Author: Peter Hartman

Today we are hearing a lot about cloud computing and what a wonderful revelation it is supposed to be. Let us clear up the doubts and inconsistencies and see whether or not it is for us.

The Cloud

In short; “the cloud” is a metaphor for the Internet derived from how the Internet has been long depicted in network diagrams such as Figure 1 below. The basic idea of the cloud is that users are able to connect to service providers and through them other users in a transparent manner without the knowledge of or even the need to know about the complexities of the underlying architecture and technologies that make the information technology services accessed and used by users possible.

Cloud Computing Services

Cloud style computing delivers IT-related capabilities “as a service”. Thus users are able to access information technology enabled services by way of the Internet (“the cloud”) without any expertise or knowledge needed on the user's part.

Generally all control over; or administrative interaction with, the technologies and infrastructure required to deliver and support the “cloud services” on offer for end-user accessibility and the functionalities provided to the end-user by the said information technologies and infrastructure as “services in the cloud” are managed by “the cloud services” provider rather than by “the cloud services” clients. This is a double-edged sword with an upside and a downside that I will detail shortly but for now remember that not every “cloud” has a silver lining.

The Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) state that “Cloud computing is a paradigm in which information is permanently stored in servers on the Internet and cached temporarily on clients that include desktops, entertainment centers, table computers, notebooks, wall computers, handhelds, etc.".

Cloud Computing Components

Think of cloud computing as a generally abstract concept incorporating such technologies as Software-as-a-Service (S-a-a-S), the whole plethora of technologies referred to under the umbrella of Web 2.0 functionalities and other mature and emerging technology trends that all rely heavily upon the Internet to deliver the communications channels between users and processing facilities and data centers in order to satisfy the computing needs of end-users.

A well known example of the “cloud computing” philosophy is Google Apps, which provides common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on Internet connected servers. You could say that in the strictest sense the Google search facility is a “cloud computing service”.

Cloud Computing and Google Search

Google uses automated bots called “spiders” to crawl the Internet. These spiders transmit information; back to Google's data center, about the web pages that they have crawled. This information is then processed, classified and indexed by Google using a weighted relevance algorithm so that whenever a user requests information regarding any particular topic Google can look up their cached index database and return hopefully relevant links to the inquiring user.

Pre-Indexing - The reason that it all works so fast is that the scanning (crawling) and indexing of the Internet has already been done and all Google's software need do is look up a referential database for associated links to the specified query parameters.

Performance - A big part of the Google speed magic is delivered by knowing that all they are required to deliver to the searcher is the first page of related topic headers, summaries and links. If the searcher requires more than they will be compiled and delivered to the user's browser as and when requested.

The Laws of Processing - Using the basic processing law that “the information that you are most likely to need to process next is that which you have just processed” Google builds lists based on what they call page-rank.

The Cloud Factor - Where does cloud computing come into all of this you may well ask? The answer is that; as depicted in Figure 2 the Internet is used as the communications channel by a user to request a service (search) from a transparently Internet connected search service provider (Google) in real time.

• User sends search query request via the Internet to the transparently Internet connected search service provider (Alta Vista, Craig's List, Yahoo or Google as in this case)
• The search service provider (Google in this case) performs some processing on the users behalf (searches their database index)
• Additional processing of the retrieved query results is performed by the search service provider to ensure that that the results are presented in a format that the user can use (browser and application specific)
• The results (the first page of relevant links) are then transmitted via the Internet (the cloud) to the user and the search results are stored in cache by the search service provider ready for additional access should that be required
• The user receives the results from the cloud and they are displayed in the format requested by the user (on-screen or printed etc). The user; if satisfied with the results returned may end the service at this point or if not yet satisfied request additional search query processing from the search service provider (Google once again) via the Internet.

So you see that using Google Search meets all the requirements necessary for this to be classified as “cloud computing”. As shown in Figure 2 above the Internet “cloud” is the communications medium and the requesting processes, signal transmission and routing, Google's data center request processing, results compilation and search results transmission back to the requesting user via the Internet all take place transparently without the user's knowledge or any control over the information technology systems involved in their successful search query. In a nutshell this is Cloud Computing.

Cloud Architectures and Infrastructures

Decentralized Models - Today we find that some successful cloud computing architectures have very little truly centralized infrastructure or billing systems. Examples here include Peer-to-Peer networks like BitTorrent and Skype along with “volunteer” computing implementations such as SETI@home.

Centralized Models - Other cloud computing implementations such as the Google search and Google Apps scenarios outlined above are patterned around a distributed centralized computing infrastructure.

Distributed Centralized Processing Model - Centralized because centrally located servers perform the processing and distributed since multiple processing facilities are incorporated into the production environment implementation.

The reasons for adopting a distributed centralized infrastructure are to provide for greater resiliency, scalability and redundancy of assets with the objective of eliminating potential single-point-of-failure scenarios.

This usually involves multiple ultra high-speed links to the Internet backbone for each such facility thereby reducing the impact of a single link failure bringing the entire cloud computing facility and its services down.

We must bear in mind that the majority of cloud computing services consist of reliable services delivered from state-of-the-art “green” data centers designed and built on compute (processing) and storage virtualization technologies. Not surprisingly blade centers and traditional rack mount systems in clusters play a leading role.

Anywhere Accessibility - Having services, applications and data available and accessible from anywhere and everywhere on the global stage with the Internet cloud acting as a single point of access for all of the computing needs of a group or many groups of large numbers of users is one of the primary benefits promised by the cloud computing model. Only time will tell as to whether or not this is delivered by cloud computing providers to the satisfaction of customers.

Commercial Cloud Computing Implementations

From a commercial perspective the cloud computing service provider; such as a web hosting service, will need to meet some very demanding and widely varied metrics requirements including Quality-of-Service (QoS) that will need specific and custom service level agreements (SLAs) far different to the majority of those we have seen in the past.

Open Standards - In these regards open standards (don't forget that the Internet owes its success to being an open standard) and open source software have a lot to offer and may well prove to be the critical factors in the successful growth and deployment scenarios for the cloud computing world in the years ahead.

Reduced Capital Expenditure - Because customers of cloud computing service providers are not burdened with the fiscal outlays; that would normally accompany the rollout of new information technologies and their supporting infrastructure, they can budget their costs as a consumable service utility.

This means that they will pay for what they use in very much the same way as we pay for other utilities such as water, power and gas etc. There is also no need to overspend in order to make provision for peak and seasonal demands.

This is an area which costs business considerably as a recent Forester research report has shown that most companies use only 10% of their computing resources 95% of the time with public holidays and the Christmas period being the exceptions to standard usage patterns. With many businesses so reliant on this peak trade to ensure year-long viability they have no choice but to plan for the exception rather than the rule. “Make hay while the sun shines” is the modus operandi behind this type of strategy.

Utility and Subscription Billing Models - It is no surprise to find that many cloud computing offerings have indeed adopted the utility model and have tailored their services and billing structures accordingly. Yet another variation on this theme is the subscription model which charges customers on a subscription basis.

Both models have the own structural strengths and weaknesses and will probably co-exist side-by-side rather than directly compete head-to-head as it were. This latter prospect is given weight by the fact that some of the largest players in the cloud computing service provider game (Microsoft, IBM, HP, Google, Yahoo and Amazon.com) do in fact offer both billing structures to their clients.

Improved Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness - The sharing of computing resources among multiple “tenants” is one of the easiest to implement of all strategies to deliver greatly improved asset and resources utilization rates. This means that servers do what they were designed and built to do; that is to serve and have very little idle time. More bangs for your processing buck.

The resultant and significant savings in facility running costs are augmented by improvements in the speed of application development. Because customers do not have to engineer for peak loads dramatic improvements in computer capacity can be readily delivered.

Increased High-Speed Bandwidth - The central technologies that are making all this distributed centralized cloud computing a realistic and viable choice and hence its rapid uptake by business and consumers alike are the networking technologies that have recently delivered massive increases and capabilities at relatively minimal fiscal investments.

Improvements in fiber optic transmission media and 10 Gigabit Ethernet in combination deliver ultra high-speed bandwidth capabilities that make it possible to receive the same degree of agility and rapid response times from centralized infrastructure at all geographically dispersed sites.

It no longer matters which distributed centralized facility you connect with. The service response and delivery will be of the same high speed standard anywhere and everywhere. Nor does it matter from which of a client's facilities the cloud computing services are accessed from.

This latter point seems to have had the most influence since branch offices can now have head office transmission and processing capabilities and performance. A fact not lost on the corporate world.

Cloud Computing Providers

Players in the cloud computing service provision game include the likes of Amazon, Google, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP and Yahoo!

Cloud Computing Users

Some of the early adopters of cloud computing services include individuals and small organizations through to very large conglomerates such as: General Electric, L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Valeo and the WWE.

It must be noted that traditional ISPs are not dragging the chain and are getting in on the cloud computing service provision industry in a big way. Tier 1 ISPs do after all have a huge advantage in that they already have, own or have peering agreements in place concerning the Internet backbone and IP Transit arrangements other would-be players will need to negotiate.

As already noted web hosting services are a major component of current cloud computing implementations and will undoubtedly grow exponentially as Web 2.0 and all its additional user capabilities become the true de facto standard for the Internet and websites in particular.

Reduced Control

It must be noted that the user of cloud computing services is for the large part totally dependent upon the cloud computing service provider for such administrative responsibilities as data security, backup, disaster planning and recovery, encryption, accessibility, authentication, regulation and many regulatory requirements. Data sanitization once data stored in a cloud computing environment has passed its user's use by date is another concern.

Security Concerns

In general; the security aspects of a cloud computing service are primarily the concern and prerogative of the cloud computing service provider. All would-be customers should check very thoroughly the proposed providers intended operating procedures and practices as well as their track record in these regards.

It is very hard for the customer to verify the actual current security practices and implemented initiatives of a cloud computing service provider because the customer generally has no access to the provider's facility which can be comprised of multiple facilities spread around the globe.

There can be little doubt that the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that the customer of cloud computing services will need to negotiate with their prospective cloud computing services provider will for the reasons outlined above take on greater importance than has often been the case with Help Desk type SLAs in the past. Whether the cloud computing services provider develops a range of SLAs themselves or their prospective clients develop them remains to be seen.

What is clear is that the metrics of such SLAs do need to be very clearly detailed with clear and precise delineation of roles and responsibilities regarding a broad range of potential eventualities. It might pay to get the lawyers in on this one.

An online site that allows you to earn money from content you submit. You can choose to be paid via PayPal, to receive a check by mail, or to receive a Western Union money transfer. This site is great, especially if you are one who finds themselves with a flurry of information you wish you could share with your online community.

Prizerebel

This site in particular might be better suited for all you gamers out there. If you play an online game and find yourself wanting to enroll in a membership, but don't want to risk putting your personal information (such as credit card info.) on the web, this site will help. fill out simple surveys and receive credit points. once you earn a certain amount of those points you will be able to claim your prize, wether it be a game card which you could use to gain membership to a number of online games, or (if you earn enough points) larger prizes such as mp3 players and game systems. check this site out.

Cashlagoon

This site, is in many ways similar to that of price rebel in terms of what is needed in order to claim prizes; however this site offers direct payment to your paypal account if that is the payment option you chose.

AWSurveys

A site that allows you to earn money based on how many sites you review. Although the amount of sites they post for review are minimal, you can still gain money by referring friends to this site while you wait for their database to find you more sites to review.

uLinkx

uLinkx distinctively helps you Earn Money by sharing your playlist and videos. The more you share your collected videos and playlist, the more you Earn Money. It goes on the simple rule of you share your playlist/videos with your friends and we will share the revenue with you. In essence, you provide your google adsense client id and we will start displaying google ads using your information.

Imagine you are looking for information, there are many stuffs to review. You have no time to waste in the Internet. Maybe, you are looking for documents for your work, homework or your doctoral thesis. There are documents that have many pages, how can you review too information using less time? I will share with you some tricks to look for information in the Internet:

Search engines

There are many search engines that you can use to look for documents in the Internet. The most known are Google, AlltheWeb, Yahoo and MSN. Use more than one search engine. Use more than one and less than five key words to search for the information you are looking for. Do not look more than the first ten pages that you found using the search engines. The next pages have repetitive information, and make you to waste time.

Pages found using search engines and HTML text documents

The most "saving-time" command that you need to know is the command FIND using edit menu or CTRL+ F, the quick form. This command works similar in web browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and  Google Chrome. For example, if you write on the browser of your search engine the topic that you want to find and hit enter key, you can read a summary of every title. If you find some title worthy, open it up, hit command CTRL+ F, write a phrase or key words in the command browser. Also you can highlight, all the part in the document with that phrase or key words. Read the pieces of the documents near the highlighted words. In this way you can decide, if you continue reading or go to another document. You can use this method for documents in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Open-office, etc.

PDF documents

You can use the same method for PDF documents and use CTRL+ F command. If you use Adobe Reader to open a document is useful the command SHIFT+CTRL+F. It opens a bar that allows to see all the result of your search and easily navigate into the document. Also, if you have several PDF documents saved in your computer, you can review several documents at the same time.

These tips are applied to editable text documents. Documents saved like images are difficult to review quickly. If you did not find editable text documents with the information that you are looking for, then check non-editable text documents, read index, titles and references. In this way, you can evaluate quick any document. Sometimes there are important information in these documents.

I hope that these tips will be useful for you. And always remember that "Time is money"

The term “cyber espionage” was first coined by the Department of Defense to characterize methods used by opposing countries such as China and Russia to breach its top secret networks for the purpose of stealing U.S. military or government secrets. However, due to recent evidence regarding the emergence of a number of breaches at U.S. research labs and targeted phishing campaigns against corporations located in the U.S. and abroad, cyber espionage is breaking new ground at an alarming pace.

Today, economic gain appears to be the number one motivating factor for new and seasoned cyber criminals, followed by companies seeking to gain a competitive advantage, and a variety of amateur hackers targeting large companies looking to establish a reputation and bragging rights. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, corporate espionage costs the world’s 1,000 largest companies in excess of $45 billion every year and the SANS Institute ranks cyber espionage number 3 on it’s “Top Ten Cyber Menaces for 2008”. If fifty percent of corporate espionage was indeed perfected by utilizing covert electronic techniques for stealing information, that would yield a $22.5 billion a year market for cyber espionage, based on PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates. During an economic recession, it would be very hard to find someone who would not want a piece of this market; especially if they could be convinced that their electronic criminal activities could not be traced.

In addition to financial gain, a new wave of cyber espionage is being launched by disgruntled employees who attempt to leverage the confidential data they obtained through network looting as a bargaining chip or for vindication against their own company or co-workers. Ironically, companies that have been victimized by cyber espionage are usually the ones with more than adequate resources and expertise to protect against the attacks.

In 2000, hackers broke into Microsoft’s systems and accessed Windows and Office source code. They had access to the source code for approximately three months before being discovered.

In 2001, Fortune magazine reported that Proctor and Gamble had been involved in illegal corporate espionage against its archrival Unilever. The article alleged agents appointed by P&G misrepresented themselves as market researchers and used other electronic methods to collect information about Unilever.

In 2006, the UK extradited two hackers to Israel because they developed and sold spyware that was used to spy on rival companies in Israel. Several private investigation companies in Israel sent e-mails with Trojan horse viruses that were designed to evade anti-virus applications.

In 2007, members of AirTran Airways’ executive management team in Orlando, Florida were targeted by phishing e-mails that sought to trick them into divulging confidential corporate information and placed bot-like malware on their computers to capture sensitive information.

The details of these cases were made public most likely due to regulatory reporting requirements; however, there are hundreds of cyber espionage incidents that are not publicized, even though regulatory requirements for reporting these types of incidents exist for the majority of companies affected. Publicly traded companies and companies operating in the healthcare, financial, and government contracting sectors all have regulatory reporting requirements as it pertains to information security incidents. However, most companies don’t report cyber security incidents for fear of damaging their reputation and potential revenue loss. Some companies report information security incidents as required, but not until well after the incidents have been mitigated and prevention measures have been implemented.

In most cases, if companies were to adopt an “an ounce of prevention, beats a pound of cure” philosophy regarding cyber security, rather than an “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy, the risk of cyber espionage could be reduced significantly. Unfortunately, most companies’ approach to cyber security is reactionary, which can prove to be detrimental to their reputation and bottom-line when a breach occurs. Additionally, since cyber espionage often goes undetected, it is usually too late to effectively mitigate the breach before significant loss when it is actually detected.

Just as other crimes seeking financial gain tend to escalate during economic recessions, it is very logical to assume cyber espionage is among these crimes. However, pouring money into the latest security solutions without a defined strategy will simply lead to more widgets eventually being left on the shelf collecting dust.  To make sure your company is prepared to defend against targeted cyber espionage, I recommend the following strategies:

Increase the Information Security Organization’s Visibility

Most companies make the mistake of burying their information security organization under their information technology organization, which often limits the scope of information security to technological solutions only. Not to mention the intradepartmental political screening in an effort to conceal the vulnerabilities caused by IT solutions from executive management. To achieve optimal effect, the information security organization must be strategically aligned with Legal, Risk Management, Human Resources, Regulatory, and executive management. Depending on the corporate culture, industry, and or the degree in which executive management values or understands the mission of information security, attaining appropriate visibility for the information security organization may be very challenging. Regardless of the challenge, information security leaders must strive to attain this goal because visibility can be an effective deterrent.

Implement a Best Fit Information Security Program 

Reliance on point solutions to protect your company’s information assets is an ineffective strategy with little to no return on investment. To become more effective in protecting the corporate environment from cyber espionage, information security leaders must take a holistic approach to information security by implementing a corporate-wide information security program to encompass all personnel, processes, and technology. Using security best practices as defined with the ISO 27001 certification process, information security leaders can use this as a framework for implementing a best fit information security program for their company.  An effective information security program should include components such as a security policy, training and awareness program, asset management strategy, compliance, personnel and physical security, access control, application/systems development, change management, business continuity strategy, governance, and the most important component, buy-in from executive management and or the board of directors.

Layered Security Approach 

The days of just relying on firewalls to protect enterprise perimeter networks and information assets are long gone; firewall manufacturers realized this years ago when they began integrating intrusion detection and prevention functionality in their products.  Although, the added firewall functionality is a significant improvement, it doesn’t address virus and malware on mobile devices, data leakage and compliance issues, role-based and need-to-know access control, or security vulnerabilities that exist on converged networks such as data, voice, and video. Information security leaders can better minimize the risk of cyber espionage by implementing technologies that will provide protection, monitoring, and enforcement at the perimeter as well as within the defined security zones behind the perimeter such as at the desktop/laptop and data centers.

Technologies to consider for a layered approach are enterprise-class anti-virus and malware solutions for the desktop, email filtering solutions, web filtering solutions with dynamic URL verification and filtering, security information management systems with intrusion prevention and robust notification capabilities, data leakage protection solutions, and firewall technology for the perimeter network protection and laptop protection.

Just as there are different types of social networking groups, the age of the networker varies from the youngest to the oldest. Businesses can work on projects on line and charities can raise money and organize there plan by the internet. Social networking has been the evolution of an unmet need and the tool to meet that need. The largest and successful social networking sites grow through viral network marketing. In simple, the word of mouth, but sent virally to thousands with a few clicks on the keyboard. Products are made number one over night by some internet buzz, or a program can get blackballed by a few well placed critiques.

Most social networking sites have a focus. It could be photos, school, business, education, chat, blogging, military groups and hobbyist of all kinds. Some of the biggest social networking sites are Myspace, Facebook, Flicker and they have become household names. Sonico, a Spanish social networking group is one the biggest, however not widely known, with over 8 million registered users. The cultural implication of social networking is becoming apparent. Another cultural netmarketing group is BlackPlanet.com and dedicated to African Americans.

Niche communities are housed in the social network and are used by those that have the most in common. Subgroups and categories related to specific topics develop. Advertisement can be target at the specific topic or product and be exposed to people that are actually interested. There is a generation gap between the college age person with their parents and grandparents. Many older people do not understand or appreciate the power or necessity of the social interaction on the web. This does not detour the millions of networkers. This is a generational issue and the outcome could plot the path for social networking in the future. It is unlikely that the diehard networkers will be swayed buy lack of generation support. Social networking is too big to be suppressed. The internet has changed from a repository of information and data to a vessel for building commerce and relationships. Humans like to feel apart of something, it does not matter if it is across the world or in there own home.

Let's go to the subject that matters: Information beyond Google.

No intro needed here. If you want the best in the world, this is the place. End of the story!

This place is full of expert authors that will give you a lot of high quality information for free, all they get is a simple backlink to their sites. Since all the articles are reviewed by experts don't worry about finding fake or low quality information. The kind of content you can find here is almost endless. From business to health to cars and relationships you will for sure get that here.

Another place to get some nice info. However since most writers are here for the profit and not for the good of their readers, don't expect the best all the time. Another reason is because the articles are not reviewed directly by any expert or editor don't trust very much in this place, use it only when all other alternatives were not enough for your needs or desires.

Like Helium this place is not reviewed by experts and most people publish a lot of low quality content here, so don't expect to find the best all the time and since most Lens Masters are here to make money expect to find a lot of fake and low quality information designed to sell you something.

This place sells info for webmasters to publish on their own websites or magazines. Sometimes you can find something really good here so this is a good candidate for a Google alternative. Use this place only when you exaust all the other alternatives!

This category of subscriber terminal equipment is divided into three parts:-cable TV set-top box, computer-based telephoning and network hardware. The biggest area of growth over the last five years has been in the router business. Routers or digital switches help connect large network or inter-networks. Routers are devices that can connect the LAN (Local Area Networks) inside an organization to the WAN (Wide Area Networks) of the various network providers. This does enables easy communication between separate networks spread across geographical distances.

The implications of information superhighways are “Multimedia Content & Network Publishing” and “Messaging & Information Distribution”.

Let us first see how multimedia content and network publishing is implied on information superhighways. The information superhighway is the transportation foundation that enables transmission of content. The electronic system by which content is transmitted is analogous to the non-electronic world in which the different types of products are stored in distribution centers before they are loaded onto various vehicles for transport. Currently the most prevalent architecture that enables network publishing is the World Wide Web. The pair allows small businesses and individuals to create content in the form of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and publish it on a Web Server. In short, the pair that provides means to create product information and means to publish it on a distribution centres.

Now let us see how messaging and information distribution is implied on information superhighways. The information being transferred on a network consists of text, numbers, did you, audio, pictures, etc. However the network does not differentiate between content as everything is digital i.e. combination of 1's and 0's. Once content has been created it is stored on a Web Server, the vehicle or the messaging and information distribution methods carrying the content of the various networks. The messaging vehicle is called middleware software that sits between the Web Server and end users application. Messaging and information distribution also includes translation that interprets and transforms data format.

Barack's Digg Profile

Thats right, Barack's on Digg. If fact for a busy politician running for president, he's pretty active and has submitted and popularized some great stuff. Digg always has front page info about Barack, so visiting the popular in politics pages, you will find more than enough information on Barack news.

How Obama Stands On Almost Every Issue

A rundown of almost all of Obama's standing on issues from civil rights to the environment to corporations and war. If you're new to learning about Barack Obama, visit this site first to learn more about how he stands on almost all the deciding issues during a election. You can find his stance on almost anything here.

Obama's Facebook Profile

Like Obama's myspace page, his facebook page is very similar. The fact that he is reaching out through mediums such as myspace, facebook, flickr and twitter shows dedication to the youth and trying to connect with them and get them involved with politics and their country.

Barack's Twitter Account

Yeah. He Twitters too. In fact he has great tweets, and their not pesky or bothersome. An informative way to keep up with where he is, who he's speaking too and campaign news from Barack himself.

Baracks Official Wesbite

This link will take you directly to his official campaign website and stance on the issues. I have also included a link with a summary of more of his views in broader categories and his voting history.

Obama's YouTube Channel

Barack's youtube page is the first place to go for new campaign videos, videos of his speeches, meetings, debates and so much more. Almost 1200 videos and countless hours of everything you could ever want for in front of camera appearances.

Flickr Stream

It's pretty cool to see Barack's Flickr stream, where you see the pictures from a president elect's point of view, and not just user submitted photos of him. You can also keep up with where he is, because he has thousands of photos.

Barack's MySpace Profile

If you're a big myspace fan, friend him and check out his myspace. It's similar to his facebook and his official campaign page. Having a myspace page, hopefully he can connect with and encourage more of our youth to do more research and get involved with their countries issues.

Wikipedia Barack

Check Wikipedia for more information on Barack. If your not a wiki fan then go to his website. But wiki has a great database of information about his early life and early political career.

Official Voting History

Check Obama's voting history since being a senator. This is for you if you are a die hard fact checker, you can see how he voted during each of the sessions, on each issue.

Stance on Foreign Policy

A great question and answer session with Barack about his stance on foreign policy, from war in Iraq, to Chinese growth and development, to Iran and North Korea. Great to hear it quoted directly from Obama instead of it being transcribed ten times over by the mainstream media.

Daily Kos

Daily Kos is the biggest political blog on the internet and is a liberally leaning democratic grassroots blog. The idea is activism and contributing editors that are selected through the Kos community. Daily Kos will almost always be in discussion over Obama's political track, many times breaking news and uncovering follies of big media conglomerates.

Hopefully these websites will encourage people to learn more about Obama and educate themselves, their friends, peers and family. Becoming active in politics and issues that directly affect you is crucial, especially for our youth. Voting is the number one easiest way to get involved.

A

Allmusic

A veritable information of artists, biographies, songs, discographies and album credits.

B

Britannica Internet Guide

A comprehensive guide to websites, with reviews for a broad range of subjects.

C

CNET

A true heaven for the computer whiz, this site has the dish on everything tech-related.

D

Doughnet

This site is aimed especially at teenagers, to steer them into the world of finance and business know-how -- which will be very, very helpful in the future.

E

Epicurious

Food appreciation will even be more satiated as this delicious site offers thousands of recipes, cookbook reviews, and the latest foodie trends.

F

Fortean Times

Interested in all things strange and paranormal? Enter the delirium.

Family Play

Interacting with kids just got a lot better with this site's numerous tips on how to get children have a little more fun, and you too.

G

Good Home 

This stylish site will get you all excited on decorating your home, as long as you've got the budget and the taste.

Gardenweb

Green thumbs, high five! A vast community of fellow gardening enthusiasts awaits you.

Google Earth

It hasn't been said enough, but this marvel is surely one of the closest (and best) ways to ever go to the farthest places in just a single click.

H

Hoovers 

Job seekers and the curious alike can simply type the name of a company, and then find about its history, location, competitors and even its annual report!

I

IntelliHealth

This site has the latest medical news, drug and nutrition databases, and special areas on health conditions.

J

Joke Index

Updated regularly, this site can cheer up many a sense of humor.

K

Kiplinger

Taxes? Never fear. This site is very accessible for beginners who would like to know how to file their annual income tax returns, and how to legally reduce them.

L

Lonely Planet 

Easily one of the best travel sites around, their accounts give remarkable and honest insights for every destination.

Last.fm

Scrobble along as this music-slash-community site is a great dig for all music lovers. Play your own online radio with your favorite artists and songs as the playlist.

M

Museum of Modern Arts Store

Put an artistic touch into your living space, as the MOMA Store offers a wide selection of goods, from beautiful centerpieces to Eames furniture.

N

NextMonet

Start on your new collection -- bid on paintings, photographs and sculpture in this well-organized art auction site.

O

The Onion

Get your latest funny fix as this online news-magazine doesn't pull punches in mocking the headlines.

P

Productopia

Shoppers can take a background check before purchasing a product. Choose from price, style and quality, and get the best value for your money.

ParenthoodWeb

Moms can benefit from this site, with a lot of information includes tips of pregnancy and child-rearing.

Q

Quizilla

A treasure trove for every personality test conceivable.

R

Rotten Tomatoes

Planning a movie date? This site compiles all critics' reviews and files into a single rating for every film. Even visitors can participate!

S

Slate

Get your news here. Today's latest headlines are summed up in this online magazine, with interesting columns and features weekly.

T

Travelocity

Compare travel fares and get the best deal! A must-do for any eventual tourist.

U

Uproar

Play the latest games that can keep you up for hours.

V

Vox

Not just an online journal, it's a community. Look for similar people and once the team gets cozy enough, there's a section for the next big meetup.

W

Wet Feet

Looking for a job gets more accessible, with the site offering valuable, realistic information about companies, HR facts and employability data.

Weberman

Conspiracy theorists converge, as this site's got a huge mass of stories that will leave you thinking thrice.

X

eXploratorium

The web version for San Francisco's science museum. A fantastic site for kids and adults alike!

Y

Yahoo! Mail

If there's one email provider, this is it. Offering unlimited data storage and a newer interface, you now can choose on cooler domains such as rocketmail.com and ymail.com.

Z

Zagat

The free version of this magazine is a godsend for foodies. Search the best restaurants, read reviews, and find the one that fits your palate and pocket.

If you know of other fascinating websites not mentioned, please let me know and do add it up!