Really useful programmes that are free.

Published | 10.26, 26th of February 2010, by Chris van Aurich | Random

I thought I would share some great programmes that cost you nothing, and trust me they are good enough for any task.

Browser: Firefox

Email: Thunderbird and add Lightning for calendar and tasks

Documents/Speadsheets: Open Office or Google Docs

I have chosen these tools because I like them and use them. Let me know if there are any others worth a look.

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CMS | Do I need Content Management or not?

Published | 13.45, 19th of February 2010, by Paul Butler | Business

We should all understand by now the importance of a good Content Management System. Handing the ability to change website text, images and on-line documents back to the site owner is an important factor when working on a new website project, but do all websites need to be managed in this way? The simple answer is no but then why is it more important to utilise Content Management functionality on some websites than others?

CMS or Content Management Systems provide a secure, simple and ultimately, a more cost effective way in which to keep your website information up to date and looking fresh. Search Engines also like websites to change once in a while. It encourages visitors to return on a regular basis, giving the website owner regular opportunities to up-sell, cross-sell, show new offers and generally keep his/her customers better informed. You have to give your visitors a reason for returning and updating content is a good way of doing this.

However, as with any CMS there is a cost implication. It takes more time to build a website that includes a database, a database which stores all of the content, than it does to develop a website without.

At Artlines Media we consult with the client to calculate whether it is more cost effective to pay more initially for CMS and then save over the longer term, than pay less for a static web presence at the start and pay on an ad-hoc basis for ongoing support from us. Personally I suggest that if you are only planning to update your content 2-4 times per year then do without CMS, keep your money in your pocket and we'll send an invoice for the ad-hoc work we do over the course of the year. Alternatively, if the client intends to update areas of the website more frequently such as within a news, blog or case study section, then CMS is the way to go from the start. To be clear, a Content Management System is definitely required for an e-commerce, gallery or catalogue style website. Also, changing a static non-CMS website to a dynamic CMS driven solution is like starting over. So it is important to get it right from the start. We wouldn't want you to pay a penny more than is absolutely necessary.

If you are planning a new website project and need help deciding whether you need CMS or not - give us a call on 01494 614 600. Better still, add a comment and we'll explain so everyone can see.

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SEO | Yahoo targets Next Generation Web Search

Published | 11.39, 11th of February 2010, by Paul Butler | SEO

Recent reports have said that partnering Bing has made a dent but have not killed off Yahoo. This is according to Yahoo's newbie Search Boss, Shashi Seth. They are still intent on making considerable gains within the Internet search market with new products aimed at what they are calling next generation search features. Although these new features are still under development they will focus on how we look at restaurants for instance on a Smartphone, using your finger to draw a circle on a map, plus short cuts to event information and most operations without requiring the use of a search bar.

However, research group comScore have confirmed a 3 point downward slide for Yahoo in the overall Search market share during the past year. Google still shows a clear lead with approximately 65% of all searches made and Microsoft's Bing has taken some of Yahoos percentage, rising to 11% whilst Yahoo drop 3 percentage points to 17% of the market share.

Personally, I see no reason to use anything other than Google. It offers everything I need. Then again I do not use a Smartphone. So entering keywords and phrases into a search bar is the primary way I search. Perhaps I will have to look again at which Internet Search I use after my next mobile upgrade.

Which do you prefer to use and more importantly, why? Please feel free to add your comment below.

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IE6 to be phased out by Google from March 2010

Published | 13.02, 1st of February 2010, by Paul Butler | Random

Many moons ago I switched from Internet Explorer to Firefox. Originally this was the recommendation following security threats published by Microsoft themselves. However, Google has recently announced that they have begun to phase out support for IE6 starting from the 1st March this year. Some of it's own services including Google Docs will not work properly unless users upgrade to the newer versions of Internet Explorer.

Using Firefox as I do, I must admit that I am now truly converted. Although it does still amaze me just how many website suppliers still do not check cross-browser compatibility whilst testing a new website. The guys here at Artlines Media make sure that any website project is fully tested including viewing through the most popular web browsers. Does your website work properly in Firefox? Does it even work in the latest versions of Internet Explorer?

If you need help because your website does not work properly and you are unable to contact your original website designer/ developer - call us now on 01494 614 600

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