Pakistani Hackers deface websites : online fight continues !!

Well, after the Mumbai Terrorist attack, see whats next on the rivalry ....

Dont guess too much, its the web that is the new platform to fight.
Yes, there is the internet, www and the websites on the attack list.

See what happens when an intelligent brain turns to the negative side , the hackers are great programmers , intellectuals but in a wrong direction.

A news about Indo-Pak online hacking activities is here:

Indian and Pakistani hackers have once again taken politics to the web, hacking and defacing web sites in the two countries.

A group believed to be composed of Indian hackers took control of the Web site of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Ratlam, a government-run school in Madhya Pradesh state of North India, after the site was hacked by a pro-Pakistani group.

The Indian hackers left a message on the web site for the site owner, stating that the site had been hacked by Pakistani hackers, but is now under the control of Indian hackers. The message also advised the site owner to fix the site.

India and Pakistan have a long feud over the disputed territory of Kashmir which is partially under Indian control. This dispute has spilled over into online communities, Web sites, discussion groups, and social networking sites like Google's Orkut.

The Press Trust of India, a news agency in India, reported Wednesday that a number of government-run Web sites in India and Pakistan had been defaced since mid-November, as hackers from both countries try to score points.

Source: Yahoo News

Google's Search based keyword tool

Very less known Google's Search based keyword tool.

Those we are familiar with Overture ( Yahoo Search inventory tool) find this a bit similar (yet modified version). There are a lot of ideas one can get about keywords, related terms, stemming of keywords in SEO and also the relevant paid keywords per page / site.

With category based suggestions, Google's new kewyword search tool takes a digg at Hitwise, the industry leader in competition analysis.

For Search Marketers:

If you login to your AdWords account, you can explore a full list of keyword ideas customized to your website (typically excluding those already in your account).

The Search-based Keyword Tool provides keyword ideas:

* Based on actual Google search queries
* Matched to specific pages of your website with your ad and search share
* New to your Adwords account (typically excluding keywords matching those already in your account)

What is the Search-based Keyword Tool?
The Search-based Keyword Tool generates keyword and landing page ideas highly relevant and specific to your website. In doing so, the tool helps you identify additional advertising opportunities that aren't currently being used in your AdWords ad campaigns.

Based on your URLs, the Search-based Keyword Tool displays a list of relevant user queries that have occurred on Google.com (and on other Google search properties, such as google.co.uk) with some frequency over the past year; these suggestions can be found under the Keywords tab, in the New keywords related to (site) section. In the Keywords related to your search section, you can see a broad list of keyword ideas that are also relevant, but aren't necessarily based on your site.

How does the Search-based Keyword Tool differ from the Keyword Tool in AdWords?

The main difference between the Search-based Keyword Tool and the Keyword Tool currently in AdWords is that the former generates keyword ideas based on your website, and identifies those currently not being used in your AdWords account. Additionally, the Search-based Keyword Tool provides more detailed data for each keyword, such as category information, suggested bid that may place the ad in the top three spots of a search results page, and ad/search share. Both tools, however, offer the option of browsing all keywords across all categories.

How does the Search-based Keyword Tool generate its keyword ideas?

The Search-based Keyword Tool compares your website and current AdWords campaigns against actual, past Google search queries to identify additional keywords that might be relevant for your campaigns. The tool compiles a list of search queries relevant to your website that don't already appear in your AdWords campaigns.

With access to the actual terms your potential customers are using when they search Google for your products, you may have a better chance of reaching your target audience.

Does the tool take into account various keyword matching types before recommending keywords?

Yes. When compiling keyword suggestions, the tool takes into consideration exact, phrase, and broad matched keywords in your AdWords account, as well as negative keywords. By default, the tool is enabled to show you partially matched keywords as part of its list of ideas. This means that the tool will show you keywords that partially match broad match or expanded match keywords that may already be in your AdWords account.

For example, if you've designated tennis shoe as a broad match keyword within your AdWords account, the Search-based Keyword Tool may suggest tennis sports shoe.

You can choose not to show partially matched keywords by clicking + More filters and unchecking the box next to Partial matches to keywords in my account.

Is there a way I can see the top keywords across all categories - and not just those related to my website?

Yes. From the starting page (where you either chose your website from the drop-down menu or typed in a different website), click the Or see top keywords across all categories link at the bottom. You'll then be able to search for specific keywords or browse by category. Whether you search or browse, the results will encompass the top 800 most-commonly used keywords.

Get a full idea and start doing research at Google's search based keyword tool

Points to be noted:
1. Please also note that the Search-based Keyword Tool is currently in beta, efforts are going on to develop and improve its features to offer you even more functionality.
2. Google DOES NOT guarantee that these keywords will improve your campaign performance. They reserve the right to disapprove any keywords you add. You are responsible for the keywords you select and for ensuring that your use of the keywords does not violate any applicable laws.

Google Logo and Ruth Kedar

Do you recognize this logo ?

Well sounds silly, as most of us know the most of the Google story, about the founders, about the Google Culture, innovation labs, new products and rivals and recently heard of some job layoff rumours too :)

But do you know about Ruth Kedar ?

Ruth Kedar could have been a rich woman today. Ten years ago at Stanford University, two students asked her to create logo for their new company.

Unlike other start-up companies at the time - which offered shares in exchange for such services - these entrepeneuers believed in their company and insisted on paying for the design.

Kedar designed the logo and moved on. The two students also moved on, and while the names Larry Page and Sergey Brin may not be known to everyone, there are very few people who have not heard of their company, Google.

The logo itself has become one of the symbols of the modern Internet age.

Read the full story here

Google Search ranking : Looking forward

I found a nice and informative interview on Webpronews, its regarding Google Page ranking - latest trends and also the forthcoming universal search in 2009.

----------------
WebProNews' Mike McDonald caught up with Matt Cutts of Google at the Hofbrau Haus in Las Vegas during PubCon to get his views on a number of topics.

Is Ranking Dead?
Matt Cutts

Cutts said, "I'm not sure I would say ranking is dead but it's not as important as it used to be. The fact is the smart SEOs are not just necessarily looking at the rankings. They are looking at conversion, they are looking at their server log. It's great if you're ranking for a phrase but unless that leads to sales that doesn't help you very much."

"The challenge is not to pay so much attention to ranking, pay attention to traffic, pay attention to conversions and keep building good content and don't worry about 'can I show people that I rank number one for my trophy phrase.'"

Subdomains

There is no real advantage to using Subdomains. If you have a lot of Subdomains that can be a lot of work. You don't want to overdo it. Really it's what ever is easiest for you.

Read the full story here

Google SMS new for India

Google has launched it "interactive" mobile sms service in India making the first entry in the big and ever growing telecom adversting with a big brand.



With Google SMS, all you can do is :

A powerful google search for getting cricket scores, Indian Railways train schedules & ticket status, horoscopes, movie showtimes, restaurant information etc ...all through SMS on your phone.
How does it work?
All you have to do is send your search query by SMS to 9-77-33-00000 and in return you will get the optimized search results back by SMS immediately.

Works with all SMS enabled mobile devices including GSM/CDMA mobile operator networks are supported (Aircel, Airtel, BPL, BSNL, Idea, Reliance, Spice, Tata, Vodafone).

Not only in India, Google US also have similar help options for mobile visitors.

It works like this in US :

From local business listings to stock quotes, you can get the information you're looking for with Google SMS.

Simply text message your search query to 466453 ("GOOGLE" on most devices) and we'll text message back your results.

For a list of useful shortcuts and tips, text message "help" to 466453 ("GOOGLE").

Whats the hidden thing?

Apparently there are no premium charges for this service, only the cost of sending a standard SMS. Incoming messages from Google are not charged as other sms's .

Google SMS will return results using your saved location if no location is specified.

Whats there that Google was too much interested in this service? well think about the online searches data , the targetted visitors that the advertisers will get ...

For India there might be a little challenge as most advertisers still prefer the print and television to internet and mobile, but change has to come some day and this is an opportunity for Search Engine Marketers , online ad gurus to capitalize on and yes for SEO's who will target the mobile search more seriously.

There are no limitations to what Google can touch, its personal with mobile, official with sms, social service too :)

More info can be found out here Google SMS

Jerry Yang 's blog comments on his exit from Yahoo!

Jerry Yong, the former CEO of Yahoo.com who has recently put down papers, has a lot to say about the reasons, the experience he gathered since finding Yahoo! on his blog.

He is such a great person, I wish him all the best for his future endeavor.

Have a look at what he said :

As you’ve no doubt already read, I’ve decided that I will step down from my role as Chief Executive Officer after my successor has been selected.

Ever since founding Yahoo! with David Filo 13 years ago, I’ve been passionate about this company, its brand, its employees, and the millions of people around the world who consider it their online home. That’s why I accepted the Board’s request to become CEO in June 2007, taking on the challenge of transforming Yahoo! at a time when the industry was evolving quickly and we needed to rethink and restructure our business.

And despite the tough external environment that we face, I truly believe we’ve made tangible progress in bringing our strategic vision to life. Most significantly, we’ve rewired our entire network to create a Yahoo! that has opened its doors to outside publishers and developers. We’ve launched an advertising platform that we think will transform how ads are bought and sold online. And we’ve continued to grow our audience –- standing first or second in more than 20 product categories and demonstrating that Yahoo! is the place users turn for major events like the Olympics and the Elections.

The complete post is here

Gmail launches new colors and themes

Gmail seems to be too fast with the updates, thanks to Google Labs.
After successful launch of the video chat ( voice enabled) functionality to Gmail, morning today greets all the gmail visitors with new colors and themes.


Yes be surprised with the new updates, all credit goes to the people behind the scene working hard on customer feedback and suggestions.

Now you can customize your email experience with Gmail in the most beautiful way of colors , themes as per your wish.

There are 30+ theme options to choose from, all of them wonderful. I expect Gmail got this idea from the Orkut theme change option , must be a tried success formula and set to apply in all Google properties.The location selection option helps in selecting the factors based on your city and country.

Google : Gmail powered with Video Chat Service , New!

Google has embedded a new feature in its Gmail interface, this is Video, yes and you are right, another blow to the popular Yahoo! messenger. + you can voice chat too

Features with the new Gmail Videochat :

* Chat more ways than ever from within Gmail
* Look and sound your best with high quality audio and video
* Get started easily -- all you need is a webcam

Here is How it works:

Installing is easy, just download the 476 Kb exe file and hit run ( enter key !!)



The interface reminds something like plugin from Skype ( an ebay entity) and some may still think why they want to install skype if they already have ?

The innovative video chat is not available on Gtalk, strange , isnt it?

Gmail voice and video chat incorporates Vidyo technology which is covered under pending U.S. and foreign patent applications.

Previously when Google has introduced the gmail with buddy lists on the left column to check and interact with friends without installing the Gtalk software, everyone including Yahoo! and rediffmail followed the leader.

Lets see if the history repeats itself.

Microsoft Sun Partnership for Search!

Microsoft has tied up with Sun Microsystems for search toolbar.

Here is the complete news from Reuters:

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Monday that it reached a Web search deal with Sun Microsystems Inc, the latest partnership struck by Microsoft aimed at chipping away at the dominance of Google Inc.

As part of this agreement, users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser who download Sun's Java technology platform will be given the option to also download the MSN Toolbar from where users can directly access the company's search engine.

Earlier this year, Microsoft also reached an agreement with Hewlett-Packard Co, the world's largest personal computer maker, to place a toolbar on new PCs in the United States and Canada starting in January.

"This deal will expose Live Search to millions more Internet users and drive increased volume for our search advertisers," said Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of the Online Audience Business at Microsoft, in a statement.

Striking distribution deals are one part of Microsoft's strategy to close the gap on market leader Google. Microsoft said competition for these types of deals is intense and that the company had to outbid several rivals for the Sun deal.

Sun said the Java platform sits on more than 800 million personal computers around the world, or on 91 percent of Internet-connected PCs worldwide. The Java Runtime Environment is downloaded tens of millions times every month, Sun said.

Google's U.S. Web search market share reached 63 percent in August versus a 19.6 percent for Yahoo Inc and 8.3 percent for Microsoft, according to comScore.

Source : Reuters