Can I be a webmaster?

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Originally posted on 28th july

Answer to this – Yup, you can be a webmaster.

Hi everyone,

Years ago when I started, people would laugh at me when I told them I can create a website. Well actually I was still a noob then and used to create some silly static sites made using frontpage and hosted on some poor quality free hosts. Well I really wasn’t a webmaster then. I was just a small scale webdesigner.

So what actually is a webmaster?

A Webmaster is a person incharge of a site. He should have all the qualities of a webdeveloper, designer, he should be able to SEO, etc.

How can you be one?

Just keep reading my blog. lol

You need several things for a site. Make a checklist before you proceed. Here is a sample.

1. A Domain or use a co.cc domain. Click here to get one => http://co.cc

2. Hosting. Go for a free one with a good space and bandwidth, mysql databases, cpanel[maybe], PHP5 will be good, etc. You may use my hosting services at aliengang.net [under construction] Just mail me at mail@divyun.com for free hosting.

3. An idea to work on. Like, you can make blog about yourself, make a community for you and your friends, create a site on a specific topic like aliens, etc.

4. Create your site using any free pre-made software or start from scratch.

5. Then, you need to work on search optimization of your site so that your site is indexed properly and you have to promote it too.

Well, this is all for now. If you are having trouble with any thing in my post, well, google is a webmaster’s best friend. I’ll write more about the things that will make you a webmaster.

Popularity: 12% [?]

How to change favicon in various cms?

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Originally posted on 2008-10-13

Well this is a little problem faced by lot of webmasters who are new to cms/ open source softwares.

Here are the steps for different cms:

Joomla-

Joomla directory> Templates folder> [Current Theme]> favicon.ico

Drupal-

Drupal directory> themes> [Current Theme]> favicon.ico

WordPress-

Drop the favicon in root.

Short one!

Popularity: 21% [?]

Your Web Site’s value (in dollar$)

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Originally posted on 31 october so the stats are quite old.

While wandering on web, I came across a site which helps you calculate your sites’s value or rather say, price. I searched for similar kind of sites, and was surprised to see the values they all show for divyun.com.

Here are the results.

1. http://websitevaluecalculator.com/

My site is worth $78.
How much is yours worth?

2. http://www.sitevaluecalculator.com/result.php?domain=http%3A%2F%2Fdivyun.com

Site Value
Calculator

Values this site at
$231

What is Your Site Worth?

3. http://www.websiteoutlook.com/www.divyun.com

My site is worth $2730.2.
How much is yours worth?

4. http://www.cubestat.com/www.divyun.com

$2,483.46

Awkward right! All of them show different values. :O

Values vary between $78 to $2730 which amounts to a difference of $2652. An this is huge.

Now the question of the day:

Which one of them shows the correct result or is the most accurate?

Can’t say.

What are these based on?

They are based on ranks and stats from google, alexa, etc.

If you know the answer then mail me at “IKnowThis at Divyun dot com”.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Better and faster way to propagate your site without using nameservers

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Originally posted on 2008-11-06

Sorry for such a long title. :P

What you see written up there is pretty much true but unpopular. Most of the times webmasters tend to just change the nameservers which take days to propagate,and this becomes pain in their butts. Now written below is a faster way to do it.

The answer is A records. Yes, they usually take only few minutes or sometimes hours to take effect worldwide.

What are A records?(from Wikipedia)

They return a 32-bit IPv4 address, most commonly used to map hostnames to an IP address of the host.

How to implement them?

First of all, check whether your host provides you with Dns facilities. If they don’t, you should try editdns.net.

Steps:

1. Note the shared ip address of your hosting account. If you use cpanel then the ip address written on the fronpage. If you don’t use cpanel, then just do a dns lookup of your host’s nameserver and get its IP address. You can use network-tools.com for this.

2. Add the following three A records to your domain:

(a) yourdomain.com – ip address you noted in the above step

(b) www.yourdomain.com – same ip address (without this record www.youdomain.com won’t work)

(c) *.yourdomain.com – same ip address (without this you won’t be able to create sub-domains using your hosting account. “*” means a wildcard entry)

You are all done and your domain will be working in a few minutes or very rarely hours.

Advantages of using A records:-

1. Faster propagation of domain.

2. You have control of other records like MX, CNAME, etc. instead transferring your controls to your host.

3. Gives you ability to use services like google apps, live domains, etc. to the full extend.

Disadvantages:

1. You won’t be able to use email accounts at your host till configure your MX records or you always have option to use google apps whcich is free.

2. Just one as far as I remember :P

Note: You need to use AAA records if the ip address s IPv6.

Enjoy!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Automattic’s presses update!

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Originally posted on 2008-11-24

What is Automattic?

For a straight answer to this, I would they are the creators of wordpress. Their projects include:

* bbPress – Forum Software
* Akismet – An anti-comment spam system capable of integration with many blogging platforms and forums.
* WordPress MU – A multi-blog community system built on WordPress.
* Ping-O-Matic – A pinging service.
* Gravatar – Globally recognized avatars
* IntenseDebate – Commenting Tools

With WordPress 2.7 on just around the corner and 3 betas already out, wordpress 2.7 is looking big.

But today I want to write about another press which is budding under Automattic, its called Buddypress. I have tried it and have to say that it works great.

What is Buddypress?

Well buddypress is a set of plugins which transform an installation of WordPress MU(multi-user) into a social networking site.

Features(from buddypress.org):

1. Extended profiles- The extended profile component allows site admins to create specific profile fields for site members to fill in.

2. Private messaging- BuddyPress private messaging works like internal site email. Members can message people on their friends list as well as forward and reply to received messages.

3. Interact with friends- Members of a BuddyPress enabled installation can be connected together by one member adding another as a “friend” and then the other member accepting the friendship request.

4. Groups- Groups in BuddyPress are a gathering of members, blog posts, photos and any other user generated content.

5. The wire- The wire is a place where friends and other members can come along and post messages to a specific piece of content within a BuddyPress installation.

6. Activity Streams- Activity streams aggregate all of your activity across a BuddyPress installation. All of your friends activity is also recorded so you can check what others are doing on the site.

7. BLOGS- Allowing multiple blogs and multiple users per blog is a key feature to WordPress MU. BuddyPress preserves this functionality.

8. Status updates- Status updates in BuddyPress will appear on a member’s profile page. A member can update their status as frequently as they want to.

9. Photo Albums- Members of a BuddyPress installation will be able to create their own photo albums. These albums can be shared with friends and groups.

When will this wonderful plugin will release?

As stated on the site, it should release by the end of this year, 2008.

What does all this mean?

THIS MEANS THAT YOU CAN USE WORDPRESS AS A SOCIAL COMUNITY LIKE ORKUT, MYSPACE , etc. ENJOY!!!!!!

Popularity: 2% [?]

The ultimate mantra to a get a free domain.

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First of all :-

Google is a webmaster’s best friend.

If you keep searching and learning, you may be able to find all the info listed below from one or the other sources. But here is a contrasted summary or a small overview.

To get a domain you would require money.

Time is money

So a little time devoted can help you get a domain.

Some sources of free domains (are listed blelow) along with the “how to”:

(A) Hostbidder-

Hostbidder is webmaster’s forum which has been providing free domains, since 2003, in echange of points (which you get by posting) know as HB$.

FAQ

Q. How many points you get per post?

A. You can get a 10 points per post.

Q. How many you given points for per day?

A. Well, you get points for ever first 8 (>30) words post per day.

Q. How many for a domain?

A. 900 HB$ for a domain.

CLICK HERE.

Note:

4 posts * 10 points = 40 points * 23 days > 900 HB$.

So 23 days ins’t too long to wait for a domain.

Points and HB$ are the same things.

Just like hostbidder, there are plenty of similar sites. I have tried most of them but Hostbidder works the best.

(b) Earning cash online and using it to buy a domain:-

Domains( popular ones like .com, .net,etc.) usually cost around 10 $ or so.

.com for $7.75.

.net for $6.99.

Click for the price list.

Click here to register a domain.

So how to earn this cash?

I think, the answer should be PTC (Paid To Click) sites. But you need to find genuine PTC sites that pay.

Let me recommend some:-

1. B-U-X.net

2. bux3.com

3. Osobux.com

4. Pandabux.com

You clicking alone won’t do much good to you. You need to refer people under you.

20 ads * 10 referrals* $ 0.01= 2 $ in one day.

Awesome!

(c) Contests

Yeah! I mean contests. Find a contest and win a free domain. You’ll find of such kind if you keep searching webmaster’s forums. But this is gonna be hard. Try reading the next method. Its the easiest.

(d) Co.cc

if you think that other methods are bogus or you cost you a lost of time. Then this is for you, use might use a free co.cc domain. Actually, what you’ll get is a sub-domain but would work just like a professional fully functional TLD(Top level domain). No difference.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Google Apps and how to set it up!

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Originally posted on 19 jan 2009

Still using the ugly looking mail service from your hosting provider?
Its time for change!! Google’s waiting for ya!

Wondering what is Google Apps?? Here’s an overview:

An initiative by Google which provides free/paid mail service (@yourname.com) to individuals/ business/ organizations. And that’s not all. You make use of google talk, calender, docs, etc. using your address @yourdomain.com. “That’s cool”, I know!

Requirements:

* You need a domain. ( you know that!) even a co.cc would do!
* You need access to dns setting!! Most domain registrars provide you with that! If not read the “Note” at the end!

The “How to” :
* Reset your domain’s nameservers! Point your nameservers to your dns service provider’s nameservers (for those with no dns service provided by the the registrar).
* Check for the shared ip address in hosting’s control panel (or in short you need ip of you hosting providers’ nameservers!).
Instruction’s for cpanel:
1. Login into your cpanel account
2. In the left panel with all the stats, second is given the shred ip.
If you are unable to find the ip in your hosting’s panel, try these steps:
1. Go to http://network-tools.com/nslook/
2. Enter the first nameserver, generally ns1.somedomain.com, as the domain.
3. Select A records as the query type.
4. Click go.
5. Note the ip from results.
* Go to your domain’s dns control panel.
* Create the following records:
A record- yourdomain.com – ip noted above
A record- www.yourdomain.com – ip noted above
A record- *.yourdomain.com – ip noted above (* means wild card)
* Go to http://www.google.com/a/cpanel/domain/new and signup for google apps.
* Back to Dns control panel. Create few more records:

MailServer Hostname: – Priority- Type

ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. – 10 – MX
ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM.- 20 – MX
ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM.- 30 – MX
ASPMX2.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. -40 – MX
ASPMX3.GOOGLEMAIL.COM.- 50 – MX
ASPMX4.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. – 60 – MX
ASPMX5.GOOGLEMAIL.COM.- 70- MX

* Go to your google apps Control panel : http://google.com/a/cpanel/*yourdomain.com*/
* Click on “verify your ownership”.
Follow the steps and click on “I’ve completed the steps”.
* Back to Dashboard and Activate everything. Just click activate and the “I’ve completed th steps”. You are already done with all the steps.

So, now you are ready to use your gmail using @yourdomain.com address. “That’s awesome!” I know.

Note: * When you dns provider provides you with no dns service:
1. Go to http://editdns.net and register.
2. Add your domain.
3. Back to you dns panel: Change your nameservers to
ns1.us.editdns.net
ns2.us.editdns.net
ns3.us.editdns.net
4. Use editdns as your dns panel and follow steps mentioned above.

So are you planning to use it. Sure you are!! I know you wouldn’t mind leaving a comment!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Blogging- Why?? The answer is below.

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Originally posted on 21 January 2009

I have been blogging for a lot months now and would say that blogging is a great for expressing your feelings, sharing your thoughts, etc.
Blogging may have plenty of reasons to be written, for example, :
1. You want to establish yourself on internet and get people to know about who you are, what you like, etc. In shot a personal blog. That’s a wonderful way for making new friends!
2. You have an expertise in something and want to spread a little knowledge among others. A public opinion is what you’ll get in exchange. If you know what your audience likes then you know where to make profits from.
If you own a product or offer a service, then blog is the best of keeping your customers updated and gathering their suggestions.
A personal blog- A kind of blog which generally means an online diary! A place for your profile and things unrelated to any relevant topic.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Askimet, the anti-pollution plugin

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Originally posted on 2008-10-12

Another cool observations from, of course, one of my sites. The site this time is, yeah, divyun.com.

What’s anti-pollution?
It’s just a term created in the honor of askimet, which protects your site from dirty comments which pollute your blog.
So my request to each and every blogger is simple and straight- Use askimet, it helps you prevent unnecessary work.
Askimet comes preloaded by default. But if you have deleted it by default, get it at askimet.com.
This plugin is not only available for wordpress but for some other softwares too like mybb, etc. But you need a askimet key from wordpress.com.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Your own free Orkut, Facebook, twitter- the newest era

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Originally posted on Tuesday 24 February 2009

Ever wondered- we’ve been using these social networks* for quite a long and still using them even when we can have a personal one.
Now how??
ELGG

Just almost an year back I came across a software called Elgg which can be found at http://elgg.org.
What is Elgg?
It was the first opensource social networking script as far as I remember. Well, it comes with a hell lot of functionality and is damn easy to use as:
1. The social networking engine handles it all.
2. It has a community to help you out with problems.
3. It has well documented tutorials.
For requirements and features check these pages:

http://elgg.org/requirements.php

http://elgg.org/features.php

Well if you are seeking a demo. Maybe you can try my upcoming site: http://futureiitians.com
BUDDYPRESS

Buddypress turns WordPress MU(multi user) into a social networking site. Though still in beta but all set to take over the others. From the makers of WordPress, buddypress comes with all the functionality of WordPress MU and the extras.
It has a big community behind it. It is the easiest one around.
Only things it lacks are a a little more functionality and themes. But I know they are only a few months away from success.
No special requirements btw.
For a demo visit http://testbp.org.
btw, both are based on PHP and MYSQL which are also open source and have most of the servers supporting them.
Why social networking?
I know you know answer to that. Its the best way to interact with people.
Why do I need a personal one?
Well, the sites like Orkut, Facebook are for general public. Yours could be on a specific topic. Call your friends and start an online club. Think a little and you’ll find a reason on why to do this.
For your information,the above two mentioned are not the only ones out there. We also have Peopleaggregator, pligg, etc. Elgg and Buddypress are the best and surely have the maximum potential, and the only ones under constant development.

Popularity: 15% [?]