20091020

Finding valid information online

Performing a search online for a particular subject is stragiht forward enough. The trick comes in determining if the information you find is valid and not some ramblings, well intended but deviating from the truth enough to mislead you down the road of mistruths.

Take for instance a topic I discovered via a client's helpful chain eMail. The topic was that of nasal irrigation. You may find this a little odd or even gross, but due to an early cold this season I was seeking remedies to help alleviate the symptoms and quicken up the healing process. Sounded kinda icky, but I was so stuffed up and fed up with my cold that I would try even something as bizarre sounding as this.

Before my jump into this odd behavior I wanted to confirm that this remedy had some validity behind it. Obviously I asked the net for assistance. For starters I was lucky that I had keywords which already matched so many results on the net, "nasal irrigation". But perhaps I used different keywords, I would undoubtedly come up with other results for my query. This is most important to remember when performing a search. Asking the right question is crucial to finding the answer you seek.

I found myself a bulb syringe, kosher salt as this is the only kind allowed in my house, a half cup container. I brought my booty into the bathroom and drove right in. OMG, I had red eyes and was a mess with all the salt water on my front, but I could breath. Short time sure, but wow it tickled and was the oddest sensation, but I knew I could live with it if only I could aim the discharge a little more controlled and into the sink and not allover me.

My results, by their sheer numbers and united voice concluded that there was some validity to this procedure. One might say that a consensus does not make truth. Afterall just look at the notion that the Earth is most certainly flat..... Finding an unbiased source and if possible finding multiple unbiased sources helps confirm your results. One of mine is this link from the a reputable source the Mayo clinic.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-lavage/MM00552

There are a many other reputable places besides the Mayo Clinic that are acknowledge this as a healthful, inexpensive, and perhaps a little gross way of getting through the cold season. The point is finding reputable information. There are many other pitfalls to finding valid information online, but alas this bog is finite. Perhaps for another day.

20090921

Apple, it's not safe to tease the bad guys

Recently Apple has been touting, with head held high that their computers are free of hacker created malware.  Apple must realize this is just inviting the hacker element to pay closer attention to Apple.

PC and Pixel

In all truth, the primary reason for Apple's escape from infestation is one due to far lower market share.   It is more effective to build code that will attack Windows based computers than it is to develop code for an Apple OS environment.

If you are not familiar with computer malware, much like any bacterium or virus, it is suited for a particular species.  Thus a virus that gives your pussycat leukemia, would not cause you or your fellow humans the same problem.

A computer based malware such as a virus is much the same. A ILoveYou worm does its damage by utilizing VBScript on Windows based computers. This worm is unable to function in a Apple enviroment because the code that the worm was developed in is Microsoft Visual Basic and requires a Windows based registry to infect.  While it is certain that millions of Apple computers received the ILoveYou worm, none was infected because this particular malware was not developed to infect an Apple.

Now getting back to my point, by taunting the very hackers which develop malware, Apple is inviting them to code specific malware infections for the Apple OS.  Staying under the radar has protected Apple from the onslaught, but I am afraid that this situation will only change as Apple market share increases and the company taunts the very people that create malware.

20090920

Wikipedia

Wikipedia; if you trust in human nature, then this source of information must also be trusted. There will always be people that aim to mislead and poison truth for various reasons. But overall I believe that people do the right thing most of the time.

Like life, Wikipedia requires validation and scrutiny. To rely on it solely indicates foolishness, and blind faith.

The next time you need to understand something, take into account Wikipedia and when time allows, as many other sources from the Internet. Only with comparative analysis of as many sources as we can uncover will truth be revealed.

20090907

animated .gif

An animated .gif (Graphics Interchange Format) file is a graphic image on a WebSite that has the ability to simulate movement.  An animated .gif can loop endlessly (and it appears in the attached file), or it can stop after a single iteration.

Java, Flash, and other tools can be used to achieve the same effects as an animated .gif, but since they require a browser plugin to operates, platforms using simple or locked browsers had difficulty using these technologies.

The logo can be so much more

Abacus logo is a is more complex than most without being overbearing to the individuals that the company is seeking for its clients.

20090905

Simplistic price lists are a bad idea

Every small business owner has different needs and expectations when it comes to their WebSite.  To develop a WebSite that meets those specific needs and expectations requires understanding.  Which is why, if you have been shopping around, you will rarely find a seemingly straightforward price list for the cost of a WebSite.  When it comes to bundled packages at set prices, such as a 5 page WebSite for a fixed amount, Abacus believes that it is better to understand the client's needs and expectations before quoting prices.

Sure there are situations where a quick and simplistic quote is possible, but the only way to do this is to make many assumptions that you may not be prepared to make or even understand.  Abacus knows from experience that providing a simplistic price list is very problematic.  There are simply too many factors that need to be considered to accurately gauge the resources needed.

Abacus is in the opinion of getting to know its potential clients before giving a quote.  For a price quote to be accurate, as we said many factors need to be weighed along with mutual understanding between you and Abacus.  This is why Abacus primarily does business with client's which are local to the Northern Nevada area.  We value familiarity with our clients, and to do this requires face to face meetings.  Most Web companies don't take the time to thoroughly understand your business.  I am sure we can agree that with more understanding, that Abacus will develop a better WebSite for you.

Tinkering with the idea of using the Web in your marketing endeavors?  Abacus is here to help.  Yes, a little effort is needed to determine the real costs involved, but this effort will make for a lucrative business relationship.

Take the next step, partner with Abacus.

Welcome to Abacus Web

Welcome to Abacus, a new approach in developing WebSites with Substance.

If you want a WebSite that will fit into your overall marketing & sales endeavors, Abacus is the answer!  We take the time to understand your business and clients.  No marketing ideas?  Abacus will help you develop a sound campaign.

With an Abacus developed WebSite you can feel confident that everything is done right and under control.