Mobile phones have been able to access the web for several years, but viewing has been difficult with traditional websites.
But as manufactures are coming out with newer technology that makes web browsing on mobile phones easier than in previous models, consumer demand has continued to rise for mobile content.
Unfortunately, many phones are still not compatible with standard websites, and still look "funny" on mobile browers, and they may never be due to many factors.
However, comined with a .mobi url and proper web coding with w3c standards, mobile phone browsing doesn't have to be frustrating.
That's why if you are a small business owner, you ought to consider a .mobi and web designer capable of building your site for the mobile browser.
As technology advances, this will become a mainstay of the technology landscape. Already, you can find cnn.mobi and foxnews.mobi. They have all of the relevant, new news, but not all of the features of their main websites.
In the coming days, I'll address mobile websites, their relevance, some samples, and why you ought to consider having a mobil website to compliment your main website.
www.texstarnetworks.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New Partnership
Texstar announces new partnership with Re/Max Platinum Owner/Agent Jimmy Summerall for his Cedar Creek Lake agency.
www.texstarnetworks.com
www.texstarnetworks.com
To Change or Not to Change Your Website
When it comes to your changing your website, there are generally two major options. I would like to propose a third.
The first option is that change is never good, and can have a negative effect on you search engine listings if a total redesign is done on a website.
The second is that change can be good, and gives crawlers a good reason to keep coming back to your website.
My proposal, both can be good depending on the business and website.
Some websites are just not aesthetically pleasing.
When I evaluate a website, there are three criteria I use: 1) Navigation, navigation, navigation; 2) How does it look; 3) Information
If your website does not follow these, it may be time to redesign, or perform a partial redesign.
The reason is that your website may be found by the search engines, but what good is it if your visitors log on and get frustrated because they can't find their way around, or the website is just not pleasing to the eye and confuses the mind.
In either case, visitors will not stay long on your web site to hear what you have to say.
In the long-run, that may hurt your website, and your bottom line, even more.
Besides, during a redesign (or partial) you can evaluate your web site's code for all the little things it may need to help the search engines.
Of course, to balance things, perhaps your website is just fine, and in your case no change is most likely the best option.
It is true that you don't want to change your website for the sake of change, and I agree it is not good to change it's layout and design frequently. But, small updates weekly, or daily, are good and should be part of your web strategy program.
More to come later on web strategies.
Your best option is to find a web design professional with the knowledge and skills, who you can trust to help you make the right decisions.
www.texstarnetworks.com
The first option is that change is never good, and can have a negative effect on you search engine listings if a total redesign is done on a website.
The second is that change can be good, and gives crawlers a good reason to keep coming back to your website.
My proposal, both can be good depending on the business and website.
Some websites are just not aesthetically pleasing.
When I evaluate a website, there are three criteria I use: 1) Navigation, navigation, navigation; 2) How does it look; 3) Information
If your website does not follow these, it may be time to redesign, or perform a partial redesign.
The reason is that your website may be found by the search engines, but what good is it if your visitors log on and get frustrated because they can't find their way around, or the website is just not pleasing to the eye and confuses the mind.
In either case, visitors will not stay long on your web site to hear what you have to say.
In the long-run, that may hurt your website, and your bottom line, even more.
Besides, during a redesign (or partial) you can evaluate your web site's code for all the little things it may need to help the search engines.
Of course, to balance things, perhaps your website is just fine, and in your case no change is most likely the best option.
It is true that you don't want to change your website for the sake of change, and I agree it is not good to change it's layout and design frequently. But, small updates weekly, or daily, are good and should be part of your web strategy program.
More to come later on web strategies.
Your best option is to find a web design professional with the knowledge and skills, who you can trust to help you make the right decisions.
www.texstarnetworks.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
What to Look for in a Web Designer
Okay, this may be a controversial blog, I understand. However, over the last ten days I have spoken with a number of business owners who have hired various web designers, only to feel that they have not done what they said they would, or once the web site was built neglected their future needs.
First, I understand the frustration. I have been there and done that.
When you are looking for a web designer, in my opinion there must be an initial relationship built on trust, and a contract. Granted, a contract may not always be worth much, but at least it is some accountability.
More importantly, does the web person take the time to understand your company, needs, desires, and wants?
Are they business people themselves who understand business, and take the time to understand yours?
Do they take the time to educate you on what they are doing to your website to help ensure it is optimized for search engines, and have they provided the pros and cons to business blogging as well as social media like Twitter.
Granted, you can get overwhelmed quickly. However, it is good to know that your web designer is not only friendly, but also competent and capable, and willing to go the extra mile in offering a long-term service for a long-term relationship.
To me, it is not about the short-term gain of a sale and a job, it is about the long-term relationship that comes out of providing a quality service for my clients.
First, I understand the frustration. I have been there and done that.
When you are looking for a web designer, in my opinion there must be an initial relationship built on trust, and a contract. Granted, a contract may not always be worth much, but at least it is some accountability.
More importantly, does the web person take the time to understand your company, needs, desires, and wants?
Are they business people themselves who understand business, and take the time to understand yours?
Do they take the time to educate you on what they are doing to your website to help ensure it is optimized for search engines, and have they provided the pros and cons to business blogging as well as social media like Twitter.
Granted, you can get overwhelmed quickly. However, it is good to know that your web designer is not only friendly, but also competent and capable, and willing to go the extra mile in offering a long-term service for a long-term relationship.
To me, it is not about the short-term gain of a sale and a job, it is about the long-term relationship that comes out of providing a quality service for my clients.
Friday, July 17, 2009
How to Keep XP Running in a Windows 7 World
With Microsoft releasing the new operating system (Windows 7), what does it mean for your business, or even your home.
This informative article may help you decided the pros and cons of upgrading.
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/67618.html?wlc=1247867081
http://www.texstarnetworks.com
This informative article may help you decided the pros and cons of upgrading.
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/67618.html?wlc=1247867081
http://www.texstarnetworks.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Best Buy Requires Twitter as Part of Job Description
As an ongoing and developing theme happening in the web/advertising world, Best Buy announced on a job opening they are requiring knowledge, experience, and 250+ followers on Twitter as part of a qualification for a Senior Manager's position.
This is a growing and ongoing issue not only for corporate or large businesses, but also for small businesses.
I'll share more later about an e-book I'm writing on this subject, but suffice it to say, if your small business is not learning about social networking and marketing, I hope you will consider doing so.
There are tremendous tools out there which are free and can help you grow your business over the next year.
Again, I will be sharing more in the very near future.
Link to article: http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/43490
http://www.texstarnetworks.com/
This is a growing and ongoing issue not only for corporate or large businesses, but also for small businesses.
I'll share more later about an e-book I'm writing on this subject, but suffice it to say, if your small business is not learning about social networking and marketing, I hope you will consider doing so.
There are tremendous tools out there which are free and can help you grow your business over the next year.
Again, I will be sharing more in the very near future.
Link to article: http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/43490
http://www.texstarnetworks.com/
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Website to publish sensitive hacked Twitter info
The above title is from an article in Reuters today. In it, they state the popular tech news website, TechCrunch.com, received information via email stolen from Twitter on the popular social websites financials, and other sensitive company information.
While the information may be interesting, and even newsworthy or valuable, it is clearly wrong to post or use malicious information of this sort, considering especially that Twitter has done nothing wrong. Either way, the posting of the information is not appropriate in my opinion.
The real question here to me is, how did the thieves hack into Twitter's system to gain the information?
My suspicion is that in all likely hood it was an inside job. Most of these types of scrupulous operations need an inside person to help gain access to sensitive materials. Though I admit, that is not necessarily true and may not be the case in this situation.
Unfortunately, by this happening to Twitter it proves that we are all susceptible to hackers and online thieves at some level.
How can you prevent sensitive personal information from being stolen?
First, don't share your information with anyone. And if you must, keep it to a very few number so that it may be possible to identify who could be providing the information. Of course, that is a very pessimistic view, and hopefully doesn't happen to you, or your company.
Second, some industry experts say don't log onto websites such as your bank accounts, etc., in public networks where hackers can be lurking. It could be a recipe for disaster and you will likely not even know it until it is too late.
Third, be sure to keep your computer clean of spyware and viruses that can help hackers gain access to your computer(s). This was probably not an issue for Twitter. But, it could be one for you. You'll want reliable spyware and virus protection software to help keep your computer safe. Please keep in mind, they may not be full proof, but they are very helpful.
The FBI has a list of helpful things you can do as well to protect your computer. Click here to read their list of things to consider.
While the information may be interesting, and even newsworthy or valuable, it is clearly wrong to post or use malicious information of this sort, considering especially that Twitter has done nothing wrong. Either way, the posting of the information is not appropriate in my opinion.
The real question here to me is, how did the thieves hack into Twitter's system to gain the information?
My suspicion is that in all likely hood it was an inside job. Most of these types of scrupulous operations need an inside person to help gain access to sensitive materials. Though I admit, that is not necessarily true and may not be the case in this situation.
Unfortunately, by this happening to Twitter it proves that we are all susceptible to hackers and online thieves at some level.
How can you prevent sensitive personal information from being stolen?
First, don't share your information with anyone. And if you must, keep it to a very few number so that it may be possible to identify who could be providing the information. Of course, that is a very pessimistic view, and hopefully doesn't happen to you, or your company.
Second, some industry experts say don't log onto websites such as your bank accounts, etc., in public networks where hackers can be lurking. It could be a recipe for disaster and you will likely not even know it until it is too late.
Third, be sure to keep your computer clean of spyware and viruses that can help hackers gain access to your computer(s). This was probably not an issue for Twitter. But, it could be one for you. You'll want reliable spyware and virus protection software to help keep your computer safe. Please keep in mind, they may not be full proof, but they are very helpful.
The FBI has a list of helpful things you can do as well to protect your computer. Click here to read their list of things to consider.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Interesting Search Engine Optimization Blog
Just today I discovered this interesting article on Search Engine Optimization terms and tactics that may be way outdated.
Everyday I talk with businesses about SEO, and for certain I agree with much that is written here and ought to be considered to get the most out of your website through search engines.
http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/09/25-outdated-seo-terms-tactics-vs-their-modern-alternatives.html
Everyday I talk with businesses about SEO, and for certain I agree with much that is written here and ought to be considered to get the most out of your website through search engines.
http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/09/25-outdated-seo-terms-tactics-vs-their-modern-alternatives.html
Monday, July 13, 2009
How to Save Money on Your Home Theater System
For many years, home theaters have thought to be out of the reach of the average home owner. With images of theater style seating in large rooms, and the high cost of large HD televisions and projectors, many of us have believed that a home theater is expensive, out of reach, and not practical.
But that doesn’t have to be so!
In the last month, we purchased a Mitsubishi HC900 HD projector, and you won’t believe what we spent for it.
Normally, these projectors retail for approximately $1,300 - $1,500. But with a little persistence, we were able to purchase the actual pictured projector for $350.00 at Fry’s in Garland, which was a floor model.
Projector mounted on ceiling in our home
We initially purchased it for $450.00. While at the store, the sales lady refused to test the unit to make us feel it worked. Still, we were assured we could bring it back if it did not.
When we got it home, the unit turned on, but apparently the lamp was bad due to the high usage of a floor model.
When we chatted with the manager over the phone, he asked us to come back into the store where they gave us another $100.00 off, and they got Mitsubishi to legitimately ship us a brand new lamp, worth approximately $300.00.
Wow! A HD projector for $350.00.
Anyone can do this with a little persistence and a lot of patience.
To set-up the screen in our small home, we went to Wal-Mart and purchased the cloth for $20.00, and some trim at Lowe’s for another $20.00.
We now have a 155” screen for $40.00. If you bought a screen retail, you would easily pay $200.00 or more.
So, for a total of $390.00, we got a home theater system worth approximately $1,400.00 - $1,600.00 total.
We have our projector hooked up to our hdmi cable box for high definition, our Xbox 360 through HD component cables, and our Sony 6.1 digital surround sound system.
All it took was a few hours to hook it all up.
You don’t have to have a lot of money, a big room, or fancy seats to have a GREAT home theater, just some patience, and any room to set it up.
Movie playing in our home
Picture taken while playing Xbox 360
But that doesn’t have to be so!
In the last month, we purchased a Mitsubishi HC900 HD projector, and you won’t believe what we spent for it.
Normally, these projectors retail for approximately $1,300 - $1,500. But with a little persistence, we were able to purchase the actual pictured projector for $350.00 at Fry’s in Garland, which was a floor model.
Projector mounted on ceiling in our home
We initially purchased it for $450.00. While at the store, the sales lady refused to test the unit to make us feel it worked. Still, we were assured we could bring it back if it did not.
When we got it home, the unit turned on, but apparently the lamp was bad due to the high usage of a floor model.
When we chatted with the manager over the phone, he asked us to come back into the store where they gave us another $100.00 off, and they got Mitsubishi to legitimately ship us a brand new lamp, worth approximately $300.00.
Wow! A HD projector for $350.00.
Anyone can do this with a little persistence and a lot of patience.
To set-up the screen in our small home, we went to Wal-Mart and purchased the cloth for $20.00, and some trim at Lowe’s for another $20.00.
We now have a 155” screen for $40.00. If you bought a screen retail, you would easily pay $200.00 or more.
So, for a total of $390.00, we got a home theater system worth approximately $1,400.00 - $1,600.00 total.
We have our projector hooked up to our hdmi cable box for high definition, our Xbox 360 through HD component cables, and our Sony 6.1 digital surround sound system.
All it took was a few hours to hook it all up.
You don’t have to have a lot of money, a big room, or fancy seats to have a GREAT home theater, just some patience, and any room to set it up.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Technology Brings Lots of Ideas
Technology can bring a lot of great opportunities for both business and home needs. From networking to websites, to wireless application, home theaters, and entertainment, our new blog hopes to share how technology is changing all of our lives at a fast rate, as well as share some things that are a must in the current economic climate to improve business opportunities or enjoy more time with your family.
Of course, some of the things we will discuss include things we use in our own home, and how entertainment is going to a new level as we spend more time with our families and friends around the house.
So, by all means, we encourage you to converse with us, share your ideas, links, and more.
Looking forward to it,
Don
Of course, some of the things we will discuss include things we use in our own home, and how entertainment is going to a new level as we spend more time with our families and friends around the house.
So, by all means, we encourage you to converse with us, share your ideas, links, and more.
Looking forward to it,
Don
Securing Your Computer
If you install the software below, you are reducing the chance of your computer needing a service call or losing important information that is stored on your computer.
Anti-Virus software
Anti-virus is the most important piece of software you can have on your pc. It is crucial to have it; otherwise you are playing with fire. A reliable anti-virus should identify, neutralize and eliminate viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and other infected programs.
Spyware remover
Identity theft is growing at unprecedented rates, spyware being one of the main culprits. Spyware secretly monitors the user's computer habits and much. Today spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, and can interfere with the user's control of the computer.
Adware remover
If you have ever encountered those annoying pop-up windows that won't stop and you have no idea where they are coming from, you PC is probably infected with adware. Although in many cases adware is harmless, it can slow your computer down dramatically and expose your system to other risks.
Firewall
A firewall basic function is to control all incoming and outgoing traffic and to determine which traffic is safe by following policies. Incoming traffic has to come from allowed IP addresses, if the IP address is not recognized, the website will be blocked unless you allow it. As time passes the firewall allowed IP address list grows. This is a very useful tool to compliment your other protection software.
Anti-Virus software
Anti-virus is the most important piece of software you can have on your pc. It is crucial to have it; otherwise you are playing with fire. A reliable anti-virus should identify, neutralize and eliminate viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and other infected programs.
Spyware remover
Identity theft is growing at unprecedented rates, spyware being one of the main culprits. Spyware secretly monitors the user's computer habits and much. Today spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, and can interfere with the user's control of the computer.
Adware remover
If you have ever encountered those annoying pop-up windows that won't stop and you have no idea where they are coming from, you PC is probably infected with adware. Although in many cases adware is harmless, it can slow your computer down dramatically and expose your system to other risks.
Firewall
A firewall basic function is to control all incoming and outgoing traffic and to determine which traffic is safe by following policies. Incoming traffic has to come from allowed IP addresses, if the IP address is not recognized, the website will be blocked unless you allow it. As time passes the firewall allowed IP address list grows. This is a very useful tool to compliment your other protection software.
Speed up Windows Explorer
Speed up the display load time of Microsoft Windows Explorer by disabling the feature to search for network printers and folders. By default each time Windows Explorer is opened it'll attempt to locate any network printer or folder on your computer network. If your computer is not on a network and/or you have no network printers, folders, or shares disable this option by following the below steps.
Open Windows Explorer
Click the Tools drop down menu and then Folder Options
Within the Folder Options tab click the View tab
Uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers"
Open Windows Explorer
Click the Tools drop down menu and then Folder Options
Within the Folder Options tab click the View tab
Uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers"
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