Internet security and website security are almost one in the same. If you are a business owner or do business using a website, it's not only proper ethics but it's almost mandatory.
Some of the most simplest things that you should be doing are the things that you avoid doing the most. That's ok, now you know and can get on top of this.
Theory: "If I do my operating system updates it will crash or mess up my computer; I can't afford to lose that down time."
Fact: Your Operating System provider, whether it is IOS or OS (Windows and Mac), sends updates to your computer to keep it from crashing. Avoiding to do those updates can cause crashes, bugs, and vulnerabilities.
That is the whole purpose of the update, the manufacturer found something wrong and is pushing the fix to you. How easy can it be? Click that button and do those updates as they present themselves. When it comes to your website security, you are only opening the door to be hijacked. That means your customers that do business with you are at risk too.
Theory "If I don't understand what my virus protection is saying or I don't have time; than I will just close it for now. I mean come on, my computer is running fine right now!"
Fact Any type of protection program flags the user as soon as the threat is there. Yes, that means the threat is there already. Hopefully you have a virus program that quarantines, but if not than your computer is probably already infected. Once again, that means the customer's that do business with you are vulnerable too.
Theory "My software needs updates, but I don't see the reason for doing the update. Who has the time?"
Fact Just like with your operating system, it is critical to complete any updates from your software vendor. Don't leave your computer an easy target for hacking just because you didn't take the time to do updates.
One of the most important things is to know your computer and know what programs are on your computer.If you don't know what a program is used for, it's time to learn so you can protect yourself.
The list of simple things can be extensive, so we won't go into detail on all of them; but think about what your computer's status is right now.
We won't go into every way you can protect your website, but we will discuss some simple aspects. Form validation is one of the things on the top of the list. Your browser is a program. The information transfers to the server and back to the client. Simple JavaScript can be added to a form to require validation. Talk to your Web Master about form validation.
Uploading to your website is another risk. Make sure that the risk of the upload is worth the possible damage that could be caused. An example of this is having a client upload personal documents. Only allow certain file extensions to be uploaded. Make sure that what is uploaded is necessary to conduct business.
Get a SSL to go with your site. So what is SSL? SSL, Secure Socket Layer is a way to encrypt information that is being sent to and from the server and client. With the certificate the information is encrypted while in route; meaning if the information is hacked, it becomes difficult for the hacker. This is a good idea if you are using credit card numbers, social security numbers, address, and any other potential harmful information that could put you or your clients at risk for fraud.
The subject of securing a website could go into great detail; but now you have some simple things to start with.
Facing the ever changing technology and advancements in web design can be overwhelming, but we must think outside of the box when it comes to design. You want you clients to think outside the box, so shouldn't you also think outside the box? There are many ways to accomplish this, but the most important thing that any Web Master can do is "be constantly educated". Think like your users, not like a designer! So what does that mean?
That means that you need to find a way to always stay on the cutting edge for your clients. This means that every day you design you must be open to new ideas, new information, and be willing to change styles.
Constant education doesn't necessary mean going back to college or taking expensive courses to further add to your portfolio of knowledge. Constant education means the "goal of being open to new ways, new ideology, and new ways of doing business better".
With the Internet, free resources are always available.
*Read others blogs, subscribe to those blogs when you find value
*Spend at least one hour a day reading or finding out something new even if it is a small piece of information
*When you find a topic that interest you, find a book on the topic.
*View tutorials on You Tube. Subscribe to those that brings insights.
*Follow people, authors, or even companies that promote a fresh ideology.
Simply put, there are so many resources out there to get the knowledge to think like your clients and users. From coding techniques, to designing, there are many people out there that want to share ideas and information.
Thinking like your clients and users can sometimes be hard.
I was very surprised by this recent article that I read about Neuro Web Design. According to acodez (November 2014), "Recently a research was done in neuroscience that focused into how people, their decision making, and their motives that lead them to take action". After reading this article, I was amazed at how many of thy myths listed in the article I actually do as a user; not a designer- a user. Read this article, I think you will enjoy- Nuero Web Design/
There are six principles listed in this article which I think you will find useful.
A picture that replaces a thousands of words
Gain or loss
Creative speaking
World of like, share, and comment
keeping up the promotions
Each single penny matters
Happy studying!
The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance. Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)
I know you have faced this problem- trying to get a color palette together that your clients will like for their products. I personally have used several sites to help me with this part of the project. It seems like a never ending problem trying to get colors that work well together and really pop!
Today, I'm going to talk about a new website that I found that I can only give a full five stars too because it brings it and is brilliant! This site is user friendly enough to even refer your clients to the site. Why not? Why not let your clients pick colors they like? It's their project, so help guide them. A client that is interactive in the design process usually results in a satisfied client.
The site is called Material Design Color Palette and it can be found at http://www.materialpalette.com/. Let's review the site to fully understand the benefits.
1. When you first arrive to the site you are greeted by a palette of many colors. As the user rolls over colors, they are asked to pick two colors.
2. Once you have selected two colors one of two things happen. This site is mobile friendly, so if you are on a mobile device the interaction is a little different. Here is the difference:
Mobile Applications:
a. If you are on a mobile device once you select the two colors a palette preview screen displays. If you scroll to the bottom of your device you will see a link called "Your Palette".
b.When you use the drop down arrow, the screen displays colors that match in that palette.
c.You can share or download the palette. Really nice! All your clients have to do is send it to you!
PC Applications:
a. Once you have selected two colors the screen displays your color palette to the right.
b. You can share or download the palette. Your client can share it or even send it to you!
This awesome creation was done by Matthieu Aussaguel of New Berlin, Germany. If you want to read more about him, he has a site at: http://mynameismatthieu.com/. If you are a JS junkie, let me tell you he has some wonderful other products!
As Web Master's it can sometimes get overwhelming with all the changes as we integrate from HTML4 to HTML5. I find myself using elements all the time that will no longer be supported in HTML5.
To help my fellow coders, I thought I would periodically include some some changes so that you can get use to "the new way". Of course, if you just want to dive right in, please feel free to visit http://www.w3.org/TR/html5-diff/#changed-elements to get the scoop! The purpose in this post, is to move you slowly into the new standards so that you will remember them.
1.address- instead of this element use article or body
2. blockquote-instead of this element you now have footer or cite
3.bold- bold has been replaced by strong.
Here is some not to use anymore.
1.basefont
2. big
3. center(What no center!)
4. strike (I bet grammar teachers are happy about this one!)
5. tt
While all the new standards can be overwhelming, if you just learn a couple of new ones every day you will get your coding up to par. Don't forget, you can always make sure your code is valid by using the valid checker on the W3C site!
Depending on how you were taught, will depend on what steps you follow in projects or even how you name the steps. We can certainly agree that every project has steps and processes that as designers we must follow.
1. Initiation and Start 2. Planning out the Project (information gathering stage and working out details) 3. Execution and Building 4. Controlling and Managing (I call this the wrapping up stage) 5. Testing and Roll out
So why is it important that any freelance Designer or Web Master follow project management levels and include a contract?
The first reason is this is how you work. You wouldn't test and roll out prior to planning, now would you? The first step is you obtain a new client. You let that client know WIIFM (what's in it for me)and what you can do for them. Once the client has agreed on the project terms, it is time to outline that in a contract.
Giving a client a contract serves many purposes. The contract outlines what they asked for, what you will do for them, explains the scope of the project, and sets standards for you as the designer or Web Master. Here is some important things to include in your contract.
1. Expectations of you as the Designer or Web Master 2. Exceptions of the client (for example returning documentation in a timely manner) 3. Define the project in detail giving exact details 4. Explains the cost of the project 5. Gives examples of extra things that can be included but are not 6. Explains the process of how communication,the project itself, and how roll out will work 7. Details privacy and confidentiality agreements
As Designers and Web Masters we know what happens in most projects. The client will ask for a few extra things and before you know it time allocation to the project goes through the roof. Having a contract is a great way to protect you from adding more and more to the project and not getting paid for your services. How will you design your next project?
