More 404

Some of the most amusing tidbits can happen when you are in error on a website. A 404 error is a standard response code found when the content is not available at the moment or if you are clicking a link within the website that is down, it will display an ‘oops’ screen if it is unavailable. For years, we have seen the standard 404. But now, sites are becoming creative with their responses.

Some of these 404 errors play off of inserting humanness into the very coding errors involved:

1. 404 Missing file: I am really depressed because of this. As you see, I am only a Web-Server–exactly, a brain as big as the universe and try to deliver you a simple website.

2. Wanted: Web page required. Desperately seeking HTML. Must not be missing, lost or broken. Straight web site (28) seeks long lost web page for good times.
Must have GSOH, HTML, PHP. Photo please. To apply call: 4040-File not found

Still others attempt to poke fun at our own inability to find what we are looking for:

1. 404′d!!
File Not Found
Boy, you sure are stupid. Were you just making up names of files or what? I mean, I’ve seen some pretend file names in my day, but come on! It’s like you’re not even trying. In closing, go away.

2. What the…?
Sorry, but there appears to be something fishy going on. Whatever the Dickens a so-called “Error 404″ is I haven’t the foggiest idea, but one has occured.
You really can’t trust this wretched technology can you?

And finally, there are others that play off of trends and pop culture:

1. OMG! You broke the interwebs! Are you surfing with an Amiga or a Newton device? Do you own a set of Tesla coils? We’re not sure how you did it, but you unearthed our error page.

Quick! Click one of the working links below before the fabric of space and time begins to unravel. Oh, and sorry for the inconvenience!

So as you can see, 404′s don’t ever to be leaving. For the sake of the designers, let’s hope websites continue to err in that regard.

Building a website is based upon a lot of different components. Since each and every human being is going to react differently to your website, you’re going to want to make sure that your website is functioning properly. Sadly, a majority of the websites on the Internet today have many common mistakes that make a lot of users frustrated, often leading to them heading to a different website.

With that being said, here are some common website design errors that many webmasters make:

Scannable Content: Have you ever been to a website that has a blob of text? This isn’t too appealing, right? The first instinct that you may have is probably clicking the back button. Always make sure that your content is scannable. It’s best to make sure that users can find what they are looking for right away.

Watch the Font Size: Small, large and fancy fonts are a no-no when it comes to design. While you may want to be unique and creative with your fonts, websites stick to a boring font for a reason! The main reason that a simple 12 point Arial font works is because it’s easy on the eye. When choosing a font, make sure that the font is basic, easy to read and not too small.

No Pop-Ups: Pop-up software packages are popular for a reason. Users hate when they head to a website and see a pop-up come up on the page. This includes asking users to sign up for an e-mail newsletter, asking to sign up for a particular product or even viewing an advertisement. While it may make you some money, it’s going to frustrate a lot of users.

Ignore Flash: In today’s technological era, many mobile devices can’t compile Adobe Flash. If possible, avoid using Flash for anything on your website. Not only is this not search engine friendly, users may not be able to view Flash because they don’t have the plug-in downloaded or they are using a mobile phone.

Watch the PDF: If you’re going to put PDF files on your website, that is fine. Just keep in mind that many users don’t have the appropriate reader to read the file. Not only that, it can bog down the computer, making your website extremely slow. If placing a PDF file hyperlink on your website, be sure to disclose it properly.

The list can go on and one. Just make sure that you not only think about your users, but make it simple. Keeping something simple will not only keep your users around, it will make your website a better place to visit on the web.

Computer work of any type, including work related to websites, can cause eyestrain problems. An eyestrain problem may show up as pain and redness of the eyes, headaches, dry eye, fatigue and sensitivity to light. While eyestrain probably does not cause permanent damage to the eyes, it is uncomfortable and can make accomplishing work tasks difficult. Identifying causes of eyestrain is the first step to reducing or preventing it.

There are three main causes of eyestrain and they include insufficient lighting, an awkward work space arrangement and lack of adequate eye care. Modifying your work space may improve your ability to work without stressing your eyes. Make sure your computer monitor is placed below your eye level. In this way your eyes will not have to opened as wide to see, and will not be as exposed to the drying effects of air.

Do not work for extended periods of time without a break. Take short breaks at least every 20 minutes to give your eyes a rest and allow them to focus on distant objects. If you work in an office and do not want to leave your work area that often, make sure you at least focus your eyes on something more distant for a few minutes.

Reading small print text on a computer monitor can quickly cause eyestrain. Enlarge the text of your computer to the point where you can read it without squinting or leaning forward. If you have a large amount of text to read it is helpful to print it and read in better lighting. You should also adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer monitor to a level you are comfortable with.

Vision changes can happen gradually so you should have annual checkups with your optometrist. Discuss your computer use with him and ask if you need corrective lenses, or an adjustment to the ones you already have. Make sure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Once your computer work is done for the day, give your eyes a break and do not add to the problem by watching television or reading for an extended period of time. Exercising your eyes is also beneficial and easily accomplished by focusing first on a nearby object and alternately on distant objects. This exercise causes the lens to contract and expand creating healthier eyes for you.

Many people are required to work at a computer every day on their job, but some basic changes can prevent the eyestrain problems associated with this type of work.

In the construction of any building, communication is vital. However, if you’re on one end of a worksite and someone you need to reach is on the other, having laptop computers for communicating can be a must. It’s also good to have a laptop handy when you have to pull up a blueprint or create an estimate for more materials.
Nearly every foreman on a construction progress can benefit from a laptop. But how do you find something that will work for everybody without blowing your budget? It’s actually easier than you may think.

The tablet-style computer has become so popular that there are a lot of different brands available, with different amounts of memory. They all offer internet service and many can be loaded with document viewing and creation software.

If the laptop style is more what the crew requires, “netbook” style laptops can be found for less than $300. One netbook recently found for sale included Windows 7, a ten-inch screen, HDMI output and more for just $280.00.
Most netbooks however do not include DVD/CD drives, which keeps their price down. If your project requires burning DVDs or downloading information before you send it to other foremen, a traditional laptop may be required. Fortunately, you can now find laptops for under $400 with big screens, DVD/CD players and plenty of hard drive.

Another way to get cheap laptops for your building sites is to buy in bulk. When you’re planning a budget for laptops, call several providers with the complete number of laptops you will need and get estimates. You can decide who is offering the most for the price they’re asking.

Internet overstock shopping sites are another way to score great prices on bulk purchases of laptops. Many discount places will offer even bigger discounts when you buy five, ten or even more laptops at once. You should also find out what the price will be should you need to replace a laptop or two over time. Buildings are tall, and things fall. While you may not be able to repair a laptop accidentally dropped from the fifth floor, replacing it cheaply shouldn’t make you want to jump out of a window, either.

The market is flooded with laptops. By buying in bulk, the right price for the right laptop with the right features is certainly closer than you think. Start with computer vendors in your area, then compare their prices with your best online deal.

Sitting down to make our own website can be a rewarding experience. It can also be a frustrating one. There are two different designs of web design schools, however. One school, and it is an old school prefers to do every thing by hand. Hard coding is possible because everything your browser sees is text or code. (At the deepest level all your computer sees is ones and zeroes. This has not changed for many years. It is not likely to change in the future either. Digital processing is what the computer age is all about, after all. The second school lets people design everything in a more artistic format. The user can do layout, design and even get a chance to do some basic graphics, although most graphics will have to be done in specialized programs.

Before a person decides to build his own website by hand or in a site editor, he needs to decide how he wants the website to look. He should sit down with a pencil and paper and sketch a basic website design. The design only gives the user an idea of what the finished product will look like, it will resemble the actual product very little. The sketch serves much the same purpose that the comments a coder will put in later. It lets the designer know what he is doing. When he does this, he may want to decide on a color scheme. He can look at other websites to get an idea of what people can do with HTML, CSS, PHP and many other scripting languages in existence.

When designing a website, the creative part is often the most fun. Programmers throw the code together while the artist drops each piece into place carefully. It can take some time to put each piece into place, but it is well worth it. Both types of web designers need to debut their website to find any problems.

If he does not know all of these scripting languages, he should use the designing software or embark on a campaign to learn them. If he learns the languages, he will have a skill he can use in many other areas of his life, his employer may even thank him.