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Archive for July 16th, 2008

Search Engine Marketing: Timing of SEO in the Web Design Process

by Terry Stanfield

If you’re just starting to build your website now is the best time to start planning your search engine optimization and search engine marketing strategy. The best time to introduce the SEO planning of a website is when the site design is ready and the site is ready to be launched but there is no content yet for the site. Just before the site launches is the time to bring in an SEO consultant to provide some SEO services. After the design of the website is done an SEO consultant can give you suggestions about what keywords and key phrases you need to add into the site HTML as Meta tags and where those tags should go. Once the site is tagged and the design and navigation has been tested it’s time to add in content. Having SEO content on your site from the start will give your web site a big advantage over older websites that might already have a bit of a following but haven’t had any SEO services by a professional SEO consultant.

For a new site where that site ends up on the search engine results pages can be critical to its success. In order for the site to get a high ranking on the search engine results pages it’s imperative that a professional and experienced SEO consultant creates search engine optimized content that is ready to be part of a broad search engine marketing campaign. It just makes more sense to get all your ducks in a row before you launch the site doesn’t it? Bring in an SEO consultant when you’re ready to start putting content on the site so that when the site launches your site will be instantly indexed by the search engine spiders and can start drawing traffic from search engines immediately.

If you have an existing site that is due for an overhaul or a design revamping then you should also consult a professional SEO consultant before the site is redone so that you will have a good idea of what SEO services that you need. Cosmetic work on the site is important so that your site doesn’t look outdated but changing up the content on the site will be very important. Most of the traffic that websites get comes from searches done by people who use Google or another search engine to look for website dealing with a particular topic.

You want your site to be at the top of or at least near the top every search that is done by a search engine for the topic that your site is about. In order to achieve that you need an SEO professional to write great search engine optimized content before the site launches. If your existing site has had the same content on it for more than six months you should get an SEO professional to write new content. Changing the content is a great search engine marketing strategy to draw new web site traffic and improve your search engine ranking.

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SQL Injection Prevention Guidelines For Developers

by Chris Channing

SQL injection is becoming a problem for web developers- especially those new to the field who aren’t up to speed on how insecure PHP can really be. But as the experts like to say, PHP isn’t the problem- it’s the knowledge of the programmer that counts when it comes to preventing SQL injection attacks.

SQL injections are defined by the vulnerability in the SQL query that PHP developers make use of. When the developer in question puts forth an SQL query, he or she needs to make an effort to validate any input that could come from any web form or entry field. A simple input statement such as “a’ OR ‘a’='a’” could compromise the security of one’s database with ease.

PHP developers have used the magic quotes function to help safeguard against SQL injections. Magic quotes are no longer in use, however, since they were more of a hassle than anything. It is recommended that if a developer has used magic quotes, he or she should remove them since they are no longer supported as of PHP 6. Thus, we need to look elsewhere for a security solution.

There is but one simple solution when it comes to getting rid of the threat of an SQL injection. This simplle solution comes via the function mysql_real_escape_string(). This function was created specifically for safeguarding against SQL injections, so it’s well worth the time to use. Just pass any values being inserted through this function, and the result is a perfectly escaped string.

Another good way to prevent SQL injections is to simply restrict authority in SQL users where possible. For instance: it would be a good idea to create individual users that do specific things: such as create a table or update rows in the said table. This can help make the task of ruining one’s hard work much harder for malicious web users, although it’s a lot more work for webmasters (Although well worth it).

A special word of advice for PHP developers: don’t buy into programs that claim they prevent SQL injections through their classes or web applications. While they may indeed do so, stopping an SQL injection is just as simple as using the previously mentioned function- no need to waste one’s money! Alternatively, SQL injection scanners can be used to help find holes.

Closing Comments

There isn’t much effort that needs to be exerted in order to declare a database safe from harm. All that is needed is a little prevention- which comes from avid usage of the function and design principles previously stated. It may also be a good idea to use SQL injection scanners on large web applications to cover holes that might not have been covered over the course of the development period.

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Will There Be A 3G Apple iPhone This June?

by wendy Matters

It can be concluded that the release of an Apple iPhone 3G in June is one of the most widely spread secret of the IT world. This is confirmed by the hardware specifications for VodaPhone in italy.

So what does this 3G mean and why wasn’t the Apple iPhone a 3G in the first place?

3G means “3rd Generation”, and can use one of two competing cellular phone data protocols, which allows speeds that are about half what a DSL line gives for downloads, and very nearly equal for uploads. Rampant speculation exists as to whether or not the Apple iPhone 3G will support the so-called 3.5 generation protocol, HSDPA.

However, that speculation is based on a lot of information that’s coming from Europe, where HSDPA is the dominant standard. Both VodaPhone and StarOn use HSDPA networks, and press releases announcing a 3G Apple iPhone have been around on the Internet since April. Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal stated, in a round robin press conference that “A 3G Apple iPhone is guaranteed to happen in the next three months” back in April.

What one should be concerned about is this: The industrial design secrets are kept close to Apple; however we do know that this design will be slimmer, and of course,the Apple iPhone 3G will make data access much quicker.

So where’s Apple’s over-hyped secrecy? There was a signing of non-disclosure agreements during the launching of the iPhone last year, before journalist could see the hardware. So one can only imagine if Mossberg spoke of its 3G connectivity, what other cool features does Apple have in store that he is unable to speak off?

There is a range of speculation from the 3G Apple iPhone having built in GPS capabilities, to new software, this software stemming from the Software Development Kit, this being released last February. Also there are some speculations about graphic acceleration. (Apple on the other hand has publicly released announcements about integrating with Microsoft Exchange-driven “push” email, the major competitive advantage that Research In Motion’s Blackberry has.)

This summer is the marked time span for the release of an 8MB and 16MB iPhone well so it have been announced - some hardware experts, mention of the success of the MacBook Air will be made, that this may be a red herring, and the 3G Apple iPhone may have a higher amount of Flash RAM.

Of all things that are going to change on thing is sure to remain untouched and that is the battery life, given the fact that it is thinner. May be of some let down for the Apple iPhone devotees; the 3G Apple iPhone is thinner and has a more powerful radio, this will inevitably prevent space for greater battery capacity and may even prove to be shorter if the radio is feature that is frequently used.

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Ways to Apply The Law Of Attraction

by Rebecca Hicks

Does the Law of Attraction works? If you are new to LOA than you may have heard that you will learn about gratitude and appreciation for all that you receive as a result of practicing it. Life for many has become easier and quite abundant. The beginning step is that you will need to begin with a feeling of appreciation before you can actually receive good things to come. This is the main point of what the Law of Attraction is about.

Can you believe amazing and wonderful things are already happening for you? If you can than you will be so much more appreciative and joyful. The core teachings behind the Law of Attraction is belief, not just faith, but belief. Belief along with being appreciative for something sends out positive vibrations around you and you become an attraction magnet. This brings the good things to you that you are seeking by way of the Law of Attraction.

As you consider the future, you can start to use the Law of Attraction to draw more things to you that you can be appreciative of. If you are thankful for what is already in your life than you are now putting out good energy and developing a grateful mind. In accordance with putting The Law of Attraction into action your already being grateful now helps to bring you more to be grateful for. Like attracts like.

Your mood will dictate your outcomes. So lets say that you wake up in a bad mood because your cranky kids kept you up late. You can decide that morning if you are going to let that bad mood win out. If you let it dominate your thoughts than more negative things will happen to you all day long. When you use and understand the Laws of Attraction, you will see why this happens.

If, however, you brush off the bad feelings and replace them with ones of appreciation you will be surprised at how much better your day will go. Use the Law of Attraction to help you along. You may be thankful that you woke up beside your loving spouse, or you might be thankful that you have a job to go to. Whatever it is, the Law of Attraction will make it work for you.

The Law of Attraction in simple terms, works using a system of appreciation and reward. Sometimes you might have to find new ways to remind yourself to be thankful for the what is good about your life. I have found it really helpful to set aside a block of time each day to think deeply about what I appreciate about my life. My time in the shower is often sufficient to pick me up. Just try to do it daily, and at the beginning of the day, when possible.

The Law of Attraction is built on good habits. You can carry some sort of talisman. It can be anything from a rock to a coin. It can be anything you will handle daily. Some people put these items in their pockets. Some put them on a string around their necks.

When you touch your reminder coin or stone you are training your self to feel appreciation. Then it is of value to pass that appreciation on by acts of kindness. You will find that your mind will become more directed towards happiness and gratitude. And your thoughts are more about what you are thankful for. This is the main core idea about how to put the Law of Attraction into action.

Your mind controls who and what you are. According to the Law of Attraction, it can also change what you have. This may be material possessions, relationships, or health. If you are in a mindset of appreciation, you are in a position to make the Law of Attraction bring to you all that you desire.

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Ten Indicators that it is Time to Move to a Dedicated Server

by Amy Nutt

If you have a high traffic website with dynamic features, then switching to a dedicated server is probably the best choice for you. The major advantages are faster load time, increased security, and total control over your website. This dedicated server is a single web server, devoted solely to the use of one organization, unlike shared servers that host a number of other users and websites. Particularly suitable for larger corporations that process and store high quantities of secure data, dedicated servers often require a higher capital investment yet have a number of key advantages:

1. Higher speed and performance levels By switching to a dedicated server, the managed hosting is devoted to running one organization’s software and website. With a shared server, the actions and usage of other websites can impact upon the response times of a website and can even cause a time-out, especially if one website has a promotion and experiences a sudden surge in traffic.

2. Increased capacity Because a dedicated server is created for just one organization, capacity is only limited by the size of the server rather than the number of users present on that host. Dedicated servers provide a more reliable website which can run full-time with less server jamming. Websites can feature more complex functions and there are fewer limitations on the number of email accounts and attached databases.

3. Increased security By sharing the server with other sites and users, there is a possibility that other customers may be able to view secure files and in some cases overwrite certain files. This can be extremely risky if a company stores and processes highly sensitive data. If any website on the host is attacked by a hacker or virus, this also makes the rest of the sites on the server vulnerable.

4. Increased site control With complete server dedication, it is possible to have more control over data access and over what happens on that server, such as which scripts can be run and which online activities can occur.

5. Ability to customise hardware set-up Dedicated hardware is provided for the server which can only be used by one customer. This allows the customer to have control over the hardware and make any alterations or upgrades.

6. Customised software Many shared sites have limited features and software availability due to security and stability issues. For example, JSP support on shared servers is still rare. With a dedicated server, there is greater freedom of choice as to which programmes run, allowing a customer’s individual needs to be catered for.

7. Creation of more than one domain Companies that have multiple divisions or chains benefit greatly from a dedicated server in that they can create several domains on one server. This is more cost effective and efficient than each outlet renting space on a different host and creates a uniform sales platform with a simplified administration and support system.

8. Increased reliability It only requires one rogue website in a shared server to cause a search engine to ban the entire server, due to the shared IP address. With a dedicated server, reliability is no longer compromised by other customers’ poorly written scripts or security problems.

9. Effective large website maintenance A dedicated server provides the ability to run a large website, which can be remotely controlled and operated, without the need to employ large numbers of staff. There is no requirement to purchase or maintain server equipment and server upgrades are more cost effective.

10. Technical support Many dedicated server providers offer additional administrative, trouble-shooting and management support.

If your website does not have any of these qualities, then you know that it is time to move your site to a dedicated server. You’ve put a lot of work into your website, so you deserve to have the best service possible.

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Downloadable Wii Games

by Billy Jean

Not only is the Nintendo Wii a common household appliance now, it?s also a familiar household name. Nintendo Wii Video Games have captured the imagination of gamers across the board and not many would dispute that the Wii is the current video console of choice. Expectedly, its claim to fame is none other than its revolutionary way of gaming.

Riding on the crest of the wave, new Wii games are being churned out thick and fast. In addition to the brick-and-mortar retailing outlets of physical discs, Downloadable Wii Games over the internet has also caught on strongly. This mode of acquiring Games For Nintendo Wii is popular because it’s faster, easier and much more affordable.

Practically all Games For Nintendo Wii are downloadable. If they are offered on a commercial basis, they will be inherently downloadable. Downloading Wii games is possible in various ways, the most common of which are Wii Virtual Console through the Wii Shop Channel, peer-to-peer torrent sites and commercial Wii download service providers.

Wii Virtual Console offers the online convenience and immediacy. It saves time, effort and more significantly of late, gasoline of driving around unless of course if you enjoy the physical shopping itself. Being e-products, the games will never encounter stock-outs either. Having these said, they still leave a lot to be desired in the area of pricing.

Alternatively, Wii video games can be found for free at numerous peer-to-peer (P2P) torrent sites but there are setbacks with this option. It entails time and effort and the gamer ends up being occupied with hunting rather than playing the games. The risk of viruses and other forms of mal-ware is also very high, not to mention identity theft.

Wii download service providers make the most sense for avid gamers and not without reasons either. For a one-time subscription fee, you get access to unlimited media, inclusive but not limited to, Wii video games for a lifetime with all the works of 24/7 support, service and money-back guarantee thrown in. What more can we ask?

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Getting The Most Out Of The Latest Technology In Mobile Phones

by Chris Channing

Mobile phones have come a long way since the 1990’s, where few technological advances have been applied to the mobile phone as we know it today. But thanks to technology in recent years, we can now expect the bridge between mobile phones and other electronics to merge- and create new types of powerhouse electronics.

First in line for discussion is the role of photography in mobile phones. Mobile phones are now commonly being used to replace full-fledged cameras with some definitions reaching as high as 7 megapixel, and the limits are only being pushed higher every day. Mobile phones with this functionality will often cost quite a pretty penny, but are great for photography lovers.

Networking and social contact among mobile phone users is becoming strong every day. With technologies such as infrared, Bluetooth, and fully functioning wireless cards, it’s now possible to share and send media in seconds flat. In years to come, battery life will continue to become less of a problem with such technologies and we could even start seeing social networking platforms emerge.

We’ve all heard of the Nokia N-Gage. It was supposed to be the revolutionary consumer phone that also doubled over as a video game platform. Mobile phones haven’t quite lived up to the hype that the N-Gage had, but they are making leaps and bounds in the gaming department regardless. Some mobile phones can allow support for fully 3D games, as well as many different kinds of visually appealing 2D games.

Also beneficial to mobile phone users is the fact that mobile phone networks are becoming faster, more dependable, and maintain larger areas of coverage. Current trends in mobile phones are shifting towards the 3G network, which has taken advantage of high speed networks to deliver content faster and more reliably. The upcoming 4G network is also expected to make quite a stir in the mobile phone community as well.

And of course, lest we forget, the GPS craze that has been sweeping the world is also starting to rewrite the way we think of mobile phones. Already mobile phones can tell emergency responders where a caller is based on the global positioning network they make use of. This technology is also starting to hit consumers in the form of driving directions, estimating time until a destination is reached, and even calculating speed or fuel efficiency. Whatever the case, the GPS industry is quickly becoming standard among consumer electronics of present and future technologies.

Final Thoughts

It’s tough to tell where the mobile industry is going, but it’s easy to say where it’s been. The mobile phone industry has made considerable progress over the years, and there is no signs in showing that this progress is slowing down any. Mobile users get the benefit of this upstart in technological advances, although it doesn’t always come cheap. It won’t be long until mobile phones become multi-use consumer electronics, but many would attest that they have already become so with their vast features and options.

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