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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Test Everything
 Whoops!
I almost sent out a confirmation email without seeing if I could login to their application or not. Well, I can’t. Good thing I didn’t send that email.
Test Everything
I learned that early in my career. There are so many things you have to check before launching a website, application or a simple web form.
What I learned was:
- Make one change
- Test it
- If it works, move on. If not, test again
If you test each change individually, you’ll always know what did or didn’t work. You’ll never figure out what isn’t working if you make too many changes at one time.
“Test, test and test again”. You can never be too careful.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 4:58 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Computer, Personal, Business
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fake Parking Ticket Gives a Virus
 Computer hackers are attacking AWAY from the computer.
Parking ticket leads to a virus
In a clever, but devious way, hackers are producing fake parking tickets to lure unsuspecting drivers to a fraudulent website where they download a virus.
I might have to add this to my top 10 virus prevention tips.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 12:01 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Computer
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Save The Environment, Print Electronically
 Hello.
At MJS Web Solutions we are always trying to be environmentally conscience by using less paper. (It would only make sense being a web design firm.)
One program we’ve been using to minimize - if not eliminate - paper usage, is CutePDF Writer. We were using the full version of Adobe Acrobat, but didn’t need all the extra bells and whistles.
The main reason we use CutePDF Writer is so we can ‘print’ to an electronic document (i.e. PDF). No more printing on paper and filing it away. This also saves on filing space too. We also like it because it’s FREE!
It’s easy to use. Just download the software, open up a Word document, select File | Print and choose the CutePDF Writer printer.
Save the trees and the environment. Print electronically with CutePDF.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”!
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 5:03 pm
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Flag Emails in Outlook for Follow Up
What do I write about when I’m so busy?
I could write about how to save time or how to get things done faster. Or I could write about why I’m so busy.
I’ll do both…
I’ve been busy with multiple projects, including two website redesigns and many SEO and website maintenance projects and haven’t had enough quality time to devote to my blog.
To help me manage all my projects and keep me on track I’ve upgraded my customer database to ACT! and I’ve also integrated Outlook 2003 into it. I’m also using Basecamp.
Flag Emails in Outlook for Follow Up
A cool feature of Outlook 2003 is the ability to flag email messages for follow up.
When you flag an email, a colored flag - in this case red - appears next to the email message and gets added to the Follow Up message folder. By doing this I can keep track of the main items I need to take care of first as well as keeping my Inbox clean.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 10:57 am
Comments: 4 Comments | Filed under: Computer, Business
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Create Multiple Signature Files in Outlook 2003
Happy Holidays.
Are you taking some time off for the holidays? Are you promoting any specials for the holidays?
If so, you’ll need to make sure you let your customers know.
One easy way is to create a special signature file.
Click on Tools | Options and select the Mail Format tab. Click on the Signatures button to create different signature files.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 12:45 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Computer
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Creating Branded HTML Emails in Outlook
Hello.
We’ve been creating many HTML email newsletters recently, but today we received a question about just sending out branded emails. You know, emails with your logo and stuff.
In Microsoft Outlook, it’s easy.
To brand your own email though will require you to create a HTML file. You can do this in any HTML editor like Dreamweaver. Then import it into Outlook.
Don’t forget to test your email, making sure it looks good in all the popular email programs like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:28 am
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer, HTML
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Setting Up An Ergonomic Office
 I just bought the new Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. (NOTE: I purchased the MS Wireless 6000 keyboard and mouse first but returned it because the keys didn’t type when I wanted them to).
Now that my wrists are feeling better, I figured I’d begin to setup a complete ergonomic office.
I figured I’d start next with a new mouse. Check out this ergonomic mouse. It conforms to the natural angle of your arm. I’m considering making a purchase. Place your hand in the vertical position. It immediately feels better doesn’t it?
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:54 pm
Comments: 1 Comment | Filed under: Computer
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Spammers Are Idiots (or Are We)
Would you open this email?
Some may….I wouldn’t.
Why? Because it’s from PayPaI, not Paypal with an L.
It still boggles my mind that spammers try these ridiculous stunts. I guess it still works after all these years.
This email by the way never reached my Inbox because I view all my messages on the server and I do not use the Preview Pane.
Spam Prevention
Though spammers are continuing to use slightly different techniques to get their ‘messages’ through, these tips still ring true today.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 3:48 pm
Comments: 1 Comment | Filed under: Web General, Computer
Monday, July 2, 2007
Save Web Surfing Time With RSS Reader Sage
We’re back!
It’s been an amazing past few months. We’ll first off…I got married on May 12, the day we first met 6 years ago. Justine and I got married in Alameda at the First Presbyterian Church. Jack Buckley was the kind gentleman who married us. Thank you Jack. We spent our reception on the San Francisco Bay exploding to the KABOOM fireworks where Justine and I met for the first time. It was the best day of my life! Thank you everyone! You made our dream come true.
Now back to business… 
Another reason for not contributing to my blog recently is that my workload here at MJS has been off the charts. I have not been able to devote enough quality time to my blog. Customers came first. I’m sure you understand and I thank you for tuning in.
 Saving Time With Sage
Since my time becomes more valuable each day and I need to stay on top of the SEO world (I used to visit Threadwatch exclusively, but it just recently shut down), I setup an add-on to Firefox called Sage. It’s an RSS reader that pulls specific data you choose (to a certain extent) to view from your favorite sites and lists all that content into one place. (This is the true definition of an RSS reader).
Now I can surf the internet and view all the latest SEO headlines from one place. A great time saver!
Mike Swartz says, “Check it Out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 7:49 am
Comments: None | Filed under: Web General, Computer, Personal
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Easy On The Eyes Font Setting for Windows XP
Happy New Year!
I just recently purchased a new Dell system with the 24″ monitor, very similar to the Apple monitors. Excellent purchase, no doubt. Anyhoo…
The type (or font) on my new LCD monitor was pixelated and not very clear, so I changed my display settings (a setting that should be on by default in Windows XP) to show ClearType. Now the edges are smoother and easier on the eyes.
To smooth the edges of your Windows fonts, just:
- Right-click on your desktop
- Choose the Appearance tab
- Select the Effects button
- Check the box that says, “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:”
- Select ClearType from the drop-down menu
- Click OK and OK and enjoy the change
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out. Your eyes will love it!”
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 1:06 am
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer
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