Able Net Design Diaries

Moved

2007-11-29T13:40:00.000+09:00

For those interested I have moved the blog to our main site, now located at Able Net Design Blog

CSS Div Tables

2006-08-28T17:55:00.000+08:00

Since I now strive and insist that we develop in the latest css and xhtml standards, I came across an issue I wasn't sure how to handle.

It started when I was developing the now uploaded new Added Tech website. Being a drainage company specialising in strom water drains and things like that, there were a considerable amount of test data that needed to be displayed. Now back in the day I would have just insterted in into a table and of we go.

So anyway I put the information in a standard html table but the code just didn't look right. The table tags almost made the code look square so the nice clean feeling was suddenly destroyed. That is when I went in search of a solution.

This is what I came up with, this example has only two columns, but on the same site I have successfully ported it to a ten column table.

div

#table {width: 100%; margin: 0; padding:0;}
div#leftcell {display: td; margin: 0; padding: 2px; width: 18%; float: left; font-weight: bold;}
div#rightcell {display: td; margin: 0; padding: 2px; width: 81%; float: left; clear: right;}

The first line emulates the <table> tag. So there is nothing to special about that. To make each div display as a table cell we needed to set display:td; for those that have become familiar with <td> you would have noticed the similarity. The only difference is of course there is no <tr> or table row tag. Instead the last cell (in this case rightcell) we set clear:right; which then makes anything after that appear underneath hence emulating <tr>.

Lets have a look at the xhtml code:

<div id="leftcell"><p>First Row Left Cell Text</p></div>
<div id="rightcell"><p>Right Cell Text</p></div>

<div id="leftcell"><p>Second Row Left Cell Text</p></div>
<div id="rightcell"><p>Right Cell Text</p></div>

</div>

This is just a simple two row two column design but you can see that changing certain attributes in the css you can create a more advance form.

That is basically the new form of xhtml and css tables. Nice, clean, so what more could you want.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

Completely Mobile

2006-08-22T13:19:00.000+08:00

With the arriaval of this wireless solution I have been focusing on the redevelopment of the Able Net Design website.

Of course it will be built in that all important web 2.0 style. So at the moment to keep with the web 2.0 culture I am playing around with some AJAX functionality.
Work will also start to take serious form for my top secret website that I am developing. The main template has been created so it is just a matter of developing the code and functionality.

Simplified Success for those that don't know is the book I am writing at the moment about how to run a successful website. Of course I can't go into every aspect but I can provide some valuable information. Well the update on the book is that it is almost complete. So very shortly you will be able to purchase it.

On that note I have to go. So many blogs to update.

A metaphoric discovery

2006-08-15T12:44:00.000+08:00

The discovery of this metaphor could is probably the best way to explain how SEO tips get out.

The Internet is like the Australian Bush. SEO tips and techniques spread like wild fire.

There is more to this but you will need to wait until the release of my book to get the full metaphor.

Online

2006-08-14T16:06:00.000+08:00

My new server which I now offer unlimited hosting accounts, has started to runs it's first websites. By tomorrow I hope to have all the websites transferred which will make life alot easier.

Other websites have been coming online in the last few days so all in all it has been a very busy time.

I have also spent a lot of time researching web 2.0 of course. Layouts and designs for these types of websites have changed so much that I feel the more I know the better I can inform my clients.

Domain finally up

2006-08-10T14:21:00.000+08:00

ablenetdesign-hosting.com is finally up and running.

Which means I have to build a quick website for it. Of course it will be web 2.0 in style. That is something I will work on tonight.

So stay tuned.

New Client

2006-08-09T16:15:00.000+08:00

Thats right I picked up another new client today for the CMS. I will be starting on that account with in the next day or so.

I am still waiting to be able to change the DNS on my new domain. I am hopeing I can get all of that setup by tomorrow so hopefully on Monday by the latest I can start to transfer all my hosting accounts to the new server.

As far as my top secret application is going. Well the designs and layouts have begun. These need to be finished first then Ruby On Rails programming can start. The layouts should be complete by this weekend.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

Rounded Divs

2006-08-09T16:07:00.000+08:00

I like most other designers have played with images as backgrounds to make divs rounded. To me it always seemed like a lot of work and codeing. And once you got into a bit of a layered design with nested divs you started to run into all sorts of problems.

I think I new there had to be another way when I was updateing a new clients site which had rounded divs yet the designer before me didn't think of indenting the code. As you could imagine it was a mess.

JavaScript was my answer.

I came across a few but I tend to use scripts when their developers take the time to build a quality website. So the one I came up with is CurveyCorners.

There site looked good, they had examples and an active forum which all helps if you get stuck. So I downloaded the latest version and setout to implement it into my top secret application.

The first rounded div was a cinch, then me wanting more I started to play with multiple rounded divs. This started to cause a problem. However it was my fault. Let's just say there were some spelling errors in the code which I wrote.

CSS friend or foe

2006-08-08T15:53:00.000+08:00

Today I have been working on my top secret application for the web. Keeping in tune with web 2.0 I have been using complete CSS for layout.

I wouldn't call my self a CSS guru but I have a fairly good understanding about how things work and should work. Of course my staff are much better but because of the nature of the top secret application I must keep this completely to myself.

Of course like any good designer I am working with IE and FF for cross browser compatability. Let me just say it is a pitty that not everyone uses FF.

The first problem I came to was using custom bullets. Thats rights! something that should be easy is not. I am still having problems with it. Someone on the web suggested:

ul { list-style-image: url(images/tick.png) }

That works with FF but not IE. IE still displays that default "disc" bullet along with the new image. So then there was this suggestion:

ul { list-style-type: none }
li { background: url(images/tick.png) no-repeat }

No luck there either. So I finally had to submit a post to the WSG (web standards group) which my company is a member of to hopefully get an answer.

As I mentioned before this design is keeping with the web 2.0 culture of the internet at the moment. So of course rounded divs are needed. I have played with rounded divs using images before but being different and web 2.0ish I wanted to play with rounded divs using JavaScript. So I found curvycorners and am just trying to implement them at the moment. Who knows how that will work.

Just received a reply from a member of WSG.

ul { list-style-type: none; }
ul li { background: url(images/mybullet.gif) no-repeat 0 50%;
padding-left: 25px;
}

This could be the solution. I'll find out later tonight. I'm off to play tennis now.

A New Domain

2006-08-07T16:17:00.000+08:00

Today I registered a new domain for our fantastic new hosting service. It is not a new service but as of today we are able to offer unlimited hosting accounts.

This is a fantastic step forward for Able Net Design and I hope that our clients and future clients get great benefits from this new addition to our company.

Domain: ablenetdesign-hosting.com

We will be posting a Web 2.0 designed page on there as soon as the DNS and hosting are all sync'd up. (Should be very soon).

As for the "secret" web application that I have been developing, there as been a slight change in path. A new idea has come up and I have decided to focus more on that for the time being. This new application won't be built in Ruby on Rails. I have decided to experiment with CakePHP for something new.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

Another CMS account

2006-08-03T16:54:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I picked up another WebFast cms account. Which is fantastic. So version 3.0 should start to be developed in the next few weeks.

Currently I am listening to a podcast from Matt Cutt. I have only listened to part 1 and there were some small things I learnt about google, but nothing to majour to report.

I'll have them for download very soon. I am also thinking about creating my own podcasts in the next few months.

However that is a project down the track. My next major project to complete is the Book.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

The last post

2006-08-02T15:03:00.000+08:00

Many of you would know that I was writting an article for a newspaper. Well the previous article is it.

So it will be published this month.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

The website and Country Australia

2006-08-01T15:38:00.000+08:00

I am sure most of you are thinking that web designers are the new insurance salesmen. Their constant phone calls about this new must have service for your business never seems to let up. So after awhile you get tired of saying “no” and you decide you need a website.

Does this sound familiar yet?

You have heard that your neighbor's ten year old is good at computers and could probably knock you one up, and it will cost you ten bucks and a milkshake to get it done. Seems like a bargain. It's built on a computer it's on the Internet what is the difference.

The difference between your neighbor's ten year old and a professional web designer is staggeringly huge.

Think about it in a non technical example. Would you let someone with absolutely no experience handle your investments or taxes. I think not. Well the same goes with your online marketing efforts.

That ten dollars and the milkshake will end up costing you more in loss of income then the cost of getting a website properly designed and developed by someone like me who knows what they are talking about. No offense to your neighbor.

The fact is that getting a properly designed website is not that expensive, and these days, there are special options that reduce or even abolish the upfront costs in most cases.

So now your thinking that all sounds great but what can a website do for me?

Alright say you own a bed and breakfast. Most couples, families, and basically anyone who is going to stay in your region is going to look on the Internet for accommodation. That is a known fact. Now if first impressions are the most important wouldn't you think that your website should portray how good your B&B is. You might know it but everyone else doesn't.

The idea would be, to show as many good quality photos of views, rooms and anything else that is a B&B's draw card. Just think with this one marketing tool you have suddenly opened up your B&B to every traveler all around the world.

Without having to have expensive brochures and advertisements distributed throughout the travel agencies and travel magazines.

Now everyone with a B&B is thinking, yeah that makes sense, but what about those that don't have a B&B. We are talking about the Restaurants, Art Galleries, and other actives.

Well you benefit from a website just as much. Funnily enough those same people that look for accommodation also look for the regions actives. If they can't find sufficient information on what your region has to offer, they really aren't going to visit are they.

So your properly designed website, is now starting to help everyone in the region, not just yourself.

Before you know it with the help of a great application that provide content management services, you are able to add your own pictures and pages to your website. You can start a page on your B&B's website offering links to other activities in the region. Your visitor is now getting a picture painted of what to expect when they visit. They have seen some of the shops and restaurants, and already know what they want to see and where they want to go.

I suppose it is because I am a web developer people are constantly talking to me about websites. What they have liked and disliked, why doesn't it function like this or why can't I get information on this.

It would be safe to say that most people often ask me why home tourism doesn't really utilise the web. They all say it would be so easy if they could just book their whole holiday during their lunch break or at night from their home computer.

My answer to their question is simple, but it has taken me a long time to work it out. Know one has taken the time to explain to country Australia how a website can help them.

So in my following articles I will be delving deeper into how a website can help you.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

RoR

2006-07-28T13:18:00.000+08:00

I continue my search of tutorials and information about the Ruby on Rails framework, which I am now developing an application in.

Not long after I decided to use Ruby on Rails I came across a few problems. Number on of course is there seems to be no manual. So I find myself spending along time searching the internet looking for information.

I don't know if it is just me but i picked up PHP quite easily. When ever I look at using a new language there are always some problems. I have an idea but I don't know the actual code to type. So without a manual I find it quite difficult.

That has got me thinking about PHP frameworks, more directly cakePHP. Yet something is still keeping me from giving up.

Back in my studying days I was the one playing with PHP while my class mates played with ASP.net. I like to be different. Maybe that is why I look to Ruby On Rails, as something that is abit different.

So i continue my quest to work with the Ruby on Rails framework, even though there is no manual, and not ever host can run such a thing.

It is the new "future" for the web 2.0 revolution.

Just as I was about to post this, i made a break through. One of my problems I was having was trying to work out how to make certain areas password protected.

before_filter :login_required, :except => [:index, :list, :show]

Adding that to the top of the class when using the "LoginGenerator" should force login requirements for things like "add, edit, delete".

For future reference for myself this is a link to a good RoR authentication procedure.

For those (like myself) that are creating a web 2.0 application and you can't think of a stupid sequence of letters for your company name try What Brand Are You? & Web 2.0 name generator, they should be able to help you.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

Web 2.0 Update

2006-07-27T16:20:00.000+08:00

Well I am slowly working out Ruby On Rails to the point where my "secret" application has started to be developed.

I have found only one other website that is already up and running offering what I have had in mind, but I am sure my product is going to be a lot better.

At the moment I am writing an article for the Toodyay Herald, which I hope to have published next month.

On the subject of publishing yes, the book is still being written. As you could imagine I have been quite busy the last few weeks so I haven't had a lot of time to spend on it.

Anyway back to my Article.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

On Rails

2006-07-20T14:51:00.000+08:00

At the moment I am downloading the Ruby On Rails framework. Since the development of WebFast version 2.0 where I was able to see the effects of being able to offer my clients an application that services them. I have been looking into things like Ruby On Rails and Ajax.

So on my soon on my trusty HP notebook i'll be running Ruby On Rails, and I will start traight away developing WebFast version 3.0 which I hope using the new framework will increase it's speed and functionality.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0, Ruby On Rails, ruby-on-rails

Product info updated

2006-07-17T17:01:00.000+08:00

As most of you would know we have a solution or product called Rent-a-Site. Which basically allows you to get a custom built website with out any upfront costs.

Well for those that have or are in the process of getting a Rent-a-Site we have just uploaded an updated version of the product information. We have also made it easier to find, by adding it to our services list and under a page titled "Rent-a-Site".

Just thought i would let you all know that, so make sure you read it.

2.0 the new trend

2006-07-07T14:45:00.000+08:00

Over the past two days I have been reading a lot about web 2.0 and I have come up with some thoughts.

It seems the future no doubt, and the new design format for a website is a big step in the other direction from what we as designers used to be doing.

Web 2.0 design is made up of lots of white space, and large font.

So now that is what I am developing for my new website.

When you think about it 2.0 is just a step further in using applications on the web. So I'm not really sure if for the general user "Web 2.0" really means anything at all.

As far as a designer goes I haven't checked the effects of selling anything under the web 2.0 banner as of yet. So i'll have to give it ago and let you all know how it turns out.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour, web2.0, web 2.0

New layout

2006-07-05T13:20:00.000+08:00

I have been working on the new layout for SnowExtreme. So all I to do is work out the blogger code and the new layout will be ready to place online.

The book is coming along fantastically. I am well into it at the moment and I might be writing a regular column in a newspaper.

There is still quite a bit of work backlogged at the moment so I am working hard at nights trying to get it all complete.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour

Wireless

2006-07-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

The search for wireless broadband continues.

You would never think that living in a capital city such as Perth would create so many problems for affordable wireless broadband.

It seems other capital cities are fine, but Perth is lacking. The only one that is reasonably price are from the major telephone companies (Telstra & Optus).

In the not so distant future I need to have a broadband connection at my new house. It might mean having the usual non wireless solutions.

Book update

2006-06-28T16:12:00.000+08:00

The book is coming along great. I was able to set quite abit of time aside today to work on it and I can say that I am steaming through the chapters.

I have now come up with the idea for the front cover, so all I have to do is make it.

Apart from that the projects are all running along smoothly. At the moment I am just completing the custom help manual's for each website.

So any time now.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour

Expert Author

2006-06-27T10:35:00.000+08:00

AS many of you may know I have written a few articles over the years.

Anyway today I have just been made an "Expert Author" on EzineArticles.

So that has to be a good thing with my book release coming up very shortly.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour

Tour being built

2006-06-26T13:26:00.000+08:00

Since there is so much interest in the WebFast Content Management System version 2.0 which we have built.

It has prompted me to build a tour, which can be emailed to customers so they can see for themselves what a great application it is.

I'm surfing the net at the moment looking for "cms tours" and there really isn't anything that stands out but i'll keep looking.

I am also packaging the CMS with our large hosting package.

This will be something that will be featured on the tour.

So of I go to program this tour. The faster it is done the sooner I can pick up some more clients.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends, author, tour

The book

2006-06-23T13:16:00.000+08:00

A quick up date on "the book". It now does have a title! I came up with it over while I was writing a chapter yesterday.

I won't tell you the name but it has changed the whole book. The title is and will turn into a new method for webmasters to gain success.

Of course this has now slowed the process down as I will have to re-work some of the chapters.

So I'll let you know when its all up and running.

Projects Projects Projects

2006-06-15T12:24:00.000+08:00

Well i have had projects finishing, and projects starting. I just picked up another on on the Rent-a-Site solution.

So this means I have to get stuck into it. As most of you would know I am also moving so there is just so much going on...

The writing of my book has also started. There is no set time of completion but I am putting in the hours so I hope to be able to get something complete and finished in the next few months.

Tags: Content Management System, CMS, PHP, MySQL, Able Net Design, Web Design, Web-Design, CSS, XHTML, Webdesign, CSS, Press Release, PR, Sphere, seo, online marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine optimization, WebTrends