HOLMES 2 (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) is a critical information technology system extensively used by UK police forces for investigating major incidents such as serial murders and high-value frauds. Developed by Unisys and McDonnell Douglas Information Systems, HOLMES 2 offers total compatibility and consistency across all police forces in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Royal Military Police. Its name is a nod to the fictional detective character Sherlock Holmes. Originally introduced in 1985, HOLMES aimed to enhance effectiveness and productivity in crime investigations. However, its predecessor, HOLMES, had crucial weaknesses, prompting the development of HOLMES 2. Launched in 2000, HOLMES 2 overcame the limitations of its predecessor and provided a more efficient access to information. HOLMES 2 functions as a crime investigation tool and disaster management system, offering an organized and methodical approach to gathering and coordinating information in major incident rooms. The system's technical details include a client/server architecture based on Microsoft Windows and UNIX servers.HOLMES 2 also features a fully-mobile version for use in courts or while traveling, making it a versatile and crucial tool for law enforcement agencies.

Mike Holmes is a well-known general contractor and television personality from Canada. He gained fame through his television series, "Holmes on Homes," which features him visiting homeowners in need of help due to unsatisfactory home renovations performed by hired contractors. The show originally aired on Home & Garden Television in Canada and gained popularity not only in Canada but also in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. With its informative content and engaging premise, the series became one of the highest-rated shows on Canadian HGTV, receiving accolades such as the Gemini viewers' choice award. Mike Holmes' dedication to helping homeowners and his expertise in home renovations have made "Holmes on Homes" a compelling and educational show for audiences around the world. Throughout the series, Holmes and his crew of contractors tackle various renovation challenges, often uncovering surprises that escalate the projects into larger endeavors. Despite the difficulties, Holmes ensures that the homeowners are presented with completely finished places, often with a few extra surprises. The show's impactful content and commitment to helping those in need have solidified Mike Holmes' reputation as a respected figure in the home improvement industry.

Holmes is a versatile English-language surname with various etymological origins. It can be derived from a name for someone living near a holly tree or from placenames near Dundonald or Inchestuir. The surname can also be an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Thomáis or a variant of Cavish, derived from Mac Thámhais. Notable individuals bearing the Holmes surname include Alan Holmes, a Welsh musician; Alice Waring Holmes, a dentist and suffragette; Ashton Holmes, an American actor; and Augusta Holmès, a French composer. Other prominent figures with the Holmes surname include Benjamin Holmes, an American film director; Burton Holmes, an American traveller and filmmaker; and Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. The Holmes surname has been associated with individuals from various fields, including music, sports, literature, and science, making it a surname with a rich and diverse legacy.

The Holmes à Court surname encompasses a notable lineage of individuals who have left their mark in various fields. William à Court-Holmes, 2nd Baron Heytesbury, was a distinguished British Member of Parliament, while his son, Herbert Edward Holmes à Court, achieved renown as a vice-admiral in the British Royal Navy. Robert Holmes à Court, a South African-born Australian businessman, gained prominence as a corporate raider and became Australia's first billionaire. His wife, Janet Holmes à Court, made significant strides in the Australian business world, while their sons, Paul, Peter, and Simon Holmes à Court, have also carved their paths as successful businessmen and political activists. This family's legacy spans across generations and continents, leaving a lasting impact on business, politics, and society.

Holmes Moss Alexander (1906-1985) was an accomplished American historian, journalist, syndicated columnist, and politician, hailing from Parkersburg, West Virginia. He pursued his education at Princeton and Trinity College, Cambridge, before embarking on a career that saw him excel in various pursuits. Notable among his works are his insightful newspaper columns, which often delved into political matters, including his coverage of Democratic Governor George Wallace of Alabama. Alexander also authored several books, such as "The American Talleyrand: Martin Van Buren" and "To Covet Honor: A Biography of Alexander Hamilton." Furthermore, his diverse interests are reflected in his writings on cities like Seattle, Tokyo, and Beijing. In his personal life, Alexander was married to Mary Morgan Barksdale, with whom he had two sons and a daughter. He left behind a legacy of literary contributions, including his final publication, "Never Lose a War: Memoirs and Observations of a National Columnist," released in 1984. His untimely passing in 1985 marked the end of a remarkable career, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be appreciated.