There is currently a scam email being sent to Domain name owners, mainly from China. It all looks official. The company sending the email mentions they have received an application from 'such and such' a company to register yourdomain.cn, plus a few others that might be available in .com as well.
Unless you intend to register your domain name and do business in China, then by all means contact your web developer or domain Registrar and get it registered. You do not have to use these tricksters and profiteerers to register domains for you.
They go on to scare you about protecting your brand and that you should register with them right away.
The letter uses extremely poor grammar and looks like a mail merged document.
If you get mail like this, forward it immediately to your Web Developer or whoever takes care of all your domains. Check to see whether any of the domains they mention are in fact available and desirable. eg: yourdomain.com. DOT COM domains are cheap to register and no particular evidential business requirements are required. A two year old could register if they wanted to. So go grab it if you can.
Remember, if you are unsure about any particluar offer or claim etc to do with your domain name or website, be sure to contact your web developer or IT person who handles your web related services for peace of mind.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rotary Website Award
MerlinFX has taken out the top prize with a perfect 10+10 score for 2007/2008 for the work we did on the Rotary Liverpool West website. Presented by the District Governor.
We are proud to be associated with Rotary Liverpool West and this project fell under our Charity efforts where we provide services in kind to support community groups.
We are proud to be associated with Rotary Liverpool West and this project fell under our Charity efforts where we provide services in kind to support community groups.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
MerlinFX launches new website!
We are proud to launch the new MerlinFX website.
An updated, cleaner look. Easy to locate content and some features for clients only.
What's New with MerlinFX
Well we have some very easy to use tools in the form of an online store (prodigyshop), content management (prodigymanage) and newsletters (prodigyconnect). Each of these prodigy applications feature numerous add-ons that enhance the feature set and provide you with what you need, rather than bloatware (stuff you don't need).
Subscribe to our newsletter.
We have also become a Microsoft Certified Partner.
Our Portfolio page sports an ipod Touch style gallery of some of our projects.
The client only icons include access to your own account, video tutorials, knowledgebase and support options, this blog and access to your webmail. Access to some of these sections is by username and password only.
Clients, stay tuned you will be getting an email from us shortly with your login details and more info on the client only sections of the site.
There are numerous features still to add and we'll keep you posted. It's built on the same platform that all our projects are constructed and many of the features within are new and ready to be integrated into our clients' sites if required.
A great features is the FAQ addon for prodigymanage.
The Testimonial add-on selects a random quote from a list and appears once or more on a page. We can have specific testimonial lists for any page or just draw from a giant pool of quotes. The FAQ uses AJAX technology. A very user friendly tool, that presents answers to questions instantly as well as pushing the most popular requested FAQ's to the top of the list.
An updated, cleaner look. Easy to locate content and some features for clients only.
What's New with MerlinFX
Well we have some very easy to use tools in the form of an online store (prodigyshop), content management (prodigymanage) and newsletters (prodigyconnect). Each of these prodigy applications feature numerous add-ons that enhance the feature set and provide you with what you need, rather than bloatware (stuff you don't need).
Subscribe to our newsletter.
We have also become a Microsoft Certified Partner.
Our Portfolio page sports an ipod Touch style gallery of some of our projects.
The client only icons include access to your own account, video tutorials, knowledgebase and support options, this blog and access to your webmail. Access to some of these sections is by username and password only.
Clients, stay tuned you will be getting an email from us shortly with your login details and more info on the client only sections of the site.
There are numerous features still to add and we'll keep you posted. It's built on the same platform that all our projects are constructed and many of the features within are new and ready to be integrated into our clients' sites if required.
A great features is the FAQ addon for prodigymanage.
The Testimonial add-on selects a random quote from a list and appears once or more on a page. We can have specific testimonial lists for any page or just draw from a giant pool of quotes. The FAQ uses AJAX technology. A very user friendly tool, that presents answers to questions instantly as well as pushing the most popular requested FAQ's to the top of the list.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bookmarks everywhere!
Have ever wished that the bookmarks you use on your office PC could be available on your home PC or vice versa? Well you can if you use Firefox and a Free plugin called Foxmarks.
"Foxmarks is a free add-on for your Firefox browser that syncs your bookmarks across multiple computers and more."
If you rely on the web for banking, booking, other work related or social. Having your bookmarks with you on all your PC's even accessible if you are on someone elses PC or a Cyber Cafe is a welcome feature for those needing web access most of the time. Have all your bookmarks syncronised automatically.
Other helpful features:
I use it for both my office PC's and all my home PC's. A very helpful tool maximise one's online time.
"Foxmarks is a free add-on for your Firefox browser that syncs your bookmarks across multiple computers and more."
If you rely on the web for banking, booking, other work related or social. Having your bookmarks with you on all your PC's even accessible if you are on someone elses PC or a Cyber Cafe is a welcome feature for those needing web access most of the time. Have all your bookmarks syncronised automatically.
Other helpful features:
- Bookmarks are backed up.
- Away from your computers? View, add, edit and delete your bookmarks on our website.
- Access your bookmarks on the go with your mobile and more.
I use it for both my office PC's and all my home PC's. A very helpful tool maximise one's online time.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Watch video and give to the Smith Family, thanks Microsoft!
No this is not a scam! I great way to get people to watch a promotional video is by donating to charity. Microsoft Australia, have done just that. Go to the site, watch video and Microsoft donate a $1 to the Smith Family.
Great idea, it's viral, it's a good cause.
Great idea, it's viral, it's a good cause.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Storing images and more online!
Ever wanted to store huge volumes of images and video online? Well now you can using Multiply. It's a social networking style site, but you share your images, video, music etc and it's all stored and backed up for you, indefinately. The free version deletes your files after 30 days, but the paid version ($20 USD) a year is so cheap, it's ridiculous.
My first thoughts were can it be used for business? I figured I'll be giving it a go.
For businesses that work a lot with images (eg: web developers, graphic artisits, designers etc); this could be a really great business tool. If not to be used with other clients, a back up tool for your media in a remote location for 20USD a year, is hard to let it go and not give it a try.
I'll be testing them out over the next couple of weeks and I'll keep you posted on how useful it is as a business tool (between clients, setting permissions, backing up etc).
My first thoughts were can it be used for business? I figured I'll be giving it a go.
For businesses that work a lot with images (eg: web developers, graphic artisits, designers etc); this could be a really great business tool. If not to be used with other clients, a back up tool for your media in a remote location for 20USD a year, is hard to let it go and not give it a try.
I'll be testing them out over the next couple of weeks and I'll keep you posted on how useful it is as a business tool (between clients, setting permissions, backing up etc).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
.au Domain Name policy change
The policy regarding the sale of .au domain names changed on 1st June 2008.
The policy changes effectively mean the ban on consumers purchasing .au domain names and selling them to the highest bidder will end. Consequently the risk of competitors registering .au domain names associated with your online brand will increase significantly.
If you haven’t registered the com.au and net.au domain names for your business or product name, in the future you may have to bid for them from auction sites against other prospective purchasers.
Contact us regarding domains names you would like to protect. We don't charge for domain parking, like some web hosts do; just registration.
This maybe your last opportunity to secure your .au domain names from competitors and cyber squatters.
The policy changes effectively mean the ban on consumers purchasing .au domain names and selling them to the highest bidder will end. Consequently the risk of competitors registering .au domain names associated with your online brand will increase significantly.
If you haven’t registered the com.au and net.au domain names for your business or product name, in the future you may have to bid for them from auction sites against other prospective purchasers.
Contact us regarding domains names you would like to protect. We don't charge for domain parking, like some web hosts do; just registration.
This maybe your last opportunity to secure your .au domain names from competitors and cyber squatters.
Two Browsers are better than one
A tip to all that use a CMS (even our prodgymanage CMS). Using two browsers is better than one. My choice is IE (Internet Explorer) and Firefox.
When editing a website page you want to be able to see your final version. If you have one browser you can just create another TAB, load up the site and you have two versions going. You should be also able to view the site in normal mode vs editing. With prodgymanage, you can do this too, but two browsers are better than one.
Aside from seeing how the page will look inside two of the worlds most popular browsers, it speeds up your work by editing in one browser and viewing in another. When you are logged into your CMS, it has created a 'session variable' meaning whilst you are using a browser, it knows you are logged in as webmaster. Therefore you open another version of your browser, guess what, you log back in as webmaster. If you open another Browser, ie: Firefox, you see the site as a general user.
Make a change in IE and Save it. Jump to the other browser and hold down the keys, CTRL F5 to refresh the page, so the changes take effect.
For even greater control and little bit of a luxury grab a spare monitor from the office or tell your boss it's required for your work to have two screens. Edit on one and view on the other. I'm planning to have three monitors or more :).
Happy edting.
When editing a website page you want to be able to see your final version. If you have one browser you can just create another TAB, load up the site and you have two versions going. You should be also able to view the site in normal mode vs editing. With prodgymanage, you can do this too, but two browsers are better than one.
Aside from seeing how the page will look inside two of the worlds most popular browsers, it speeds up your work by editing in one browser and viewing in another. When you are logged into your CMS, it has created a 'session variable' meaning whilst you are using a browser, it knows you are logged in as webmaster. Therefore you open another version of your browser, guess what, you log back in as webmaster. If you open another Browser, ie: Firefox, you see the site as a general user.
Make a change in IE and Save it. Jump to the other browser and hold down the keys, CTRL F5 to refresh the page, so the changes take effect.
For even greater control and little bit of a luxury grab a spare monitor from the office or tell your boss it's required for your work to have two screens. Edit on one and view on the other. I'm planning to have three monitors or more :).
Happy edting.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Google Maps Scam
Business selling FREE Google tools is an out and out SCAM and you can do it for free.
If you are a MerlinFX client, we'll do it for you for nothing.
If you get web related offers in the mail or "act now before you lose your domain"; it's best to check with your web developer or whom ever manages your web related services; before you go and spend your $$$ on services that are otherwise free or misleading.
It's also a point to have all your web related services handled by one company or person. If you are super organised and can track where your domains are registered, who handles email set up, web hosting etc; then you are fine. But my experience, most business don't. Most web developers should offer to manage all that for you.
Here is a link on how to set up your business on Google Maps. The article mentions that you can select to have the verification process handled by Google sending you snail-mail. Frankly having them call (automated) or SMS you is a lot easier and faster.
How to set up your business in Google Maps
If you are a MerlinFX client, we'll do it for you for nothing.
If you get web related offers in the mail or "act now before you lose your domain"; it's best to check with your web developer or whom ever manages your web related services; before you go and spend your $$$ on services that are otherwise free or misleading.
It's also a point to have all your web related services handled by one company or person. If you are super organised and can track where your domains are registered, who handles email set up, web hosting etc; then you are fine. But my experience, most business don't. Most web developers should offer to manage all that for you.
Here is a link on how to set up your business on Google Maps. The article mentions that you can select to have the verification process handled by Google sending you snail-mail. Frankly having them call (automated) or SMS you is a lot easier and faster.
How to set up your business in Google Maps
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New site launch: Cavallaro's
We have just re-built the Cavallaro's website and added many features to it than what they previously had before. Check it out at www.cavallaros.com.au, launched today. It features an easy to CMS, galleries, newsletter, VIP members area and much more.
If you are local and want to take advantage of their VIP offers like taste testing new products, closed door events only, then go register on the site and keep updated.
They are a local pasticceria and I find it dangerous for me each time I enter. There are so many nice treats in there. Scott Kell, their extraordinary pastry chef has added his flair and talent to the Cavallaro team.
I feel like a pistachio canoli .....
If you are local and want to take advantage of their VIP offers like taste testing new products, closed door events only, then go register on the site and keep updated.
They are a local pasticceria and I find it dangerous for me each time I enter. There are so many nice treats in there. Scott Kell, their extraordinary pastry chef has added his flair and talent to the Cavallaro team.
I feel like a pistachio canoli .....
Monday, June 16, 2008
Windows Live Foldershare - beta
This free (currently) PC based, web syncronisation is such a great little tool I discovered about a month ago and now find it indispensable with our development team that spreads across the globe. Rather than consistently email briefs, files, images etc; I simply drop them into a 'FolderShared' folder and next time one of the development team opens his PC (and it connects to the net). The Folders syncronise. Naturally he/she has the option of manually syncronising, but I just leave mine 'on' all the time.
I can control who has access to the folder and what rights they have. eg: Can they delete, add, edit files.
It has it's limitations of not being able to send files larger than 2 GB, but for my line of business and most of my clients, who would!
I am thinking of using it as a remote backup tool to synchronise everyday files with a remote location.
Windows Live FolderShare Team Blog | Discussions in Windows Live FolderShare
I can control who has access to the folder and what rights they have. eg: Can they delete, add, edit files.
It has it's limitations of not being able to send files larger than 2 GB, but for my line of business and most of my clients, who would!
I am thinking of using it as a remote backup tool to synchronise everyday files with a remote location.
Windows Live FolderShare Team Blog | Discussions in Windows Live FolderShare
Been a while, but always been here...
Geez it's been a while since I posted anything to the blog. My only saving grace has been, we've been unbelievably busy and a few other things I won't go into right now; but a lot has happened and I'll be updating most of it here.
Where to start, ok the beginning:
We moved office to a temporary location as the old place was out grown. Put on several other programmers around about that time. We eventually moved into our new premises in Northumberland St, Liverpool complete with reception, waiting room, board rooms etc.
I am sure you're all thinking so, big deal. Believe you me this is major step up from what we had before.
Before the move we were coding in ASP, then moved to ASP.NET. We basically re-built all our web applications and added miles of features to them all. Everything is now even easier to use and we continue along the development path. The web is almost a sentient being with it's own intelligence changing, adapting and learning. We move with the changes - but only if it benefits the client and us first. No use adding stuff that's cute and but doesn't benefit anyone.
Where to start, ok the beginning:
We moved office to a temporary location as the old place was out grown. Put on several other programmers around about that time. We eventually moved into our new premises in Northumberland St, Liverpool complete with reception, waiting room, board rooms etc.
I am sure you're all thinking so, big deal. Believe you me this is major step up from what we had before.
Before the move we were coding in ASP, then moved to ASP.NET. We basically re-built all our web applications and added miles of features to them all. Everything is now even easier to use and we continue along the development path. The web is almost a sentient being with it's own intelligence changing, adapting and learning. We move with the changes - but only if it benefits the client and us first. No use adding stuff that's cute and but doesn't benefit anyone.
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