGator

With a diverse set of hosting plans, created to meet the customers’ needs, excellent sharing options, and a great uptime (the time where it will work alongside you), HostGator truly helps you host your website. Pay $2.64 and be ready to let HostGator help you run your site.

TMD Hosting

The beauty and variety seen in WordPress are also seen in this hosting service to make your website look really pretty. With cloud-based support, good service, and uptime, TMD is a nice pick, especially if you are familiar with WordPress. $2.95 is the price to pay for this extremely user-friendly web hosting service.

A2 Hosting

Probably the most expensive but most ambitious web hosting service on this list, A2 Hosting goes all out when it comes to getting its work done. The price to pay is $3.92, but don’t worry, a refund plan is provided in case things do not go as planned.

And there you have it, the 5 best web hosting service companies to consider in 2018. Out of these five, there is surely one to meet your needs.

Web Hosting

Web Hosting Services – 4 Tips to Know Which One is Right for You

Creating a website is just the first step. Ensuring it remains secure, accessible, and performs well for visitors is equally crucial. Here are five essential tips to help you select the ideal web hosting service for your needs in 2024.

1. Assess Your Compatibility Requirements

Modern websites need to function seamlessly across a wide range of devices and operating systems. When choosing a web host, consider:

Cross-platform compatibility: Ensure your site works well on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Mobile responsiveness: With mobile traffic dominating, choose a host that supports mobile-optimized websites.
Browser compatibility: Test your site on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Look for hosting providers that offer tools and technologies to support responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.

2. Prioritize Security Features

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount. When evaluating hosting providers:

SSL certificates: Ensure your host offers free SSL certificates for HTTPS encryption.
Malware scanning and removal: Look for built-in security tools to detect and eliminate threats.
DDoS protection: Choose a provider with robust defenses against Distributed Denial of Service attacks.
Regular backups: Automatic daily backups can save you from data loss disasters.
Two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your hosting account.

Remember, a secure host not only protects your data but also builds trust with your visitors.

3. Understand Bandwidth and Storage Needs

Bandwidth and storage requirements vary greatly depending on your website’s content and traffic. Consider:

Scalable plans: Choose a host that allows you to easily upgrade as your site grows.
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Some hosts offer integrated CDNs to improve global performance.
Unmetered bandwidth: For high-traffic sites, this can be more cost-effective than pay-per-GB plans.
SSD storage: Solid-state drives offer faster performance than traditional hard drives.

Analyze your current and projected needs to avoid overpaying or facing performance issues due to insufficient resources.

4. Evaluate Reliability and Uptime Guarantees

Your website needs to be accessible 24/7. When assessing hosting reliability:

Uptime guarantees: Look for providers offering at least 99.9% uptime.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Check the compensation offered for downtime.
Server locations: Choose a host with data centers near your primary audience for faster load times.
Load balancing: This feature distributes traffic across multiple servers for improved reliability.
Redundancy: Ensure the host has backup systems in place to prevent single points of failure.

Remember, even small amounts of downtime can significantly impact your site’s reputation and revenue.

5. Consider Support and Management Options

The level of support and management tools can make a big difference in your hosting experience:

24/7 customer support: Look for providers offering round-the-clock assistance through multiple channels.
Self-service tools: User-friendly control panels like cPanel or Plesk can simplify management tasks.
Managed hosting: For less technical users, managed plans can handle updates, security, and optimization.
Developer-friendly features: If you’re tech-savvy, look for SSH access, Git integration, and staging environments.
Knowledge base: A comprehensive library of tutorials and FAQs can help you solve issues independently.

Choose a host that aligns with your technical expertise and willingness to manage server-related tasks.

By carefully considering these five factors – compatibility, security, resources, reliability, and support – you’ll be well-equipped to choose a web hosting service that meets your needs and helps your website thrive in 2024 and beyond. Remember, the right host can be a valuable partner in your online success, providing the foundation for a fast, secure, and reliable web presence.

What Is a Technical SEO Audit?

Key Elements of a Technical SEO Audit

1. Crawlability and Indexability

2. Site Speed and Core Web Vitals

3. Mobile-Friendliness

4. Structured Data and URL Architecture

5. Security and Protocols

6. Database Optimization and Code Efficiency

Tools and Methodologies for a Successful Audit

Actionable Insights and Best Practices

Conclusion

Understanding the OOM Score

Adjusting the OOM Score

Practical Example: Protecting the MySQL Server

Considerations and Best Practices

Conclusion

The Rise of Chatbot Technology

Key Benefits for Local Businesses

1. 24/7 Customer Service

2. Personalized Customer Experiences

3. Streamlined Operations

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

Lead Generation and Qualification

Implementing Chatbots: Best Practices for Local Businesses

The Future of Chatbots for Local Businesses

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Vertex AI Agent Builder Overview

Key Features of AI Agent Builder

Enhancing AI Agent Performance

AI Adoption in APAC

Key Takeaways

Global Developer Activity Trends

UK Developer Insights

Innovation Graph Metrics

Functionality and Impact

Key Takeaways

Regularly Patch Vulnerabilities

Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

Implement Layered Defenses

Collaborate With Industry Peers

The Importance of a Database

Step 1: Defining the Purpose

Step 2: Identifying the Data

Step 3: Structuring the Data

Step 4: Establishing Relationships

Step 5: Normalising the Data

Step 6: Implementing Constraints

Step 7: Creating Indexes

Step 8: Prioritising Data Security

Step 9: Planning for Backup and Recovery

Step 10: Documenting the Database Design

Conclusion

Table of Contents

Understanding Databases

Types of Databases

Benefits of Utilising Database Software

Criteria for Selecting the Best Database Software

Top-Ranking Databases

Which Database is Easiest to Use?

In Conclusion

Embracing the cutting-edge potential of OpenAI’s generative AI technology

Unveiling the Power of Copilot

The Advent of Targeted Advertising within Copilot

In Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Public role

Default role

Cloud database

Relational database

Cyber attacks are a common occurrence

Malware tricks users into believing that their security measures are outdated

Multi-factor authentication strengthens security

Privileged users can steal sensitive data

Setting up a VPN

Encrypting traffic between server and device

Using a captcha to counter spam

Advanced network observability is in demand

Other migration issues raised include

Data backup