I have recently started using Tor for improved security and privacy when working out of certain locations. Not that I have much to hide but I do not want someone watching all my outgoing network traffic. Tor is also helpful if you are using a computer somewhere where they block ports (thus blocking services such as IM). I also started using Privoxy too with Tor to make my network connections even more private. If you are all curious about security and privacy, check out Tor and Privoxy.
Archive for February, 2007
All posts written in February, 2007.
Feb
23
2007
writing php with komodo ide.
My online PHP training is now complete. I feel like I learned quite a bit and am ready to start tackling some exciting projects I have in my queue. Not only did I learn about some good practices, I also finally made time to look at some development environments. After some comparisons, I have choosen to play around with Komodo IDE Active State also offers a free editor called Komodo Edit if you are interested in a simple bare bones editor. If you are at all curious about Komodo IDE, be sure and check out the free Discover Komodo IDE 4.webcast.
What do I like about it?
- Debugging
- Auto-completion
- Syntax checking
- Clean interface
- Plays nice with subversion
Feb
21
2007
if you want a web site redesign…
If you have thought it through and tried to make small changes but you are still unhappy with your site, here are some things to consider:
- Existing successful web sites. The first thing that I do as a web developer/consultant is ask my clients to list three-five web sites they like and find easy to navigate. This not only makes them think about what they consider good practices, it also helps me to create a “best of the best” web site for them based on real usable web sites and not abstract design thoughts.
- Color/Branding. I also ask to see their letterhead, logo, or anything else the individual or company uses. I feel it is very important for companies to set a consistent and professional tone for their users and visitors. Brand recognition is key in most markets. There are a number of web sites that can help you choose a good color palette – use them. (Adobe Kuler is a good example)
- Purpose. I recommend really thinking about what users are looking for when they come to your web site. If your site’s purpose is to provide information to the users, make it easy to find that information. Users will appreciate being able to find the information much more than the expensive flash animation when the site loads regardless of how cool it might seem. There is a time and place for most everything. Once you figure out your purpose, do not get distracted. (Think Google.com)
- Audience. Know your audience. If you expect a large number of users to be on a certain platform using certain browsers or using cell phones to access the site, make sure you spend some time and optimize your code appropriately. With a little effort, you can also do a lot to your site to make it more readable and accessible for people with disabilities. Be sure and also analyze your logs to get more demographic information (this is invaluable).
Although the list of items seems pretty straightforward, you would be surprised how many people do not consider any or all of them. If you can address all the items above, you will be on the right track to creating a successful web site. Have a project you need help with? Contact me, I would be happy to help out.
Feb
20
2007
a little goes a long way.
I have had a number of people ask me to help them with their web site redesigns/re-development because they are unhappy with how their current site looks. Usually I hear one of two comments:
- “I have been using this design for x years and I need a complete redesign.”
- “X in the company is complaining he cannot find anything on our web site.”
What most people fail to realize is that there are a lot of ways to revive aging web sites that are quick and easy – and best of all – do not require the users to completely relearn an interface. Successful web sites are successful, not because they constantly change, but because they constantly improve and build on their existing layout – and there is a big difference.
Two successful web sites in my opinion:
Why are these web sites successful? They have a strong foundation (navigation, general layout, content placement) and instead of doing complete redesigns, they have made tweaks, added new features, and addressed any problem areas over time. When users go to either of these web sites they know exactly what to expect – and users like that. Unless the web site is a complete disaster, the users would much prefer to have small fixes and general user interface changes than to have to relearn (and re-define new problem areas) something completely new.
So back to the quotes above…next time you think your company or personal web site needs a complete overhaul take a step back. Ask yourself if there are some small changes that you could make before you scrap what you already have. Perhaps you just need to move the search box, re-work the navigation, or change a few graphics to freshen it up a bit. If find yourself with someone constantly complain about something – sit down with them or talk to them regarding their issues and remember – not everyone will be happy with your user interface. It is always best to do surveys and to look at your log files with something like Summary or Google Analytics to see what people are searching for, what pages they enter and exit on, and what pages get the fewest and most page views. This data will help you highlight the most frequently referenced information as well as point out what users do not find important, or just cannot find.
To wrap it up:
- A little goes a long way. Take small steps to improve your existing framework (as long as it does not look like 1997 got stuck on your web site) Users like feeling comfortable.
- Talk to your users to find out what they like and do not like. Education works both ways.
- Use tools that will show you traffic trends so you have some concrete data to work with.
Feb
19
2007
a great quote.
I heard a great quote last night that I want to share:
It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice.
Feb
15
2007
Chicago Winters
I have to say, I really love the rich tradition that Chicago has as a city and winters in Chicago are very interesting if nothing else. We do not usually get the lake effect snow like Buffalo because we are on the east side of Lake Michigan, but we do get the occasional flurry.
What I love about Chicago winters:
- One of my favorite traditions is the “save your shoveled parking spot with a lawn chair”. If you are not familiar with this concept, listen to the story NPR created about saving spots.
- I also enjoy the fact that the city and suburbs cannot effectively clear snow from the streets and highways. It is called a snow plow Chicago – not a garbage truck with a plow. Spend the money. If anyone has ever complained about being cold or experiencing cold wind – try walking within a block of the Sears Tower.
- I love how kids use land fills and empty reservoirs as sledding hills
- I love that the Sears Tower always funnels so much wind that as soon as you turn the corner and are within two blocks of it, you are instantly iced to the bone regardless how much winter gear you have on.
- Lastly, I really enjoy the “Caution Falling Ice” signs that all the tall buildings have in front of their buildings. Do we really need this thought going through our head as we look up 20-100 stories and think about falling sharp objects? Thanks for the warning.
Feb
14
2007
Happy Valentines Day
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like working on PHP homework all day! I have three days left of training and then I should be back to more regular blogging. Work + Homework + Work + Baby = Not much time left for anything else.
Feb
12
2007
vertical align trick.
Recently I needed a way to align the bottom of a graphic to the bottom of the text and found the solution: vertical-align:text-bottom; (More information on vertical alignment).
Feb
09
2007
php training update.
I have to say I am enjoying the PHP Essentials training a lot more than I had originally thought. I am learning quite a bit and ended up working on my “homework” last night for a few hours. I have never had any formal training so it is nice to have someone start from the beginning to make sure I have a solid foundation. At the end of the month, I am going to also be taking the PHP Full Immersion class. If you are interested in getting some formal PHP training, I highly recommend PHP Architect training.
Feb
07
2007
who is linking to me?
If you own a domain name or maintain a web site you have, at one time or another, wondered who is currently linking your web site. Wonder no more. If you have a Google account, you can log into the Webmaster Tools, add your site and view (and download) a table full of incoming links – both internal and external. Thanks Google!
