Let's say you're typing an email and you want to include a link to a website. Sometimes if you copy and paste the web address into your email composing window it doesn't show up as a link.
Not to worry. Here's the deal with web links in an email message:
Even if the link doesn't turn blue and have an underline it will show up correctly (and clickable) as long as there is an "http://" in the front of the web address.
Works every time - even in junky, plain text email systems!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Lowest Common Denominator
We sat down together and we discussed what we are hoping to accomplish with this committee. We pondered a mission statement. We talked about merging with Education. We covered quite a bit.
We agreed that the local skill sets vary greatly (no surprise) and that leaves us in a position where we really cannot help everyone at once. With that understood it's important to establish a lowest common denominator of technical skills we agree a licensee should have in our Association today.
Certainly, the list begins with being able to use Paragon - running searches - printing or emailing results, managing a contact list etc.
If licensees are fluent with Paragon, we can now assume that they're used to operating Internet Explorer, using the back button and using web form controls as well.
If a licensee is this far with their skills, adding managing an email account professionally is next. Creating a signature, using an email client like Outlook, adding attachments.
Getting a grasp of the common and usable file types is a good idea. A licensee should be familiar with the filetypes: PDF, DOC - and understand that beyond PDF, it may not be able to be opened/read.
That moves us into using Word (or equivalent) and perhaps a splash of Excel usage - making a simple spreadsheet.
Each of these items can certainly be embellished as I'm just listing some opening items - what do you think?
It'd be great if we could post a little "cheat sheet" of "10 things you HAVE to be able to do on the computer" and have Anne add it to the next CMCAR publication or something.
We agreed that the local skill sets vary greatly (no surprise) and that leaves us in a position where we really cannot help everyone at once. With that understood it's important to establish a lowest common denominator of technical skills we agree a licensee should have in our Association today.
Certainly, the list begins with being able to use Paragon - running searches - printing or emailing results, managing a contact list etc.
If licensees are fluent with Paragon, we can now assume that they're used to operating Internet Explorer, using the back button and using web form controls as well.
If a licensee is this far with their skills, adding managing an email account professionally is next. Creating a signature, using an email client like Outlook, adding attachments.
Getting a grasp of the common and usable file types is a good idea. A licensee should be familiar with the filetypes: PDF, DOC - and understand that beyond PDF, it may not be able to be opened/read.
That moves us into using Word (or equivalent) and perhaps a splash of Excel usage - making a simple spreadsheet.
Each of these items can certainly be embellished as I'm just listing some opening items - what do you think?
It'd be great if we could post a little "cheat sheet" of "10 things you HAVE to be able to do on the computer" and have Anne add it to the next CMCAR publication or something.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Lets Not "Peter Out"
Most blogs share the same fate...they "peter out". There are a couple inspired posts getting started, maybe a comment or two, and then...nothing. In our case, hopefully this means sale and rental activity is picking up.
Since we're in blog format vs. forum format with this website, only registered authors can start conversations. Lets not limit ourselves. Lets start more conversations. The more running conversations we have, the more topics we can touch on and the more our members will feel obliged to post a comment and get involved.
Yes, it can be tough to think of anything to post, let alone actually author something.
If you have multiple blogs, profiles etc it can be even tougher.
Me, I have my own site I try to keep up to date (and fail miserably), sitesbyjoe.com, I also try to maintain my own personal blog at onewebguy.com, I have my myspace profile, my facebook profile, my linkedin profile, I am a contributing member of the CodeIgniter discussion forum, a member of the Web Standards Group, I post on twitter too. I may have more, but thats all I can recall at the moment.
I try to keep each of them fairly updated. Its not something I spend my days doing, mind you, but at night for a few minutes before bed is a great time to update a couple things real quick.
The point is, everyone of these posts/comments/anything you place online contains a link back to your main website (it should at least).
The more you post, the more you comment, the more you do anything online, the more doorways you create back to yourself - which is one whole (self-serving) reason for doing this in the first place. You build a reputation for yourself by sharing information.
Don't be shy! Help yourself! Help others! Gain google ranking on your website just by talking to people online in this fashion! It does work.
Don't believe me? Try doing a search for "south jersey web designer". I guarantee you'll find me in the top 10. Its mostly because on the web there are literaly thousands of pages that have a small link to me somewhere on them.
I can dive more deeply into this concept, buts thats for another post...SEO is a monster topic to which I'll be more than happy to share my knowledge on.
Since we're in blog format vs. forum format with this website, only registered authors can start conversations. Lets not limit ourselves. Lets start more conversations. The more running conversations we have, the more topics we can touch on and the more our members will feel obliged to post a comment and get involved.
Yes, it can be tough to think of anything to post, let alone actually author something.
If you have multiple blogs, profiles etc it can be even tougher.
Me, I have my own site I try to keep up to date (and fail miserably), sitesbyjoe.com, I also try to maintain my own personal blog at onewebguy.com, I have my myspace profile, my facebook profile, my linkedin profile, I am a contributing member of the CodeIgniter discussion forum, a member of the Web Standards Group, I post on twitter too. I may have more, but thats all I can recall at the moment.
I try to keep each of them fairly updated. Its not something I spend my days doing, mind you, but at night for a few minutes before bed is a great time to update a couple things real quick.
The point is, everyone of these posts/comments/anything you place online contains a link back to your main website (it should at least).
The more you post, the more you comment, the more you do anything online, the more doorways you create back to yourself - which is one whole (self-serving) reason for doing this in the first place. You build a reputation for yourself by sharing information.
Don't be shy! Help yourself! Help others! Gain google ranking on your website just by talking to people online in this fashion! It does work.
Don't believe me? Try doing a search for "south jersey web designer". I guarantee you'll find me in the top 10. Its mostly because on the web there are literaly thousands of pages that have a small link to me somewhere on them.
I can dive more deeply into this concept, buts thats for another post...SEO is a monster topic to which I'll be more than happy to share my knowledge on.
Friday, February 13, 2009
FREE LOCAL COMPUTER CLASSES
Did you know that the County Library offers a multitude of FREE computer classes?
Most people, even us long-time residents, had no idea. The only reason I knew myself was because I actually wrote all the code for the library's site back in 2003-2004. At the time it was my greatest computing accomplishment (except for the seafoam green they insisted on integrating just before launch. I tried to fight it).
I cannot take credit for any work done on the site since I was an employee of JSE Design Studio (of Somers Point) at the time, but at least I can share the link with you now.
http://www.cmclibrary.org/classes.asp
There's really a nice collection of classes here. I highly recommend pushing new members towards resources like these.
Most people, even us long-time residents, had no idea. The only reason I knew myself was because I actually wrote all the code for the library's site back in 2003-2004. At the time it was my greatest computing accomplishment (except for the seafoam green they insisted on integrating just before launch. I tried to fight it).
I cannot take credit for any work done on the site since I was an employee of JSE Design Studio (of Somers Point) at the time, but at least I can share the link with you now.
http://www.cmclibrary.org/classes.asp
There's really a nice collection of classes here. I highly recommend pushing new members towards resources like these.
CMCAR TECHNOLOGY SURVEY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - PLEASE HELP
In order to better gather an overview of the abilities of our members, the committee has agreed that an online survey should be set up that, when finished we can open to the members to get some feedback.
In the meantime, we need to get the questions filled in the best we can. I went ahead and set up the initial draft which definitely needs work.
The draft version can be viewed here:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=psQVwFIg01QP4a632LlFAQw
I realize that the links I sent to update the survey might be a little confusing. I was rather confused myself. I don't want this to hold up the survey so why don't we just comment in with question/answer combinations to help develop this further?
In the meantime, we need to get the questions filled in the best we can. I went ahead and set up the initial draft which definitely needs work.
The draft version can be viewed here:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=psQVwFIg01QP4a632LlFAQw
I realize that the links I sent to update the survey might be a little confusing. I was rather confused myself. I don't want this to hold up the survey so why don't we just comment in with question/answer combinations to help develop this further?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE FOR TIGHT BUDGETS
If you're a Windows user (or even a Mac user), you've probably faced the expense of purchasing Microsoft Office before. It's not cheap. If you need licenses for multiple computers in the office it really starts to add up fast.
There IS an alternative, its FREE and it's a good one. It's OpenOffice.org
It does everything Microsoft Office does (at least what Word and Excel do) and even has a few features you don't get with MS Office, like PDF creation from a document without needing Acrobat.
The ONLY catch I've seen in my own use is needed to "Save As..." in order to save documents in the .doc format.
There IS an alternative, its FREE and it's a good one. It's OpenOffice.org
It does everything Microsoft Office does (at least what Word and Excel do) and even has a few features you don't get with MS Office, like PDF creation from a document without needing Acrobat.
The ONLY catch I've seen in my own use is needed to "Save As..." in order to save documents in the .doc format.
Gmail - BETTER THAN THE REST
Those of you using a comcast.net, aol.com, hotmail.com or earthlink.net for business email - please consider using gmail (available at gmail.com for FREE) instead the aforementioned for your business email.
Why?
Well, for starters, the ISPs I mentioned above have horribly strict spam policies. This is a double edged sword. The above do a great job of blocking spam, but they also have a history of blocking legitimate email too. You may or may not have experienced this yourself. I deal with a huge amount of email for many, many people.
Gmail seems to have found the perfect balance of protection and tolerance. They offer a huge amount of storage, built in email list management, a "springy" web-based interface that offers all the functionality of an Outlook (or comparable) and all for free.
Additionally, gmail lets you connect Outlook (or comparable) using both POP3 or IMAP, whereas the others (most) do not.
Even if you already have another email you regularly use (I stick with joe@sitesbyjoe.com), I'd still recommend setting up a free gmail account, even if only as a back up. What if my own mail server was down and I had an emergency email to send? You never know.
I have a copy of every email I receive dump into may gmail account as an additional archive, plus I can search through the archived messages with the included google-driven gmail search engine.
Why?
Well, for starters, the ISPs I mentioned above have horribly strict spam policies. This is a double edged sword. The above do a great job of blocking spam, but they also have a history of blocking legitimate email too. You may or may not have experienced this yourself. I deal with a huge amount of email for many, many people.
Gmail seems to have found the perfect balance of protection and tolerance. They offer a huge amount of storage, built in email list management, a "springy" web-based interface that offers all the functionality of an Outlook (or comparable) and all for free.
Additionally, gmail lets you connect Outlook (or comparable) using both POP3 or IMAP, whereas the others (most) do not.
Even if you already have another email you regularly use (I stick with joe@sitesbyjoe.com), I'd still recommend setting up a free gmail account, even if only as a back up. What if my own mail server was down and I had an emergency email to send? You never know.
I have a copy of every email I receive dump into may gmail account as an additional archive, plus I can search through the archived messages with the included google-driven gmail search engine.
Monday, January 26, 2009
THIS IS NOT A DRILL, REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!
There's a new and VERY ugly infection out there, called Downadup or Conficker. This infection is a worm that predominantly spreads by exploiting a Windows vulnerability, but also includes the ability to infect other computers via network sharing and removable media. Not since the Sasser and MSBlaster worms has there been such a widespread infection as we are seeing with this Downadup worm. It is estimated that over 12 million computers have been infected so far and this number is on the rise! THIS IS AN UGLY ONE AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET IT!!!!!
It will turn your computer into a boat anchor, RIGHT AFTER IT SENDS ALL YOUR ON-LINE BANKING INFO AND PASSWORDS TO SOME GUY IN CHINA!!!Fortunately, Windows has issued a patch to fix the vulnerability. This patch will stop the worm in its current incarnation. If you have been installing all the Windows updates that come in to your machine you will be protected, but if you have not been doing this (or maybe even if you have), click the link below to install the patch you must have to stay safe. Just click the link, then click the Download button, then say "Run", or "Open" and then follow all the installation instructions ("Next", "OK", "Finish" and the like).
If you are running Windows XP (this will be 95% of you), click here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0d5f9b6e-9265-44b9-a376-2067b73d6a03&DisplayLang=en
If you are running Windows Vista, click here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=18fdff67-c723-42bd-ac5c-cac7d8713b21&DisplayLang=en
Do this on all your computers. Do not delay!
It will turn your computer into a boat anchor, RIGHT AFTER IT SENDS ALL YOUR ON-LINE BANKING INFO AND PASSWORDS TO SOME GUY IN CHINA!!!Fortunately, Windows has issued a patch to fix the vulnerability. This patch will stop the worm in its current incarnation. If you have been installing all the Windows updates that come in to your machine you will be protected, but if you have not been doing this (or maybe even if you have), click the link below to install the patch you must have to stay safe. Just click the link, then click the Download button, then say "Run", or "Open" and then follow all the installation instructions ("Next", "OK", "Finish" and the like).
If you are running Windows XP (this will be 95% of you), click here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0d5f9b6e-9265-44b9-a376-2067b73d6a03&DisplayLang=en
If you are running Windows Vista, click here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=18fdff67-c723-42bd-ac5c-cac7d8713b21&DisplayLang=en
Do this on all your computers. Do not delay!
HOW ABOUT A LITTLE DISCUSSION ON HARDWARE.
GOOD MONDAY MORNING!
(1) What is your primary business computer? (PC, Laptop, Netbook)
(2) What is the operating system you use most? (Windows, Mac, Unix)
(3) What brand cell phone are you using and who is your carrier?
And, why have you made these choices?
We are off to GREAT start with this blog and I hope everyone who visits and contributes will spread the word and invite others to join.
Thank you.
(1) What is your primary business computer? (PC, Laptop, Netbook)
(2) What is the operating system you use most? (Windows, Mac, Unix)
(3) What brand cell phone are you using and who is your carrier?
And, why have you made these choices?
We are off to GREAT start with this blog and I hope everyone who visits and contributes will spread the word and invite others to join.
Thank you.
Friday, January 16, 2009
WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Thank you for visiting your association's NEW Technology Blog. The purpose of this forum is to encourage our members to suggest what technology is important to them and assist the technology committee with recommendations to our leadership.
Please ask questions, give suggestions and tell us what we can do to help you succeed. This is a great opportunity to be heard and we promise to listen.
Here are a few talking points that have already been suggested;
(1) Email (sending, receiving and answering)
(2) Social networking
(3) Smart phones
Thanks again and please jump in and give us some help.
JUST CLICK ON "COMMENTS" ON THE NEXT LINE AND JOIN IN
Please ask questions, give suggestions and tell us what we can do to help you succeed. This is a great opportunity to be heard and we promise to listen.
Here are a few talking points that have already been suggested;
(1) Email (sending, receiving and answering)
(2) Social networking
(3) Smart phones
Thanks again and please jump in and give us some help.
JUST CLICK ON "COMMENTS" ON THE NEXT LINE AND JOIN IN
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