5 Firefox plugins for website development

The age old debate: IE vs Firefox? Well, we already know that Firefox is fast taking over IE’s dominance as the favorite web browser – but there are still a those that choose IE because they don’t know any better. I hope that after reading this (if you aren’t already using Firefox that is) you will be convinced that Firefox is the way to go.

First things first, if you are not using Firefox to develop and build your websites you need to start. Firefox is the defacto standard and if you are trying to build a website in IE you are making things 10 times harder on yourself so, let’s make you a better person. (more…)

Tags: css, development, plugins, tools of the trade

hAlp! I am a n00b. How do I know my Joomla site is secure?

You may be new to Joomla, you may be a grizzled veteran. No matter who you are, it is always good to make sure your Joomla site is secure and not open to sploits.

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Tags: hosting, Recommended Services, security, tools of the trade, useful tips

Say hello to the Joomla module class suffix builder – modFX

This blog post is written by ModFX developer Zahir.

Easy styling for your template modules!

When I first heard about the ingenious feature in Joomlajunkie templates called “module FX”, I was very impressed. Module FX – or modFX is a feature found exclusively in Joomlajunkie templates that allows you to mix and match your different module styles.

However, I soon realized that although this feature is very powerful and provides one with limitless possibilities, it may not be that easy for our users to understand and implement.

So, over the course of a few discussions with the junkie team, we decided that we should build a simple tool that allows our users to understand how to make the most of the module FX feature as well as simplifying the process of selecting the right combination of module class suffixes. As a result of this exercise, the modFX builder tool was built.

Read on to find out how this powerful little tool can help transform your Joomla! template.

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Tags: Design, development, Joomla, tools of the trade

Seven guidelines for writing good copy

What is good copy? This is the question everyone would like to know the answer to. There’s probably no one right answer either. What is good copy for one audience or medium won’t necessarily work well for another.

Are there any “must haves” that are pretty universal?

I think there are. Here’s a list of my “must have” qualities for qualifying as good copy. See what you think and feel free to post your list or additions you think are important.

1. The style must appeal to its target audience
2. It should be clear what product or service is on offer
3. Benefits and unique selling propositions should be emphasised
4. It should answer the implied question “Why this product and not another?”
5. It should help the reader understand why they need the product or service
6. It should be interesting and engaging so that the reader wants to know more
7. And it should contain a call to action

What do you think?

Tags: Copywriting, tools of the trade

Flock. Get ready to meet your new favorite browser!

Want a browser that is stable, functional, and incredibly useful? I think we all do. I have been using Camino for some time due to how fast it is but I have been using Firefox more and more due to me needing to do a lot more debugging and diagnosing of Web sites. The most recent versions have let me down a bit due to the betas being much crashier then I am accustomed to by Firefox.

Of course this isn’t a post bashing Firefox, this is a post proclaiming how incredibly cool Flock is. (more…)

Tags: technology, tools of the trade, useful tips