Technically Easy

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  • A List of Common Tags in a Blogger Blog Post Header

    A List of Common Tags in a Blogger Blog Post Header

    There are many labels and fields that can be modified to change the look of your Blogger blog’s post header. You can choose to use all the available fields, some of the fields, or none of the fields. Since the fields are related to each blog post, you can even display them anywhere on your post, even the footer.

    In this post I will list some of the most common data tags you may find in a Blogger template. By using the tags in the list, you can control what information is displayed in each of your blog posts.

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  • Grouping Posts by Categories in Blogger

    Grouping Posts by Categories in Blogger

    I recently had questions regarding adding categories to a Blogger blog. Although it doesn’t appear like Blogger supports categories, it in fact does and they can be added easily. In one of my recent posts titled Blog Designing Tips for New Bloggers, made mention of categories and that all new blogs should include a listing of them in their sidebar.

    In this post I will explain what categories are, and how to incorporate them into your Blogger blog.

    About Categories

    Blogger Logo

    Each post on a blog is usually about a specific topic, and a blog may have several topics overall. When you create many posts about a topic it would be nice to allow the visitor to view all posts that are related to that topic. This is where categories come into play.

    A category is simply a tag, or label for a post. When you add a post to a category you simply begin to organize your blog in a meaningful manner. You then list you categories on your blog and when a visitor clicks the category link, a new page displaying all posts in that category is shown to the visitor.

    It is important, however, not to create too many categories. I believe roughly 15 categories is a good number to have on your blog. Too many and your listing would be too large to read easily.

    In the next section I will show you how to implement categories in a Blogger blog.

    Labels = Categories

    In the Blogger world you can attach labels to each post that you publish. These labels can then be listed in your blog’s sidebar as links. When a visitor then clicks one of these links, it will take them to a Web page that displays all posts that are assigned that label.

    To add labels to your blog, use the following steps:

    1. Log in to your Blogger account, and then click the Layout link to the blog you want to change.
    2. Click the Add a Page Element where you want the categories to appear.
    3. From the list of page elements, click the Add to Blog button under Labels.

      4. Add Label Element

    4. Enter a title, and then click Save Changes. This should add the new Labels element to your blog.

      5. Label Element Properties

    5. Now when you create or edit a post, enter some labels in the text box labelled Labels for this post. Each label should be separated by a comma.
    6. When you publish the post, a label will show up on your blog with the number of posts associated with it.

  • Data Archiving Method

    I have recently begun backing up my data such as photos (both digital and film), videos, and other files so that in case something happens, I will not lose my irreplaceable data. There is always much discussion on the best ways to archive data, and I have my way. Many may agree and disagree with my method, but this one works for me.

    In this post I will explain my method, as well as the reasons I chose to use the tools and storage devices.

    Organizing and Labelling the Data

    Before I begin to archive the data, I first organize the data, as well as set some labeling standards. The archival process is much easier once you have organized all your files, photos, and whatever else you will be archiving.

    If you plan to scan photos, slides, negatives, or other documents, you should separate them into groups, either by date or people. This will help you to keep certain items together within your archives.

    Once you have organized your data, you should create a labeling scheme to make it easier for you to find the data that you need. I have decided to backup my data on DVDs (I’ll explain why below), so each DVD is stored in a jewel case with a label assigned to the case. The label contains the following:

    1. Title – I provide a descriptive title to indicate the contents of the DVD.
    2. Years – I indicate the years covered by the data on the DVD. This helps to order the DVDs in chronological order, even if they weren’t burned in that order.
    3. Created Date – The date that I created the DVD. This will come in handy in the future to determine how old the DVD is, and whether I should create a new copy of the DVD.
    4. Catalog Name – This is a unique name that I give each DVD so I can organize them. I came up with a naming convention that indicates the type of data on the DVD.
    5. Family – This field contains the last name of the family represented by the data on the DVD. This helps to find data for a specific family name.

    I also decided to use coloured jewel cases that will help indicated the data on each DVD. For example, for photos I use a black jewel case, and videos will be stored in blue cases. You can easily purchase a box of coloured jewel cases for cheap.

    Once I have organized my data, and came up with a labeling scheme, the next step is to start determining how to store the data.

    Archiving Media

    This is probably the most debated point with regards to archiving data. Many people have their opinions about which media is best. Each media type has its pros and cons, so choose one that works for you.

    I have chosen to archive my data on single-layer DVD discs. I chose this method because they are relatively affordable, can hold a lot of data and can be easily stored. When I do make an archive disc, I always make two copies, so that if one becomes corrupted in the future, then I can retrieve my data from the copy.

    I have, however, not chosen just any DVD discs to use for archiving. I have chosen to use DVD+R discs from Taiyo Yuden. The DVD+R format has several benefits over the DVD-R specification, with one of the benefits being better error management. Taiyo Yuden discs are known as very reliable discs, so I chose them for my archives.

    Just in case you are wondering where you can purchase Taiyo Yuden discs, I discovered that very few stores, if any, carry them. I ordered mine online, as most people probably do. I only know of two online stores where you can order them for those living in Canada or the United States:

    If you know where else you can purchase these DVDs, I would like to know. Be careful, however, as many places offer DVDs that say they are Taiyo Yuden, when in fact they are fakes.

    I burn the DVD using Nero, using the catalog name as the DVD name, and perform a verification after each burn to ensure that the data was written without any issues. Once the burn has completed, I print the label, and then insert the label into the jewel case with the DVD. I write the catalog name on the DVD using a water-based CD marker.

    When I’m done with my burning, I move one of the copies offsite to prevent all my archives from being destroy if something were to happen to my home.

    Many people have discussed the life of a burned DVD, and whether their data will be available in 50 years. I think that as long as the data is readable after 5 years I should be good. I’ll probably move my data to the next generation of storage media, so won’t care if these DVDs can be read in 50 years.

    Summary

    In this post I have provided an overview of my method for archiving my data. I use a simple labeling system as well as DVD+R discs to organize and store my data. For more security, and piece of mind, I also always burn at least two copies of the data, just in case one is destroyed. Finally I move one of the copies offsite to losing all archives if something were to happen.

    You can choose to follow my method, or come up with your own. You should always create a system that works best for you.

  • 8 Major Trends For Printers To Capitalize On In 2023

    8 Major Trends For Printers To Capitalize On In 2023

    The year 2021 was challenging for the print sector. Lockdowns and restrictions caused a decrease in market demand for traditional print applications.

    Additionally, wide format, light packaging, and label use expanded. Quickly switching their focus to other markets, businesses experienced rapid development.

    The industry is showing clear signs of economic revival, which is good news. The year 2023 is predicted to be significantly better. Those who comply will benefit from new trends and play a more significant part in their customers’ success.

    1. Digital Print Is Expanding Due To Shifting Supply Networks

    A clear transition to eCommerce has occurred during the past 12 to 18 months. The expectation among consumers is now for record-breaking delivery timeframes.

    Due to the increase in local manufacturing and the prolonged overseas shipping times, there is a greater demand for on-demand printing and label manufacturing. Customers are looking for environmentally friendly options.

    With less trash and pollutants produced, digital printing is an excellent solution to this problem. Additionally, more environmentally friendly materials are used, resulting in lower client costs. What advantages does digital printing have for online shopping?

    Compared to non-digital technologies, digital print gives significantly more versatility. This means that businesses can develop customized banners, signs, and more printing options using digital designs or innovative packaging with QR codes that can be scanned and shared.

    Organizations will need to do this to fully capitalize on the advantages of drone-based delivery and real-time package tracking. Additionally, certain digital label presses are now able to create labels that are food-safe.

    2. Automation Is Bringing Forth Efficiencies

    Printers are already saving money and labor by automating print workflows and utilizing inline finishing equipment. Fewer people are needed to manage a job through to completion when operations are automated. As a result, printers can take on more work, provide clients with better results, and spend less money.

    By automating their workflows, printers can manage orders round-the-clock and maximize the efficiency of their hardware. They can speed up printing and finishing, print on demand, enhance profitability, and provide new services to draw in new clients by streamlining prepress labor.

    What does the future hold for automation? Automation will continue to spread in 2023 due to its advantages.

    With the ability to offer more intricate services and outputs thanks to automated workflow adoption, printers may increase consumer demand without raising prices.

    Margin expansion and the development of the company’s standing as a trustworthy, superior printer are benefits of doing this. Printing companies should focus on automating several critical processes, such as:

    • web to print
    • job submission / prepress
    • color management
    • variable data printing
    • finishing
    • device management

    3. Design Solutions

    A design staff is increasingly crucial for even the smallest printing businesses. Focusing on this business sector can help you stay competitive in the industry, whether you’re a single graphic designer or a large team. In addition, you may now generate income from logo and website design instead of relying simply on print revenue.

    4. Digital Marketing

    One of the most efficient marketing strategies accessible today is digital marketing. One looping piece of social media advertising can reach specific viewers for an unlimited period, making it the ideal example.

    Social media advertising is just one aspect of digital marketing, though. It also provides extras like podcast production and website hosting. As a result, printing businesses that use these services can significantly increase their revenue in 2023.

    5. Increase In Sustainable Printing

    The rise in sustainable printing services is one trend that is likely to keep expanding over the coming few years. Eco-friendly technology is predicted to become increasingly commonplace in the sector by 2023.

    These technologies, of course, offer a variety of other advantages in addition to being ecologically beneficial. They can boost your product’s quality while also offering a cost-effective option.

    6. The Rise Of Digital Inkjet

    This rise will be driven mainly by the printing industry, which has a higher demand for lightweight, manageable packaging that is also affordable.

    To avoid sacrificing quality or speed, selecting an ink that can print on various substrates, including tissue or lightweight packaging, is crucial.

    You only need a practical inkjet printer that can produce outstanding quality on various surfaces; you don’t want to spend money on pricey coatings or specialized digital stocks.

    The sharp tool is LED UV inkjet technology. Due to the eCommerce industry’s continuous rapid growth, the need for various packaging choices will remain extremely strong through 2023 and beyond.

    Direct Mail Marketing Campaign

    7. Direct Mail Marketing Campaigns

    One of the most basic kinds of advertising is recognized to be direct mail marketing efforts. They are a reliable, efficient technique to bring in new clients while reasonably priced.

    Direct mail marketing programs allow businesses to maintain brand awareness while influencing current or inactive clients.

    8. Sustainability Will Have a Higher Priority

    Many organizations now focus on minimizing their environmental impact; thus, manufacturers and channel partners must offer more environmentally friendly technological offerings.

    Improved data analysis and reporting, circular goods and services, carbon data analysis, and process automation can contribute to sustainability. Switching clients from on-premise servers to cloud-based helps lower IT energy usage and associated carbon emissions.

    Major Shifts in the Digital Printing Industry?

    Growing technology has always provided more accessible, successful opportunities for companies to diversify their product lines.

    Profit margins are predicted to rise considerably as digital technology becomes more efficient. Commercial printing companies are also trying to diversify to adjust how businesses manage their print marketing campaigns as they change.

    As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which caused many print suppliers to experience commercial losses, they have begun to diversify their portfolio of goods and services rather than sticking to specific markets.

    When you successfully meet your customers’ printing needs, they won’t need to look elsewhere for help with their print marketing initiatives.

    Conclusion

    Online digital printing’s convenience is a big draw for customers and businesses, and that trend is here to stay. The commercial printing sector has been completely transformed by the availability of internet uploads of photos and designs for picture albums, greeting cards, brochures, signage, and more.

  • Defensive Design Cost-Benefit Analysis of Web Design

    Defensive Design Cost-Benefit Analysis of Web Design

    Web design is no easy task. When someone says web design, they’re not just referring to one simple task. Web design means completing a multitude of tasks that, when finished, come together to hopefully equal a fantastic website that can perform more than just one trick well.

    Users, after all, always look for fun websites that actually bring something to the table, rather than just sitting on the web doing nothing. Our Web Designers are sure to provide your small business with tons of fun!

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  • New Web Trends for Dynamic Websites

    New Web Trends for Dynamic Websites

    Styles change over time; in language, fashion, music and entertainment. Websites change according to function and structure, access and mobility. There are hundreds of styles for websites and forms for web design. It’s important for web designers to make an impact on web visitors, using various scripts and API projects.

    If you’re managing a web overhaul project, seek out instruction for an awesome web page that’s easy to navigate. HTML5, Javascript and other plugins that work with these scripts can help you to create an impressive website that will improve the visibility of your brand. Your site and new design should consider the following must-have criteria:

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  • What are Web Sites, Domain Names and Hosts?

    I recently received a question regarding the difference between web sites and domains. I replied the best I could without including too much information as to make the answer confusing.

    The person asking the question was new to web site management. As there are probably many more out there that would like to start a web site and are new to this online world, I decided to create this post to explain a few things.

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  • Designing Web Pages: Tables or CSS

    There is some debate recently about the best method to design and layout a Web page. Traditionally, HMTL tables have been used to handle the layout of a Web page. Today, however, a new layout method is gaining more popularity which uses CSS (Cascading Stylesheets).

    Which method is the best way of designing a Web page? I will explain both methods in this post and provide my own opinion. This post, however, won’t explain how to create the HTML files as I’ll save that for a future post.

    Using HTML Tables

    If you view the source of many Web pages on the Internet, you will probably see the entire layout of the page constructed using tables. Tables have been the main method of providing the layout of a Web page since they were first introduced. They make it easy to provide a header, footer, and content sections to a page.

    Recently, however, many Web designers have been declaring that tables should only be used to display tabular data. This makes sense as many applications, such as Excel and database GUIs have a structured table look. The Web designers also state that the look and feel of a Web page should be separated from the HTML Web page.

    The advantage to using tables is that they are easy to use. You define a table (<tabl>), then a row (<tr>) and finally a cell (<td>). You can span rows across columns and columns across rows to make cells larger. Formatting a table can be accomplished in the HTML code itself, or a CSS file.

    Another advantage to tables is that all browsers in use today support tables. This means that a visitor won’t get a mangled Web page when it is viewed in their browser.

    A disadvantage of using tables is they need to download the entire HTML first before they are rendered. This is because the browser can’t be sure how the table will look until the entire HTML can be rendered. As more people switch to broadband Internet, this will probably be a moot point.

    I have designed many Web pages using tables, and have had no problems. I have, however, started to design Web pages using the new method: straight CSS with no tables.

    Using CSS

    The second method of laying out a Web page is using pure CSS and not tables. This method has been gaining popularity, especially among the processional Web designers.

    So how exactly is CSS used to layout a Web page? The answer: through the use of division tags (<div>). These tags are used to divide your Web page into various sections. One large section will contain all the sub-sections, which is usually called the container. Within the container you may have header, footer, navigation and content sections. The look and positioning of these sections is defined by the CSS.

    The CSS as I mentioned earlier is an acronym for Cascading Stylesheets. These are text files placed on a Web server that are downloaded along with the HTML file. A CSS file contains definitions, known as styles, which provide the look and feel of your Web site. The best part about using CSS files is that you only need to change one file when you want to change the look of your entire site. For those that manage thousands of Web pages, this can be a huge time saver.

    One disadvantage to using CSS to layout your Web pages is that not all Web browsers support all the CSS style tags. Your Web pages may not display nicely to visitors on older Web browser. With each new version of a browser, this becomes more of a moot point.

    I currently use the CSS method for Technically Easy, which is also my first site designed in this manner.

    The Verdict

    I usually call the last section in my posts "Summary" but this time I think I’ll provide my verdict, or opinion. I have used both methods to design Web pages, and have seen the advantages and disadvantages to both.

    I decided to go with CSS for my new sites since that looks like the future of Web pages. I have accepted the risk that for many visitors on older browsers, the Web pages may not display correctly. I have also examined my Web site statistics and realized that for the most part my visitors are using newer browsers. I have tested my CSS site on IE 6.0+, Firefox 2.0+ and Opera 9.0+, and haven’t had any problems.

    If you are a beginner to Web page designing, I suggest you use tables since they are easier to work with. Once you become familiar with HTML and CSS, you can then try using CSS for the layout, if you choose. I do recommend, however, that you learn CSS quickly and apply that to your Web pages as it can make changing the look of your entire site easier.

    In the end, I don’t think it really matters which method you choose, as no one cares what your Web page source looks like. All that matters is that you Web pages display correctly.

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