Pariah Design, LLC. » Technology

Compelling reasons for WordPress as a website platform

Paul — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:47:35 +0000

ComScore’s recent study released on August 31, 2009 shows Google with a 67.5% search engine market share. The next highest search engine was Yahoo with only 7.8%. What does this mean? It means that regardless of what search engine optimization efforts a website is using, the focus should still be on ranking well with Google. I often demonstrate to clients how quickly Google indexes blogging websites built with WordPress. This is one of the most compelling reasons for using WordPress as a website platform! My favorite reasons are ease of content management and design flexibility to manage an entire website, but the tie in to Google can not be ignored. (Optionally, WordPress can also be tied in to an existing website design). If your company isn’t blogging, you’re missing the (Google) “boat”!

Digital Television Deadline Extended To June 12th

Paul — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:30:17 +0000

Congress has approved a four month delay for broadcasters to conform to the digital air signal standard. They should probably do a digital test day or two now so everyone clearly gets the idea of what’s going to happen.

Last month I received two discount coupons from the government program and promptly went to Target to buy two HDTV converter boxes (here’s an example Venturer Digital Converter Box). You’ll need one converter for each non-HDTV television set. With the coupon the $49.99 price gets knocked down to $9.99.

In addition to that each box needs a digital HDTV antenna – I ordered a Philips High Performance Amplified Indoor Uhf/Vhf/Fm/HDTV Antenna from Amazon.com for $39.99. I’ll write a post about setting it up as soon as it arrives.

Digital Television Deadline Approaching February 2009

Paul — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:03:10 +0000

Many people have already heard that antenna broadcast signals for tv are going all digital in February 2009, but few are aware that free discount coupons for converters to use with analog televisions (old school, built prior to 2003 for the most part) are available. Go to http://www.dtv2009.gov to register for up to two coupons. This does not affect cable and satellite customers, unless, that is, the service went down for some reason. It might be a good idea to get a converter box for use during a service or emergency outage in order to be able to receive local tv signals.

Nevada Email Encryption Law

Paul — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:38:18 +0000

The State of Nevada has passed a law which took effect on October 1st, 2008 that all businesses sending personal information of clients or customers by company email must encrypt that email. For larger companies with in-house IT departments this is probably not much of a challenge. For individual proprietors, small to medium companies and start-ups this can be bewildering. There is a great deal of discussion on what constitutes “encryption.” Consider that there are several high grade solutions available from open-source (free) to expensive commercial applications? Do a search for “pgp” (Pretty Good Privacy) to start learning more.

Nevada is not the first or only state with laws governing email encryption. This post should not be considered “legal advice.” Please check with legal counsel in the appropriate state for guidelines and recommendations.

As with any technology challenge feel free to contact us for solutions or to set up a consultation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Good_Privacy
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-603A.html

Why Have A Website?

Paul — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:45:27 +0000

I do occasionally still get the question “Why should I have a website?” asked of me. Here are some solid reasons for a presence on the internet (not listed in any particular order).

Sales/Commerce – consider the cost of selling online vs. opening a retail location and the ability to reach customers worldwide.
Education – with today’s video and streaming technology you can broadcast your message to the public, consumers and industry.
Philanthropy – doing “good” online has a real effect in communities here and around the world by raising funds and providing technology, science and education for all sorts of causes.
Image – everyone can be the same size on the internet. Websites are the Colt 45 of the old West – “The Equalizer”. Also, having a website puts you a step above those who don’t have one.
Marketing/Advertising – the cost of owning and maintaining a website is very low, allows you to build a database of customers and makes it easier for them to find you. Offering customers incentives and information through mailing lists and consistent website updates with blogging adds value and reinforces your company message and establishes you as an authority in your field.
Customer Service – websites offer a central, consistent message and source of support and feedback. Consumers expect even small companies to have websites. Aside from actually selling products, websites also offer customers the ability to request quotes, information and contact.
Staff Management – recruit, train and communicate with employees and contractors.
Networking – your website is like a business card out in the world allowing you to link with other businesses worldwide to generate interest in your company.
Vanity – the internet is a great place to show off and have your voice heard.
Green – having a website can lower your printing and mailing costs by providing information online like downloadable statements and reports.

Publish and Perish? Relax.

Paul — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:48:47 +0000

I was just thinking last week that I don’t really post on here often enough. My post title was going to be “Publish or Perish.” Today I received an email with a news link – “In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop” (link below). My motto has always been everything in moderation. Where I seek to enable individuals and companies with technology, it appears that technology can also “disable” in more ways than one. As the great T’ai Chi teacher Yang Ch’eng-fu said “Relax, relax, then completely relax.” If you’re interested in learning more about T’ai Chi Chuan check out World T’ai Chi Day a worldwide event on April 26th at 10am local time.

In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop

World Tai Chi Day

Cell Phone Purge

Paul — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:16:15 +0000

I just purchased the Samsung i760 pda phone with Windows Mobile 6, and I have mixed feelings about it. On a humorous note, I found it interesting that less than 50% of my previous phone’s contacts made it into the new phone. If I answer “hello?” instead of “hey, Bob” there’s a good chance you didn’t make the cut. Sorry.

Notes on the i760:
- Cell signal is worse than my old phone, and even touching the phone drops signal.
- Verizon has tailored the OS and removed Windows Live for Windows Mobile.
- Sometimes the bluetooth headset disconnects for no reason. I’m testing this with a new headset at the moment.
- Pressing on the answer call button tends to slide the keyboard open instead of answering the call.

Technology in Las Vegas

Paul — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:17:25 +0000

Sure it’s hot in summer, but being a technologist I can’t think of a better place to be. All the latest technology, innovative equipment and brilliant people come here as part of the hundreds (thousands?) of trade shows, conventions and seminars held in Las Vegas on a regular basis. Yes, you can find it all on the web, but there is still something to be said for seeing it in person, not to mention the educational and training opportunities to expand and refine one’s craft. I have even considered hiring myself out as an agent for individuals and companies researching or investigating the latest advances in technology that perhaps don’t have the budget or inclination to travel to the “desert.” I know the mayor was pushing “Silicon Oasis” seven or eight years ago, but Las Vegas is truly a technology crossroads.