First things first, it is vital that you know what you are buying and if you even need it. On that note, we will start with a short explanation of the most important parts web hosting followed by types of hosting.

The Domain name

We won’t insult your intelligence. Chances are you know what a domain name is but for those of you who do not got a clue, a domain name is the address to your website. In the beginning only IP addresses existed, and they still do, but along the way during the usability work on the web, the domain name was applied. Rather than having to type in a series of numbers and dots, you could now assign a unique name to your websites.

Registering a domain

is one of must-do parts of getting web hosted (and is usually the first step in the sign up process). Some hosting deals include free domain registration and some do not. Either way, make sure you get a proper name to go with your website. It is safe to say that all serious web hosting businesses will have that option ready when you sign up.

The Storage Space

Not perhaps the most essential or revolutionary part of a good web host, but still worth mentioning and for you, worth remembering. Storage space is a common detail web hosts include when promoting their deals. And ever since shared web hosting, also known as cheap web hosting, hit the market web hosts have been able to offer junk loads of storage space.

The difference and importance of shared or dedicated hosting will be explained further down. For now we focus of the storage space and the reason we brought up shared hosting is because it allows hosting companies to offer much more space than you can ever imagine. Even the term unlimited
space is frequently tossed around buzz word. What you have to understand is how much space you realistically need. For a site with about 10 html pages and images, no more than 5 GB is required. And then you will have good margin in the case your site grows bigger. If your site is a more dynamic one with apps, databases, beta software and such you may need some more.

Either way, concerning storage space what it ultimately comes down to is a shared or dedicated server. If you are on a server that you share with hundreds of other websites you can never be absolutely sure that you have all the promised space to yourself. Especially if they claim to be “unlimited.” Promising unlimited web hosting is much like saying outer space is endless; it simply is not!

The Bandwidth

The third constellation in an everyday web hosting offer. Bandwidth is the capable volume of data that is transferable from the server to the web browser. Also here “unlimited” is a common adjective but again very much not true. However, the bandwidth is very important to guarantee that your site stays online and connected to the Internet. If you find a web host offering unlimited bandwidth you should by all means go for it. And although most web host offer several thousand gigabytes in bandwidth, taking up “unlimited” means you are taking from the neighbors on your servers. Do that constantly will result in higher rates or your site being shut down. So remember, if your website starts getting Digged or stumbled upon’ed, then consider going to a dedicated server.

Dedicated Vs. Shared Web Hosting

This is where we can really establish the truth of a web hosting offer. The saying “You Get What You Pay For” fits perfectly to this comparison. It is price versus quality war. And do not get us wrong but most webmasters are in no need of quality, just somewhere to store their site files. But in the end, it is only really with dedicated web hosting you know exactly what you get.

Choosing a dedicated server to host your website will hence mean a complete server dedicated to your site. With shared web hosting, unlimited storage space and bandwidth is much more often used because the web host simply can’t tell exactly how much space and bandwidth you will end up with. In such a deal, offers are calculated based on mow much you will use. And we all know, such estimations can’t possibly be accurately made.

Linux, WordPress and PHP hosting

These three terms will occur often in your search for good web hosting. They all are commonly used and often a pre-set preference in offered hosting packages. However, they fill very different purposes. Linux web hosting is for the developing webmaster who wants more freedom to create his/her own website platform. Linux operative system is used by almost all experienced server owner across the world. WordPress hosting is for those who are looking to set up a blog website.

WordPress is not only the most popular blogging developer but is so dominant most web hosts have devoted a complete package offer in its honor. With WordPress hosting you will easily be able to set up your blog through your hosting account and have many beneficial additional features to boost your blog.

PHP hosting is basically a web hosting server that runs on the scripting language PHP. And since WordPress like other CMS sites also run on PHP, hosting devoted to this script is perfect for you who have want more website but has little knowledge in how to make them. Though PHP is much more advanced than HTML for example, you will find a lot of pre-installable scripts included in your hosting deal that are written in PHP.

I’ve been receiving quite a number of emails about iPhone users on the T Mobile network who suddenly can no longer use their EDGE connection. I myself was stumped for a while after learning that my iPhone can no longer browse the internet but can still receive email messages. So after doing my research online I found out that T Mobile recently updated their IP address for T Zones which would explain why everybody using the T Zones hack can no longer use their EDGE connection.

Well here’s a workaround for you. Right click and save this file as proxy.pac and replace your current proxy.pac file in your iPhone. For users that are on Firmware 2.0 and above just use Cydia to update your T Zones Hack. For users that are on firmware 1.1.x upload the file to /var/preferences/.
Firmware 1.1.4 upload to /var/root.
For users that are on firmware 1.0.2 and below, upload the file to /private/var/root.

Yeah But How The Heck Do I Upload?

You can still use iBrickr to upload into your phone’s file system, I was able to successfully update my friend’s iPhone using iBrickr. Please note that iBrickr may only work on firmwares 1.0.2 and below. You may also use winscp but you will need wifi access in order to browse your iPhone.

Once you have the file uploaded double check your EDGE settings, the APN should say wap.voicestream.com, the username and password is Guest. Reboot the iPhone just to make sure everything’s ok, and try surfing now.

So whether you are a veteran web designer or an upcoming designer, here’s some sites that will inspire you to step up your design skills. (In no particular order)

www.speckyboy.com

www.crazyleafdesign.com/blog

www.youthedesigner.com

www.dezinerfolio.com

www.outlawdesignblog.com

www.ndesign-studio.com

www.vandelaydesign.com/blog

www.psdtuts.com

www.bittbox.com

www.webdesignerwall.com

www.w3schools.com

www.noupe.com

www.alistapart.com

www.smashingmagazine.com

www.css-tricks.com

Reader Suggested Websites For Further Inspiration

www.designmeltdown.com
www.graphic-exchange.com
www.sitepoint.com
www.csszengarden.com
www.techbranch.com
www.decographics.com
www.veerle.duoh.com

If you know of any other websites that you think is worthy of honorable mentions, feel free to post it on your comment and I will add them here.

You also might want to check out the books below, these will further develop your knowledge and perspective of web designing.

1 - Contact The Blogger
I would get in touch with a blogger to let them know how much I enjoyed their article. Some bloggers will not leave an email address or contact form on their site, at that point I would simply leave them a thank you comment.

2 - Link Love
Whenever I STUMBLE on a blog that is just full of great articles, I would link to that site and add them to my blogroll.

3 - The Stumble Upon Effect
Stumble Upon is a great service and it is a wonderful article promotion tool. I always make sure I give a thumbs up on blogs that I enjoy reading.

4 - Submit and Vote
Everybody knows that Social Media is a great source for generating traffic to a site. If the article you are reading is really, really good, chances are it’s already been submitted to sites like Digg, Mixx, Reddit, Propeller, Yahoo Buzz, etc. If that’s the case, then go ahead and vote the article up.

5 - Give Out Some Change
This is probably everyone’s favorite since it involves money. Make a courteous donation to the blogger. I have received donations on this blog in the past and let me tell you, it is a great feeling! I went out and bought a bag of Cheetos.

6 - Add Cents???
This is actually my favorite one, whenever I see an ad, I make sure I give it a click if I feel like the blog has given me something I can walk away with. And don’t just click on the ads for the sake of clicking, take time to read what the ad is offering, you might just find something that is of interest to you. Just don’t overdo the clicks or the blogger will be penalized for click fraud. [ I am in no way advocating the clicking of any ads ]

So next time you read and enjoyed a random blog post, you’ll know what to do.

Notes from the WINPWN Page:
- You MUST do a full uninstall of winpwn before installing the new version
- Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes ( Currently 7.7)
- WinPwn uses 300MB of ram at peak due to the ipsw being extracted in memory
- You must first click browse and load an IPSW to use WinPwn (i thought this was clear)
- For 2.0 only the *5A347_Restore.ipsw files are valid. The 345 image will not work
- If you see Failed to load image catalog/payload catalog, this is fine and won’t cause problems
- If you already have service with AT&T do not activate or install Youtube Fix

I’ve been dreading upgrading my iPhone firmware because the last update I performed rendered my phone useless for about 3 days, luckily I was able to resurrect it after working on it straight for 72 hours. Since that day I vowed to never attempt another firmware update.

Well along comes firmware 2.0

This firmware is unlike any of the previous firmware releases, which is more than enough reason for me to try and see what the fuss is all about. I knew there was a possibility that I can brick my iPhone forever but I’m a risk taker so I went ahead and updated from firmware 1.1.1 to firmware 2.0 and guess what? The upgrade was flawless using WINPWN.

STEP 1

Download WINPWN 2.0.0.3
Install the application, connect your iPhone to your pc and launch iTunes.

STEP 2

Download firmware 2.0 via iTunes or you can find it on various sites, just Google it…quit being lazy!

STEP 3

Download the following 2 files: 3.9BL & 4.6BL
These are bootloader files that you’ll need to install during the process. Save it on your desktop or any folder you want.

STEP 4

Let’s go ahead and launch WINPWN. Click on Browse .ipsw, locate firmware 2.0 you just downloaded and click on open. This will load the firmware into WINPWN.

STEP 5

Click on IPSW builder and WINPWN will create a custom IPSW. This will bring up the IPSW builder, simply copy the settings you see from the images below:

STEP 6

At the advanced tab we need to load the 2 bootloader files we downloaded earlier, click on the first button and load BL-39.bin, click the the second button and load BL-46.bin.

Now click Build .ipsw, save the custom ipsw…this process will take about 5-10 minutes so be patient. Once it’s done building the firmware you will get a pop up stating Successfully created IPSW file, click OK.

STEP 7

Double click the custom IPSW you just built, you will then be notified that your iTunes has been Pwned! Click OK.

STEP 8

We need to put the iPhone in DFU mode. Press the power button and home button at the same time until the phone turns off. Once it’s off let go of the power button but keep the Home button pressed for another 10 seconds. Itunes will recognize that your phone is in recovery mode and will ask you if you want to restore. Click OK.

STEP 9

Now in Itunes, you want to hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click the restore button, this will allow you to browse the custom IPSW you just created. Go ahead and select your IPSW and restore…Once this is done you should have an unlocked and jailbroken iPhone Firmware 2.0 !

If your computer is slow, you can perform simple PC maintenance activities to speed it up and improve its performance. Generally, your computer faces problems if the registry is corrupt, it is infected with virus or malware, or if your hard-disk is fragmented and cluttered.

The following are some of the tasks that you can perform on your PC to maintain a healthy and error-free computer.

• Regular Registry cleanups: The registry is one of the most important parts of a computer system, and it is important to keep it uncluttered and malware free. To keep your registry free from errors you need to perform regular registry cleaning. There are several third-party registry tools that can make the task of cleaning up your registry easier and problem free. However, if you are familiar with registry files then you can try and remove the unwanted files from the registry manually using the Windows Registry Editor tool.

• Regular Checks against Viruses and Malware: Keeping your PC free and protected from virus and malware is an essential step towards maintaining the performance of your computer. There are many reliable Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware and Anti-Spyware software available today that you can use to protect your system from these threatening software.

• Regular Disk Cleanups: In the same way that it is necessary to keep your registry clean and uncluttered, it is also essential that you perform regular hard disk cleanup activities to maintain your PC’s performance. All Windows operating systems come with built-in tools such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter tools, which help in removing the unwanted files from your system and help in defragmenting your hard-disk.

• Regularly updating System files: Software companies regularly release updated versions of their software. To maintain a high level of performance for your system and to keep it secure from the latest threats, you must regularly update your software with these updates.

• Use the System Restore Tool: Windows XP and Vista computers come with a tool called System Restore. If your computer encounters a problem, you can use this tool to restore your system configuration to the time when your system was functioning without any errors. When you use the system restore on your Vista or XP computer, your personal files and data are not affected. The tool only restores system configurations and settings to a specified restore point by removing the software and system settings that were made after the restore point was created.

• Check the System Hardware: Many computer errors are generated if the hardware of your system is malfunctioning. To prevent these problems, you may use a good system diagnostic utility to run tests on your system hardware. If the diagnostic tool detects problems with your hardware, then depending on the detected problem, you may have to do one of the following tasks to repair the error:

• • Update and fix problems with device drivers.
  • Replace the malfunctioning hardware.
  • Clean the hardware components to remove any dust and other deposits on them to prevent overheating.
  • Ensure that all hardware components are properly seated in their slots.

As vigilant computer users, you must remember that by performing a few simple and precautionary tasks, you can ensure optimized and error-free performance of your computer for a long time.

The new version of the iPhone harnesses the power of AT&T’s broad and powerful 3G mobile broadband network, which offers 3G mobile phones download speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps.

Key Device Features:

Operates on Wi-Fi, EDGE, and 3G networks
New enterprise e-mail capability with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
New iPhone software development kit (SDK) to support new innovative applications
Note: 2G iPhone customers will be able to download the iPhone 2.0 software from iTunes which enables new features such as access to corporate e-mail via Microsoft ActiveSync.

New Activation Process and BRE:
The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled.

Pricing and Plans
Device Pricing:
$199 8GB and $299 16GB for new activations and qualified upgrades with 2-year agreement.

Data Plans and Pricing:
The iPhone 3G will be activated on existing AT&T voice rate plans, but new data plans have been created for the 3G device.

All iPhone 3G customers are required to have one of the new data plans and qualifying voice plan.
Customers intending to use the iPhone 3G for access to corporate e-mail, business applications, or access to corporate intranet are required to activate with Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone.
The 2G data rate plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
IRU service discounts for both voice and data pans will apply to iPhone 3G, but not 2G iPhone.
CRU service discounts for voice and data will apply to both 2G and 3G, when on a qualifying data plan.
IRUs will not get a discount on device purchase for 2G or iPhone 3Gs.
Data Pricing will be as follows:
Consumer Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$30 - Unlimited Data (E-mail/Web), includes Visual Voicemail

Enterprise Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$45 – Unlimited Data with personal and corporate e-mail, web, includes Visual Voicemail

Upgrade Eligibility and Qualified Upgrade Pricing
Upgrade eligibility will be determined based on standard upgrade eligibility rules. Customers must be upgrade eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing. However, not all customers will be qualified upgrades. AT&T has not determined the price of the 3G device for non-qualified upgrades.

All customers will be required to sign a 2-year agreement. There will not be a “no commitment” price for the iPhone 3G.

Note: When the 3G device launches, all active postpaid customers in good standing with a 2G iPhone will be eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing for a 3G device regardless of service tenure. (Customers that would not otherwise be eligible due to tenure will be made eligible at launch).

Activation Process
The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores. Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store. The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided). Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer’s device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device.

The SSK has been modified to allow customers interested in the iPhone 3G to enter their information, select rate plans and data plans, and print a document that will allow COR reps to quickly access the customer’s information in OPUS and save time for data entry in the activation process.

Note: In the interim, 2G iPhones will continue to be activated via iTunes - BAU. This is also true for existing AT&T customers who receive a 2G device as a gift, hand-me-down, etc. and wish to activate the device. Existing AT&T customers who switch to the 2G iPhone must tether through the iTunes process to begin using the device.

Compensation
Because the 3G device will be activated in store, compensation for the 3G device will be BAU. COR reps will receive compensation for upgrades and new activations with a 2-year agreement.

Purchase Limit
The device purchase limit will remain three (3) per customer for iPhone 3G in AT&T stores.

Allocations
If allocations are required at launch, supply chain will allocate based on January-April sales rates applied on a store-by-store basis.

Direct Fulfillment
The DF tool will be available at launch in COR for iPhone 3Gs. Customers will be required to pay for the device when the order is placed and the phone will be shipped to the store in the customer’s name.

Existing Stock of 2G Devices
We will continue to sell 2G devices until stock is depleted.

Return Policy
2G Devices
Customers who recently purchased a 2G iPhone may want to return their device once they hear about the 3G model and price point, but the new device will not be available immediately. Since the announcement and launch will be about 30 days apart, we could lose some customers who are within their BRE period and want to return their device before their 14 days expires and wait for the new 3G device. We must acknowledge and address their desire to get the best device for them.

Here’s how AT&T will handle 2G iPhone returns:

If a customer purchased before 5/27, we will follow BAU processes – no device returns. However, all postpaid 2G iPhone customers in good standing are upgrade eligible, so these customers will qualify to upgrade to a 3G iPhone when it is available.
If a customer purchased on or after 5/27 (within the 14-day BRE period before the product announcement on 6/9), we will let them exchange their 2G iPhone for an iPhone 3G before August 1. This means that after we launch the 3G model they can return their 2G iPhone, pay the 10% restocking fee, and purchase a new iPhone 3G before August 1.
Note: This modified return policy applies only to customers who purchase from AT&T stores.

3G Devices
The return policy for 3G is changing from 14 days to 30 days for both Apple and AT&T stores.

To cancel service within the first 30 days, the customer must return their equipment to the place of purchase (no exceptions).
If the customer cancels service after 30 days, they will be charged the ETF. The customer is not required to return the device to cancel after 30 days.
Special Notes Regarding 2G Devices

After the iPhone 3G launches, activations of 2G iPhones for new AT&T customers can be performed in COR stores or in the existing iTunes tether process. COR reps will receive compensation for activations of new AT&T customers done in store.
2G upgrades will continue to be activated via the existing iTunes tether process.
Existing 2G data plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
Note: 2G iPhones are out of stock in the DCs, and the Direct Fulfillment tool for 2G is turned off. 2G iPhones have been removed from the “myRewards” incentive catalog.

Merchandising/Marketing

Current 2G iPhones should remain on device fixtures in store. Do not remove 2G demo devices until further notice.
3G demos will be pulled from stock when they arrive following BAU process for display devices.
Video loop content will be pushed to stores when it is available.
New docks and retrofit kits will be provided for existing iPhone fixtures.
The following merchandising elements will be in stores for launch:

Rate brochure and display rate card
22 x 28 poster
Window banner
Duratrans - will be available for markets to order
Coming Soon: Posters and banners are TBD
Training

Device training, including features and functionality, will be available via My CSP by 6/13.
OPUS training will begin no later than 6/20 and will be delivered via the Learning Edge.
Launch preparedness training, including last minute details, will be conducted the week of launch (if needed) via RSM or Centra sessions.
Communications/My CSP
All iPhone-related communications, inclusive of training announcements, will be posted to My CSP. Login and access are via the “Everything iPhone 3G” ad space. Or search on either keyword “iZone” or keyword “iPhone 3G” to locate.

Launch Plans
Support logistics for launch day will mirror last year’s iPhone launch:

Letters will be sent to all landlords under VP/GM signature for advance notice of store hours, crowds expected, possible parking issues, etc.
Security will be provided for locations requesting armed police or unarmed, uniformed guards.
Manager checklists will be provided to support RSMs to set expectations and help them be prepared to complete all required actions.
Documents will be posted on iZone to let RSMs know when to expect delivery of launch support materials.
Job descriptions for key launch day functions will be provided for: Back Office Manager/Inventory Runner, Crowd Manager, Greeter, Product Demonstrator, and Security Support.

You have to have two things in order to be successful with affiliate marketing, and those two things are patience, and determination. When you put those two together, there is no stopping you or what you can do with your affiliate marketing business.

Affiliate marketing is something that takes work. You can not just set up your site and let it go. You have to work on it consistently to see a good amount of revenue come from it. However, make sure that you are doing everything that you can to get it seen. Use the best free tools that there are available to you, and pay for the ones that really work.

Affiliate marketing can be done a few ways; it can be done through email, newsletters, websites, or blogs. By using any of these things, you can be successful if you are marketing to the right audience. Finding your readership, and catching them with good content is what it is all about. To do so, you need to know where they go and what they look for. Try starting with message boards to begin with. However, use some patience and dont come off as the newbie know it all. Take some time and peak others interest.

Add the link to your website or blog in your signature line at the message board that you are visiting, and most importantly, make sure that the message board is relevant to your market. If you have a website that pertains to a market that has to do with gardening, you will not want to be visiting a message board that is all about pregnancy. It is really quite simple to understand how these two things must be relevant to get results.

So, once you have found a busy message board that will allow you to include your link to your website in the signature of your posts, you are in business. Just start off by posting and chatting, and when someone asks a question that you know all about and answer to, answer it. This will peak their interest and before you know it, they will be clicking on the link in your signature and checking out your site. While doing this can be quite time consuming, it will pay off. Gain the other members trust, and you cannot go wrong.

April Fools Day seems to have no definite starting point, like Christmas or 4th of July. Rather, April Fools Day appears to have had a slow evolution toward modern day. It seems to be the result of the convergence of various cultural beliefs and practices which held a common theme, the emergence from the doldrums of winter. The first of April is recognized as a day of pranks not only in the United States, but also in France, Germany, and Great Britain. In India, the feast of Huli occurs in March. The final day of Huli is March 31, and is traditionally celebrated by acts of mischief. In France, a fool is sometimes called a “poisson d’Avril” (April fish). In Scotland, a fool is called an “April gowk” or “April cuckoo”.
On my way in to work this morning, they said on the radio that April Fools started back when they changed the calendar. It was said at one point people used to celebrate the new year in April. When the new year was changed to January, they called the people who continued to celebrate the new year in April, April Fools. April Fools is also celebrated in some Latin American countries, such as Peru and Colombia. It is celebrated on December 28, hence its name is not “April Fools” . It is called “Dia de los Inocentes” which in English it would be “The Candids’ Day”.

So in honor of this glorious day, here’s some funny April Fools prank I found online:

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April Fools’ Day Pranks You Can Build in the Office