Test That Website!

Many a company has spent thousands of dollars developing the perfect website and setting up an elaborate launch party and press only to have the site crash, either literally or with users. The resulting big web FAIL and the financial losses could have been avoided had they invested in the appropriate web testing.

In addition to testing the site’s infrastructure to ensure that servers will stay live and the site won’t crash, it is vital to conduct Usability Testing . This testing can be handled in different ways, from focus groups and in house lab testing to remote testers all over the country providing greater demographic data.

A good usability testing program is going to survey users both before and after they interact the site. It will also monitor the tester as they interact with the site. This will help measure how difficult the site is to navigate, how intuitive various forms and features are to use, and whether there is missing information or functions that would improve the user experience. All this data is then correlated and analyzed by the testing company to provide a list of recommendations for both fixing broken or missing elements and for enhancing the site to be even more successful.

Choosing a Mortgage Loan Training Program

Completing a certain number of continuing education hours is a requirement for renewing a mortgage officer license in most states. Deciding which training program is right for you can be more of a challenge.

The first step is to check with your state to determine the exact requirements. Illinois loan officer training is going to differ from North Carolina training because each state has its own approved curriculum. You will need to know how many hours of training are required, what subjects should be covered, and how much time should be devoted to each.

Then take those requirements and start searching for training companies in your state. Because federal law is going to be the bulk of any course, many companies offer training in multiple states. They keep the core sections standard and then change the supplementary sections to meet the specific state standards. Look carefully that the division of subjects matches your needs and that the program has be recently reviewed by both your state and NMLS.

At this point it’s just a matter of choosing the program that best fits your schedule and financial means. Some programs will require attendance at specific classes while others will rely heavily or entirely on online classwork. Most programs will be scheduled so that working professionals can easily attend and complete the required course hours.

Shopping for a Fashionista

It’s time to start putting together holiday shopping lists, at least for those who don’t wait until the last minute. Of course, some seasoned shoppers would consider anyone who’s just getting started in mid-November to be waiting until the last minute. Not matter where you may be in your shopping process, there’s one type of person that even the most experienced shopper will dread having on their list. This is a fashionista or anyone who cares enough about their personal style and wardrobe to have very strict standards about what is wearable and what isn’t.

The worst type of fashionista to shop for is the one who tells you they will love anything you get them. You know better. They know better. And while you may be tempted to get them a gift card to love my shoes or their favorite department store, you know you have to resist this option, unless they’ve specifically asked for it.

The only thing you can really do is to resist the urge to buy them anything that qualifies as clothing or accessories. If you absolutely, positively know that there is something they want and haven’t bought themselves — and won’t buy between now and Christmas — then go ahead an buy it, just make sure it’s in the right size and color! Otherwise, look for that unusual gift. A book, movie, or bottle of their favorite wine. Perhaps a gift certificate for a massage or facial or an appointment for a mani-pedi. Be creative. Be personal. Just don’t buy them clothes!

The Next Level of Social Bookmarking

Many people are familiar with the concept of social bookmarking sites. You set up an account and consolidate all your online bookmarks in one place. You’re able to pull together bookmarks from all your different computers, browsers, and even those you’ve saved in emails or chat logs. Best of all, you know that when you find a new site or video that you want to save, there’s just one place you need to save it.

The biggest advantage of these virtual favorites manager s is that you can organize and tag every bookmark in multiple categories. This means that instead of being limited to a single folder or subfolder name, you can easily sort and search all your bookmarks by multiple subject tags or keyword phrases.

The latest developments in social bookmarking are about integration. First you can now use smartphone apps to access and update your bookmarks, meaning you don’t even need a computer to find a site you saved. Best of all, bookmarking sites are now offering the ability to post your shared URLs to social network sites, which means that you can easily save a bookmark and then share it with your friends through twitter, facebook, or other networking site.

Pool Cleaning Basics

Now that your Houston pool builders have finished the job, you have a sparkling new pool in your backyard. The burning question on your mind shouldn’t be when you can have your first pool party, but rather how are you going to keep that pool sparkling so that it can be enjoyed on a daily basis?

Many pool owners opt for hiring a pool cleaning service. They will come by once a week to clear debris, check the chemical levels and apply additional chemicals as needed. Depending on the type of pool, it may require the filter to be cleaned or flushed on a regular schedule. If you can afford the service, it’s going to be worth the savings in your own time and energy. If not, you’re going to need to learn a few new skills.

The most important thing you can do is to maintain the pool on a weekly basis. This includes cleaning not only the surface, but scrubbing the sides and bottom of the pool, checking the pH balance, looking for clogs in the filter and pump and administering any needed chemicals. If there is a storm or increased use of the pool, you may need to clean more often. Your local pool supply store can give you the basics of pool cleaning or you can do some online research of forums and websites that explain all the steps to take, including how to determine the right pH balance for your size pool.

If the pool ever starts to smell, swimmers complain of burning or itching eyes or skin, or you spot algae growing in the pool , you’ll need to call in the experts and take more drastic measures. However, regular pool cleaning — even in the off season, should help prevent that from happening.

What to Look for in Replacement Windows

When it’s time to replace the windows in a home, the easy thing to do is find the cheapest, prefab windows and the cheapest installer. While this may protect a homeowner’s budget in the short-term, it may actually end up costing them more in the long run. Shoddy workmanship, low quality materials, and shoddy installation can significantly decrease the life of the new windows as well as increase heating and cooling costs. Custom fit and installed replacement windows , if carefully chosen, can increase a home’s value and reduce monthly utility bills at the same time.

Energy efficiency has become the primary motivator for most home owners. It’s no longer just about saving the environment, it’s about saving money on heating and cooling. Windows that are designed with more effective insulation and constructed of solid, energy-efficient materials are definitely preferred. While they may cost a little more in the short run, they will reduce energy costs over time and may even be eligible for tax credits if purchased by December 31, 2010. Homeowners should look at the type of glass, and framing material as well as the construction of the windows to fully understand how effective a weather barrier they provide.

Other features to watch for are materials that are resistant to peeling, cracking, corrosion and rotting. Glass should be block most UV rays and diminish the amount of sound pollution that enters a home. Some glass comes coated to resist water stains and spots. When looking at installers, homeowners should choose experienced companies with an established presence in their town or city. Installers should offer references, provide proof of any required licenses or certifications and offer warranties on their work for the life of the windows.