Choosing Your Web Hosting
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!Web hosting is an important decision for a writer. It almost goes without saying that in today’s marketplace, a writer must have a website and preferably a blog as well. As the blogosphere and social media world grow, so must you evolve to keep pace with potential new readers.
Many options exist. Going to a hosting review site is a great way to quickly scan the choices available to you. Cost is not the only consideration. Other things you want to consider are space, bandwidth, and dedicated server hosting especially if you plan on online sales. Since web hosting will be an on-going expense, you’ll also want to consider the cost of the domain and whether or not that is covered.
Tech support is another big issue. Many sites offer live chat, which is a great option if you need immediate answers. Support is probably a make or break issue for many hosting companies. Good tech support is worth paying a little extra. Reviews of hosting can also help you make informed decisions. Bear in mind that almost all companies will have a bad review in their past. Things happen. Communication breaks down and a poor review is written. Consider the entire picture before making a judgment.
If you’re torn between companies, look at the perks. Many companies throw in freebies like Google Adwords credit or other advertising site. Some sites like LunarPages offer free software. Finally, look at the guarantee you receive. A reputable site will give you at least a 30-day guarantee. A good company will stand behind its product.
Web hosting is part of the writing landscape. Careful research of your options will help you make the right choice for your needs.
Tech Tip — Protect Against Power Surges
Sometimes you learn things the hard way. I know: I did. Now that summer is nearly upon us, I think it’s a good time to remember some basics about protecting your computer. Always, always, always, use a surge protector.
We had an incident that brought this home to us a couple summers ago. We had been out boating. The weather took a sudden, nasty turn as it can do during the summer. By the time we made it to the dock, it was raining so hard that we could barely see the house. We were scrambling to put on the cover. As it rained, we decided to stay in the covered boat. It wasn’t a bad idea on hindsight. It was actually fun, huddling under the cover, enjoying a glass of wine.
Then, there came a sudden flash and booming thunder. Just as it flashed, I saw a spark near my left elbow. I had been in a back seat, resting it next to the metal frame of the bimini. It didn’t hurt, but it sure shocked me. (No pun intended.) Now, we thought for sure that a tree in our yard had taken the hit. The rain let up, so we ran to the house. Sure enough, the computer that I had left on was now off as was the router. It didn’t take long to figure out that both were victims of the lightning. Needless to say, I now have it set up with a surge protector.
So, repeating my advice to you, protect your computer. Use a surge protector.
Off Topic Fun
A bit off topic, but the chance to win a getaway with this golf tournament contest sounds too fun to pass up. The contest is for the ultimate golf getaway. How about this for a grand prize? A trip to the LPGA Solheim Cup in the Chicago area, a round of golf, a set of PING® golf clubs, golf lessons, cash, and more makes for a fun and exciting vacation. Even first prize winners get the clubs, lessons, and cash. Welcome the Comfort Suites golf contest.
I actually don’t play golf myself, but I like to watch it. Yes, it can be very exciting. Hey, and I like to read murder mysteries too, but haven’t done any of that either. No, I can appreciate the beauty of a well-groomed golf course. I can also appreciate the opportunity to take a leisurely five-mile walk. What more can you ask? If I won, I’d give the golf lessons a try too–as long as they paired me up with their most patient golf instructor. Money is always good too.
I suppose it’s like playing the lottery. I do that now and again, hoping for the big win. Who knows? You may see me on the course one of these days.
Sharing the Love, 5/22/2009
News from the writing world and more on productivity. Enjoy! Have a great weekend!
Yahoo Could Be Liable For Lewd and Libelous Profile
How To Learn a Little Every Day
‘Tucson Citizen’ Ends Print Era, Web-Only
Survey Says Basecamp Is the Best Project Management Software
Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive
Researching and Staying Informed About Health Issues
Health issues are a common theme on news website these days. Everyone wants to know how to live longer, live better, live healthier. Recognizing the growing interest in all things health, the media has provided readers with the stories they’re looking for. Unfortunately, many of these stories are taken out of context. For a writer striving to research write believable content, this can be a recipe for disaster.
The foundation of science is to experiment and test hypotheses. In order for a hypothesis to go from being just an idea to a theory, the experiment must be able to be replicated and results, observed. Take for instance some stories that have recently made the headlines. Overweight mothers are more likely to have asthmatic children. Diabetes often has an impact on women’s sex life. Of course, no one could have escaped the stories about swine flu.
Media has taken a disturbing liberty with reporting health issues. A report of one study is being touted as fact. This flies in the face of what science teaches us. One experiment does not a theory make. That is why it is imperative to stay informed. If you truly want to understand the impact of stresses on the human body, a good place to start is with an authority such as the A&P Professor. Here you can understand the why behind the what.
The human body is fascinating. Its physiology is both complex and logical, if you consider its purpose. Different aspects of human development and physiology came about as a result of stimuli from the environment. The body developed ways to better succeed in life. Even seemingly minuscule things like fingerprint ridges serve a purpose. Learning and understanding how the human body has reacted to its environment is an interesting story.
It is important to understand human physiology. Understanding your body can help you take information you read online or on the news and make better decisions about your health and help you create more realistic scenes in your writing. Besides, isn’t it time you read the owner’s manual?
Tech Tip Tuesday — Cleaning Your Computer
I have just one cat in my home. She’s not even long haired. That one cat though, sheds a lot. She also happens to have her needy moments, which means she’s there at the computer with me. That’s okay; she’s good company.
Computers take a beating even if you don’t have a pet in the house. Regardless of your pet situation, regular maintenance of the inside of your computer is a must. To keep your computer running in tip-top shape, you need a can of compressed air and a hand vacuum. Ill discuss how to clean your desktop computer.
First, turn off your computer and unplug all devices connected to it. If static electricity is an issue where you’re at, static guard bracelets that ground you and prevent shocks are available at your office supply store or computer store. In any case, discharge your static electricity by touching something metal before opening up your computer. You will probably find it helpful to work on a table. Depending on the state of your computer, there could be a lot of dust flying, so choose your workplace with care.
Second, take off the cover of your computer. Most newer models make this very easy, with tabs or screws that easily come off. If in doubt, google your computer for its user manual. When you remove the cover, be very careful. Edges on the inside can be very sharp. I’m not sure why that aspect of design is ignored with some manufacturers. Now the fun begins.
Third, not it’s time to clean. You can do a quick sweep with your hand vacuum. You don’t want to touch anything inside. Hair and dust are all that you’re after. Go around the outside of the machine as well, taking extra care around vented openings. Don’t forget unused ports. These can often be dust magnets themselves. Now it’s time for the compressed air.
Most cans of air come with a straw attachment for getting in the nooks and crannies of computers. You want to direct the spray out of the computer and not force debris inside of it. Check the fan and make sure it spins properly. Continue until things seem clean inside. Before putting the cover back on, give it a good wipe. Dust will often coat the inside of it. Once your cover is in place, wipe the outside too, making sure vents are clear and clean. After that, connect your peripherals and you’re back in business.
Regular maintenance will keep your computer running well and extend its life. Based on what you find when you open your computer, you’ll have an idea how often to clean it. If hair was caked over everything, plan on every two-three months. If it was fairly clean, once a year should be fine. Your computer is your best friend. Show it a little love every now and then.
Photo by dougwoods
Writing Tip: Removing All Evidence
Today’s writing tip deals with the bread and butter of mystery writing, evidence. Evidence sure isn’t the same thing it was in the early days of the mystery genre. Back in the day, you had blood stains, fingerprints, and maybe the great evidence from a noisy neighbor suffering from insomnia the night that the murder took place. Sure, all of that still applies, along with plenty of deduction and interrogation. A new kid on the block adds another dimension to the evidence-gathering procedure, the Internet.
The Internet is an odd phenomenon. Somehow, when someone is creating their missive about the horrible job they have or their ex-wife, they forget that it’s not as anonymous as it may seem. We associate anonymity or the lack thereof, with the absence of a face. Avatars don’t count. We feel safe behind this curtain of anonymity we think we have.
Think about it. Think about all the evidence you create in a day. There’s your website or blog if you have one or both. Your tweets show up in Google. If you’re active on the forums, guess what? It’s more Internet evidence. Instant messaging? There’s a trail. Commenting on blogs? Well, it depends on whether or not the blog owner is allowing comments to be crawled, but you get the idea. If your suspect is on the Internet, he is creating a block of evidence. What’s a suspect to do?
Certainly, Internet Explorer and Firefox are lending a hand with new “privacy mode” browsing. There is also evidence eliminator software available. Take the time to research an evidence eliminator review and you’re on your way. In any case, the Internet is like the DNA of the computer world. Evidence is created as soon as your suspect dials in. With the modern day mystery writer, the Internet offers a new, challenging twist to the process of catching your crook.
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