UK Webmaster Forum

May 242008
 

For those of you that know me, you know you can often find me on the busy Digital Point webmaster forum as ‘camp185′. A common thread I see there is “What other forums are out there”. Well, I have found another busy forum for those of you to expand your horizons. It’s UK Webmaster Forum.

Powered by vBulletin, like DP, they are ready to rock. Unlike DP though, the site doesn’t seem to revolve around Google, something I like. Here are the different forum categories they have on it.

  • General
  • Website Traffic and Marketing
  • Webmaster Marketplace – My initial interest
  • Web Design and Website Development
  • Business Discussions
  • Boss Cart Support Forums
  • Community
  • The Lounge

One of the really cool things they had on it, and I think it will quickly become normal thing, is the tag cloud they added. I’m not a big fan of tag clouds for a small site, but on a forum it is a perfect fit. It’s an easy way to see what is hot, and what is not. They also put the vBulletin software to work by using more of its functions vs. DP. Scrolling near the bottom they additionally have the Top 5 Stats which ranks many of popular activities like most popular threads. Like the tag cloud it can be handy to see what is going on.

Honestly, I think this is the first place I have seen a tag cloud on a forum, and I just think it’s a great idea. In fact I think it’s the most effective use of a tag cloud out there. Two big thumbs up for UK Webmaster Forum. Now I will have to see how well they respond to this American guy when I start posting. Look for me, camp185.

UK Web Hosting II

May 152008
 

So if you read my last post, UK Web Hosting you would now know of a great place to get a virtual server space. This post, Part II, is about getting a dedicated servers in the UK. Dedicated Server House is the same company as in my previous post, but they have separated services into two different sites. Most likely to avoid confusion for inexperienced webmasters who don’t know the difference.

The basic difference between a virtual, and dedicated server is what you share. A dedicated server is just that, dedicated to you, and you only. A virtual server, you basically share hard drive space with other domains on one machine. You also share bandwidth. When another site bites into that cpu, it could influence the performance of your site. Depending how popular the other domains are on that server, you may have an incredibly slow site even though your site has hardly any traffic at all. Dedicated removes this risk, and typically frees you from the worries of bandwidth overages. No sharing cpu, bandwidth, or anything. Dedicated servers are also a smart idea when confidential data is going on it. Dedicated Server House offers three main packages. All extremely well priced like their virtual servers, and of course, monitored 24 hours a day.

Their packages

  • Value package, 1.8GHz, 80GB storage, 100GB bandwidth
  • Extra package, 2.30GHz, 80GB storage, 250GB bandwidth
  • Pro package, 2.33GHz, 146GB storage, unlimited bandwidth

They all have the Plesk control panel, uptime guarantee, and can have you up and running in just 48 hours.

fireshot capture 3 dedicated server hosting dedicated server warehouse www dedicatedserverwarehouse com 300x51

UK Web Hosting

May 142008
 

I found a vps hosting company for those of you in the UK. They offer four main packages for virtual servers supporting Windows, and Linux.

datacenter 300x290At first, I thought they were a little expensive comparing to the prices I pay here in the U.S., but then I looked at the details. All of them offer unlimited bandwidth, a good start. The smallest package offers 7GB of storage, another good start. Their Extra and Pro packages offer support for multiple domains. Now this is where the saving starts kicking in. Looking at their Extra package for £29.99, about $60 U.S., that would be expensive to host site. I pay usually $10 or less. On the Extra package though, you can host up to thirty domains. Doing a little math you could be hosting thirty domains for just $2 a month! Good luck beating that. Their Pro Package offers hosting for 100 domains at just £39.99, about $80 U.S.. I don’t know if I would put all of my busiest site on that one though. I would have to test it out. In regards to pricing though, I think they won.

Here are some more positives about VPS. No set up fee, four regional data centers (so you know it’s fast), Plesk control panel, and an uptime guarantee. Sounds like a great way to go if you have multiple domains like I do.

Card Services

May 092008
 

Today, everything seems to be going on the card. What the heck is cash for? Well if you live in the U.S., cash still speaks pretty loudly, but in the UK, many are using cards for every type of purchase. Even buying a soda at a coke machine. Elatec, a UK based company offers several services in card security. The next time you are tinkering with one of your cards, look on the back to see who made it.

The company specializes four core functions: Reader and transponder technology, electronics, card services, and security. If you live in the UK, I am guessing you have used at least one of their products, or at least their competitors. You will find some of their products in the form of Loyalty Cards, Smart Cards, and Touch Screen Monitors. I’m a big fan of touch screens, and I am guessing you used one today, “Want cash back? said the clerk as you touch yes. Loyalty cards are the same as gift cards here in the U.S.. I almost joined a start up selling them online. Big money in gift cards. My main finance guy decided to scrap the idea, which I thought was a bummer because I already built the site. Smart cards are what get you in the door. Probably everyone in California, my home turf, has used one once in their career. Anyhowz, was just looking into card services, and found it interesting. Enjoy.

CFB Supplies

May 052008
 

Live in the UK? Looking to buy ink for your printer? CFB Supplies sells printer ink cartridges. UK based, they offer wide range of ink jet cartridges, toner cartridges, fax ink films and high quality photo paper, as well as a selection of data storage products including blank discs and memory cards.

They carry supplies for all the major manufactures, like Canon, HP, and Epson.  Fifteen major ones are highlighted on the home page. They also offer Pro-Jet, an Epson compatible ink that costs less. You can browse by product or manufacturer, and I was able to find my ink cartridge for my printer in just a few seconds. I used the method of searching by manufacturer. I can never remember my cartridge numbers. You can choose to create an account for regular purchases or not, a feature I like, but currently do not sell outside of the UK. I live in the U.S. so I guess I will have to continue using Staples.

Overall, a pretty easy site to use. Easy to find the help section, contact information was readily available, they take MC/Visa and a few others. They also took Paypal, which I always like. Current specials they run are highlighted in the right column.

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