But let’s go beyond bad font choices, graphics, and animation. What are the biggest usability mistakes that aren’t as obvious? Here are five, with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Having a confusing or counterintuitive site structure. Nothing drives users away faster than a site that forces them to click around aimlessly until they stumble upon the right page. An expert user should be able to get where she wants to be in no more than three clicks.
2. Making the menu too complicated. Menus are the rough equivalent of a Web site’s spine. You want to keep them clear, straight, and strong. Navigation is normally found running horizontally across the top of a page in a tab-like orientation or stacked vertically along the left side of the page. No funny coding. No funny scripts.
3. Lapsing into industry jargon. An overabundance of marketing-speak and technical or industry jargon is a very common mistake. Your goal should be striking that balance between efficient search engine optimization and easy-to-read copy.
4. Overpromising, or even under-promising, what you can deliver. A Web site becomes unusable, and thus irrelevant, when it tells users that it will do something and then does not do it. That will drive those visitors away. Permanently.
5. Not closing the sale. If the site doesn’t call the user to some sort of action, whether it be phoning, faxing, e-mailing, or forming an order or at least a question, the user won't be drawn to jump through the hoop.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saven pages every Web site should have
Don’t look now, but your Web site might be missing a few pages—very important pages. You’re not alone. Most small-business sites are a work in progress—constantly being revised, improved, and updated. So invariably, something is always missing. But some pages are so important that not having them could hurt your bottom line. Here are seven pages every business Web site must have, and where they need to be:
1. Contact Us. Every small-business site should have a Contact Us page and it should offer visitors a complete list of ways they can contact you – from e-mail addresses to toll-free numbers to a physical address. 2. Testimonials. Many companies skip the Testimonials page because they consider it too self-serving, While having a page like that may seem self-promotional, people will look for it. And when they don’t find it, they might begin to make assumptions.
3. Privacy policy. Web users are more conscious about safety and privacy then ever, so a good privacy policy is an absolut must. Linking to this page on any page where you request personal information is a trust-builder and will decrease from abandonment. Not only that, but many companies require that you have a privacy policy before they do business with you.
4. FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are frequently forgotten, too. Why is an FAQ page so important? Mostly, they’ll ensure you won’t have to answer the same questions over and over. But it also is a convenience for site visitors.
5. A "gimme" page. Want readers to sign up for your newsletter or regular special offers? Add a section where users can be persuaded to give up some of their personal information (such as their names and e-mail addresses) in exchange for … well, something else. In many cases, this is an informative report, a keychain, a chance to win tickets to a ballgame, or a cash prize.
6. About Us. But just because you can do business with people you might never meet doesn’t mean they don’t want to know about who they’re doing business with. The most effective About Us pages are succinct and use no jargon.
7. Confirmation. A decent confirmation page that acknowledges an order and thanks the visitor for his or her business is essential—and often lacking.
1. Contact Us. Every small-business site should have a Contact Us page and it should offer visitors a complete list of ways they can contact you – from e-mail addresses to toll-free numbers to a physical address. 2. Testimonials. Many companies skip the Testimonials page because they consider it too self-serving, While having a page like that may seem self-promotional, people will look for it. And when they don’t find it, they might begin to make assumptions.
3. Privacy policy. Web users are more conscious about safety and privacy then ever, so a good privacy policy is an absolut must. Linking to this page on any page where you request personal information is a trust-builder and will decrease from abandonment. Not only that, but many companies require that you have a privacy policy before they do business with you.
4. FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are frequently forgotten, too. Why is an FAQ page so important? Mostly, they’ll ensure you won’t have to answer the same questions over and over. But it also is a convenience for site visitors.
5. A "gimme" page. Want readers to sign up for your newsletter or regular special offers? Add a section where users can be persuaded to give up some of their personal information (such as their names and e-mail addresses) in exchange for … well, something else. In many cases, this is an informative report, a keychain, a chance to win tickets to a ballgame, or a cash prize.
6. About Us. But just because you can do business with people you might never meet doesn’t mean they don’t want to know about who they’re doing business with. The most effective About Us pages are succinct and use no jargon.
7. Confirmation. A decent confirmation page that acknowledges an order and thanks the visitor for his or her business is essential—and often lacking.
The basics of Web site security
1. Choose a respected and established Web hosting first line of defense. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
2. Be sure that your Web host maintains tight physical servers. It should also perform regular backups running even if a server goes down. For instance, Microsoft Office Live Small Business, it is stored
controlled locations.
3. Watch out for unusual activity on your Web usage may be a tip-off that a hacker has infiltrated
4. Consider hiring an IT or security professional defenses. This is especially important if you customers’ health information or financial data.
5. Restrict employee access to your Web site. able to update it should have the password Change the password on a regular basis.
2. Be sure that your Web host maintains tight physical servers. It should also perform regular backups running even if a server goes down. For instance, Microsoft Office Live Small Business, it is stored
controlled locations.
3. Watch out for unusual activity on your Web usage may be a tip-off that a hacker has infiltrated
4. Consider hiring an IT or security professional defenses. This is especially important if you customers’ health information or financial data.
5. Restrict employee access to your Web site. able to update it should have the password Change the password on a regular basis.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Any DWG to PDF Converter
It is a batch converter that allows you to convert DWG and DXF to PDF without the need of AutoCAD.
Key Features
* Stand-alone utility - AutoCAD NOT required.
* Convert DWG and DXF to vector PDF in batches.
* Supports paper space and model space.
* Supports every version of DWG/DXF files (Supports R2.5/2.6 to R2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 formats)
* Very easy to use.
* The "Pro" version supports command line.
Key Features
* Stand-alone utility - AutoCAD NOT required.
* Convert DWG and DXF to vector PDF in batches.
* Supports paper space and model space.
* Supports every version of DWG/DXF files (Supports R2.5/2.6 to R2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 formats)
* Very easy to use.
* The "Pro" version supports command line.
Download free trial version * Download Any DWG to PDF Converter* Download Any DWG to PDF Converter Pro (Command line support)
Free PDF to Word Doc Converter
Free PDF to Word Doc Converter version 1.1 Free PDF to Word Doc Converter Offcial Review from their site:
How to edit PDF files without purchasing an expensive PDF editor? How to extract text/images from PDF files? What you need is a PDF to Word Converter.
Free PDF to Word Doc Converter is such a desktop document conversion tool to convert Adobe PDF file to Mcirosoft Word Doc file - and it's totally for FREE!
The program can extract text, images, shapes from PDF file to Word Doc file and preserve the layout. It can convert all the pages, or any pages range of the PDF file.
And it is a standalone program - you can convert PDF to Word Doc without Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word installed!
Key Features:
* Convert PDF to Word and preserve the original layout of your PDF in an editable Word Document.
* Extract text labels, graphics, shapes from PDF file into Word Doc file.
* Convert all the pages, or partial pages of PDF file to Word file.
* Support Adobe PDF 1.0 - 1.6 formats.
* Can automatically open the output Doc file when the conversion is done.
* Several PDF to Word conversion options are available for a better result.
* Convert in a high speed.
* Easy to use software.
* Totally for Free!
Download Link
How to edit PDF files without purchasing an expensive PDF editor? How to extract text/images from PDF files? What you need is a PDF to Word Converter.
Free PDF to Word Doc Converter is such a desktop document conversion tool to convert Adobe PDF file to Mcirosoft Word Doc file - and it's totally for FREE!
The program can extract text, images, shapes from PDF file to Word Doc file and preserve the layout. It can convert all the pages, or any pages range of the PDF file.
And it is a standalone program - you can convert PDF to Word Doc without Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word installed!
Key Features:
* Convert PDF to Word and preserve the original layout of your PDF in an editable Word Document.
* Extract text labels, graphics, shapes from PDF file into Word Doc file.
* Convert all the pages, or partial pages of PDF file to Word file.
* Support Adobe PDF 1.0 - 1.6 formats.
* Can automatically open the output Doc file when the conversion is done.
* Several PDF to Word conversion options are available for a better result.
* Convert in a high speed.
* Easy to use software.
* Totally for Free!
Download Link
Nokia Mobile Phone Secret Codes
On the main screen type in:
*#06# for checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
*#7780# reset to factory settings.
*#67705646# This will clear the LCD display(operator logo).
*#0000# To view software version.
*#2820# Bluetooth device address.
*#746025625# Sim clock allowed status.
#pw+1234567890+1# Shows if sim have restrictions.
*#92702689# - takes you to a secret menu where you may find some of the information below:
1. Displays Serial Number.
2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture
3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY)
4. Displays the date of the last repair - if found (0000)
5. Shows life timer of phone (time passes since last start)
*#3370# - Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) activation. Increase signal strength, better signal reception. It also help if u want to use GPRS and the service is not responding or too slow. Phone battery will drain faster though.
*#3370* - (EFR) deactivation. Phone will automatically restart. Increase battery life by 30% because phone receives less signal from network.
*#4720# - Half Rate Codec activation.
*#4720* - Half Rate Codec deactivation. The phone will automatically restartIf you forgot wallet code for Nokia S60 phone, use this code reset: *#7370925538#Note, your data in the wallet will be erased. Phone will ask you the lock code.
Default lock code is: 12345Press *#3925538# to delete the contents and code of wallet.
Unlock service provider: Insert sim, turn phone on and press vol up(arrow keys) for 3 seconds, should say pin code. Press C,then press * message should flash, press * again and 04*pin*pin*pin# \*#7328748263373738# resets security code.Default security code is 12345Change closed caller group (settings >security settings>user groups) to 00000 and ure phone will sound the message tone when you are near a radar speed trap. Setting it to 500 will cause your phone 2 set off security alarms at shop exits, gr8 for practical jokes! (works with some of the Nokia phones.) Press and hold "0" on the main screen to open wap browser.
Thanks.
*#06# for checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
*#7780# reset to factory settings.
*#67705646# This will clear the LCD display(operator logo).
*#0000# To view software version.
*#2820# Bluetooth device address.
*#746025625# Sim clock allowed status.
#pw+1234567890+1# Shows if sim have restrictions.
*#92702689# - takes you to a secret menu where you may find some of the information below:
1. Displays Serial Number.
2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture
3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY)
4. Displays the date of the last repair - if found (0000)
5. Shows life timer of phone (time passes since last start)
*#3370# - Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) activation. Increase signal strength, better signal reception. It also help if u want to use GPRS and the service is not responding or too slow. Phone battery will drain faster though.
*#3370* - (EFR) deactivation. Phone will automatically restart. Increase battery life by 30% because phone receives less signal from network.
*#4720# - Half Rate Codec activation.
*#4720* - Half Rate Codec deactivation. The phone will automatically restartIf you forgot wallet code for Nokia S60 phone, use this code reset: *#7370925538#Note, your data in the wallet will be erased. Phone will ask you the lock code.
Default lock code is: 12345Press *#3925538# to delete the contents and code of wallet.
Unlock service provider: Insert sim, turn phone on and press vol up(arrow keys) for 3 seconds, should say pin code. Press C,then press * message should flash, press * again and 04*pin*pin*pin# \*#7328748263373738# resets security code.Default security code is 12345Change closed caller group (settings >security settings>user groups) to 00000 and ure phone will sound the message tone when you are near a radar speed trap. Setting it to 500 will cause your phone 2 set off security alarms at shop exits, gr8 for practical jokes! (works with some of the Nokia phones.) Press and hold "0" on the main screen to open wap browser.
Thanks.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ewoo iPod Docks (an iPod speaker system)
The HandMusic (pictured above) comes with a remote control that is "specifically designed to match that of the player". It is compatible with A/V equipment, and it has a 1.8 inch color LCD display for S-Video viewing. It should be available soon for about $200.
The eFizz dock has an added bonus of sound for the increased price. It comes with a 2.1-channel sound system, with speakers and subwoofer that can put out 70W of RMS power. You should be able to get this for about $600.
The eFizz Travel is designed for just that, as it can play up to 20 hours worth of playback on a single charge. This one is available for $200.
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