Google Analytics
Google Analytics (www.google.com/analytics/) is in a class by itself. It offers substantially more functionality than the basic tools above, but is free
If you find you're running into substantial limitations with Google Analytics, and you're ready to invest in a more predicable and powerful package, there are plenty of available options.
ClickTracks (www.clicktracks.com).
ClickTracks offers solid mid-priced to top-end analytics packages targeted toward non-technical marketing folks. Both an online version (similar to Google Analytics; you add a piece of code to your site and view the reports online) or an installed version (on your Web server) are available. ClickTracks is easy to use and offers many options for on-the-fly analysis of what different types of visitors are viewing on your site.
WebTrends (www.webtrends.com).
detailed data-mining features, including segmentation, click paths, conversion reporting, and a number of predictions and alert functionalities (for instance, you can be notified if your site reaches a certain level of traffic). Several of the experts we consulted with report that WebTrends is harder to use than others in this category, especially for non-technical staff. Their customer service, however, is easy to reach and helpful.
WebSideStory HBX Analytics (www.websidestory.com).
widely regarded as one of the most powerful and usable hosted analytics solutions, appropriate for complex and highly trafficed Web sites.
Omniture's SiteCatalyst (www.omniture.com).
It offers powerful segmentation and data-mining features that integrate with the tools's other functions, like email campaigns and site search.
http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_web_analytics.php
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Week 7 What kind of assistive devices are there?
Assistive technology products are designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities
Braille embossers
Braille translation programs convert text scanned-in or generated via standard word processing programs into Braille, which can be printed on the embosser.
Keyboard filters
Keyboard filters enable users to quickly access the letters they need and to avoid inadvertently selecting keys they don't want.
Light signaler alerts
This is useful when a computer user can not hear computer sounds or is not directly in front of the computer screen. As an example, a light can flash alerting the user when a new e-mail message has arrived or a computer command has completed.
On-screen keyboards
On-screen keyboards often have a scanning option that highlights individual keys that can be selected by the user. On-screen keyboards are helpful for individuals who are not able to use a standard keyboard due to dexterity or mobility difficulties.
Reading tools and learning disabilities programs
make text-based materials more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading. Options can include scanning, reformatting, navigating, or speaking text out loud.
Refreshable Braille displays
A Braille "cell" is composed of a series of dots. The pattern of the dots and various combinations of the cells are used in place of letters. The user reads the Braille letters with his or her fingers, and then, after a line is read, can refresh the display to read the next line.
Screen enlargers, or screen magnifiers,
increase legibility and make it easier to see items on the computer. Some screen enlargers allow a person to zoom in and out on a particular area of the screen.
Screen readers
are used to verbalize, or "speak," everything on the screen including text, graphics, control buttons, and menus into a computerized voice that is spoken aloud. In essence, a screen reader transforms a graphic user interface (GUI) into an audio interface. Screen readers are essential for computer users who are blind.
Speech recognition or voice recognition programs,
enter data using their voices rather than a mouse or keyboard. Voice recognition systems use a microphone attached to the computer, which can be used to create text documents such as letters or e-mail messages, browse the Internet, and navigate among applications and menus by voice.
Text-to-Speech (TTS) or speech synthesizers receive information
Using speech synthesizers allows computer users who are blind or who have learning difficulties to hear what they are typing and also provide a spoken voice for individuals who can not communicate orally, but can communicate their thoughts through typing.
Talking and large-print word processors
use speech synthesizers to provide auditory feedback of what is typed. Large-print word processors allow the user to view everything in large text without added screen enlargement.
TTY/TDD conversion modems
allow an individual to type a message on a computer and send it to a TTY/TDD telephone or other Baudot equipped device.
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx
Braille embossers
Braille translation programs convert text scanned-in or generated via standard word processing programs into Braille, which can be printed on the embosser.
Keyboard filters
Keyboard filters enable users to quickly access the letters they need and to avoid inadvertently selecting keys they don't want.
Light signaler alerts
This is useful when a computer user can not hear computer sounds or is not directly in front of the computer screen. As an example, a light can flash alerting the user when a new e-mail message has arrived or a computer command has completed.
On-screen keyboards
On-screen keyboards often have a scanning option that highlights individual keys that can be selected by the user. On-screen keyboards are helpful for individuals who are not able to use a standard keyboard due to dexterity or mobility difficulties.
Reading tools and learning disabilities programs
make text-based materials more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading. Options can include scanning, reformatting, navigating, or speaking text out loud.
Refreshable Braille displays
A Braille "cell" is composed of a series of dots. The pattern of the dots and various combinations of the cells are used in place of letters. The user reads the Braille letters with his or her fingers, and then, after a line is read, can refresh the display to read the next line.
Screen enlargers, or screen magnifiers,
increase legibility and make it easier to see items on the computer. Some screen enlargers allow a person to zoom in and out on a particular area of the screen.
Screen readers
are used to verbalize, or "speak," everything on the screen including text, graphics, control buttons, and menus into a computerized voice that is spoken aloud. In essence, a screen reader transforms a graphic user interface (GUI) into an audio interface. Screen readers are essential for computer users who are blind.
Speech recognition or voice recognition programs,
enter data using their voices rather than a mouse or keyboard. Voice recognition systems use a microphone attached to the computer, which can be used to create text documents such as letters or e-mail messages, browse the Internet, and navigate among applications and menus by voice.
Text-to-Speech (TTS) or speech synthesizers receive information
Using speech synthesizers allows computer users who are blind or who have learning difficulties to hear what they are typing and also provide a spoken voice for individuals who can not communicate orally, but can communicate their thoughts through typing.
Talking and large-print word processors
use speech synthesizers to provide auditory feedback of what is typed. Large-print word processors allow the user to view everything in large text without added screen enlargement.
TTY/TDD conversion modems
allow an individual to type a message on a computer and send it to a TTY/TDD telephone or other Baudot equipped device.
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Week 6 What tools are available for SEO?
What are the best ways to boost your position in search engines? What keywords should you use on your web-pages? And which tools should you use to improve the quality of backlinks, link popularity and Google Pagerank?
Alexa
Backlink
Domain Popularity, Domain Stats Tools
Google Page Rank Checker, Adwords Keyword Tools,Google Banned Tools
Keyword Analysis Tool, Keyword Density, Keyword Suggestion Tools
Link Popularity Check, Site Link Analyzer, Link Value
Meta Tag Generators
Miscellaneous Tools
Search Engine Position Checker, Spider Simulator, Ranking Report, SERP Tracker
SEO Analyzer, Scanner
Robots.txt Tools
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2006/09/22/complete-list-of-best-seo-tools/
Alexa
Backlink
Domain Popularity, Domain Stats Tools
Google Page Rank Checker, Adwords Keyword Tools,Google Banned Tools
Keyword Analysis Tool, Keyword Density, Keyword Suggestion Tools
Link Popularity Check, Site Link Analyzer, Link Value
Meta Tag Generators
Miscellaneous Tools
Search Engine Position Checker, Spider Simulator, Ranking Report, SERP Tracker
SEO Analyzer, Scanner
Robots.txt Tools
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2006/09/22/complete-list-of-best-seo-tools/
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 5 What are the most popular fonts on the Web?
Verdana is one of the most popular of the fonts designed for on-screen viewing.
simple, straightforward design, and the characters or glyphs are not easily confused.
The spacing between letters in Tahoma is tighter than either Arial or Verdana, giving a somewhat "scrunched together" appearance, especially when compared to Verdana, and especially when used for long passages of text. Tahoma is still an acceptable font, but is probably somewhat less readable overall than Verdana or Arial/Helvetica for long passages of text.
Trebuchet may decrease overall readability for long passages of text. Some of the glyphs are also presented in a non-standard, more decorative format, such as the ampersand (&), which may also decrease readability.
In terms of accessibility, it is better than some fonts, but not as good as others.
Georgia is somewhat easier on the eyes than Times New Roman, although high resolution screens with font smoothing technology also display Times New Roman quite well. One advantage of using Georgia is that it is not the default text of the browser. It is easier for users to see that the designer has applied some style to the font when fonts other than the default font are specified.
http://www.webaim.org/techniques/fonts/
simple, straightforward design, and the characters or glyphs are not easily confused.
The spacing between letters in Tahoma is tighter than either Arial or Verdana, giving a somewhat "scrunched together" appearance, especially when compared to Verdana, and especially when used for long passages of text. Tahoma is still an acceptable font, but is probably somewhat less readable overall than Verdana or Arial/Helvetica for long passages of text.
Trebuchet may decrease overall readability for long passages of text. Some of the glyphs are also presented in a non-standard, more decorative format, such as the ampersand (&), which may also decrease readability.
In terms of accessibility, it is better than some fonts, but not as good as others.
Georgia is somewhat easier on the eyes than Times New Roman, although high resolution screens with font smoothing technology also display Times New Roman quite well. One advantage of using Georgia is that it is not the default text of the browser. It is easier for users to see that the designer has applied some style to the font when fonts other than the default font are specified.
http://www.webaim.org/techniques/fonts/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)