Computer and Web Articles

Question: eRin, You suggested that I install AdAware onto my computer. But I already have another anti-spyware program on my computer. Is it redundant or necessary to have two?

Answer: Good question. I’m not sure which anti-spyware program you’re currently using, but to answer your question - no, it’s not redundant. I actually run two different anti-spyware programs myself: AdAware (www.lavasoftusa.com) and Spybot 1.3 (http://tinyurl.com/2b7s7).

They use different definitions and algorithms to search for spyware on your computer, and one will often find items the other won’t. You really can’t be too safe when it comes to Spyware, and since these programs are so small in size, it’s no big deal (and most probably extremely helpful in the end) to have more than one anti-spyware program running on your machine.

Question: I’m in the process of rewriting the copy on my website. Right now it rambles and doesn’t do a good job selling my products. Do you have any tips you could share for writing for websites?

Answer: If you’re seriously looking to make money or gain new customers via your website, I’d highly recommend obtaining the services of a web copywriter. If using a professional’s services is not within your budget, however, there are still a few key guidelines you should try to follow:

• On your site’s homepage, clearly state what differentiates your company from the competition.
• Make sure to explain to your visitors why they should return to your website.
• Remember that people tend not to read on the web. Instead, they skim. (The manner in which people look through websites is actually analogous to how people leaf through newspapers!) Try to make your website’s text as skimmable as possible. Use bullet points, hierarchies, and headers to lead your visitors through your copy in a straight-forward manner.
• Omit words that aren’t necessary! Take out those long strings of fluffy adjectives. You’re not writing for print; on the web you need to be clear and concise.

Question: I’m hosting a family reunion in Summit County this summer, and I have some questions I want to e-mail everyone so that I can put some solid plans together. I want to find out what activities people are most interested in, which weekend they’d like to come, etc. I’m hoping you can inform me of some neat web technology that might help me manage all the responses I’m going to receive - there’s going to be a lot.

Answer: Don’t just send out an email and wait for all the text responses to roll in. Try using Evite and send out your own poll.

Not just for e-mail invitations anymore, Evite allows you to send out online polls that everyone can vote on. Results are tallied and e-mailed to you in a nice neat chart or graph after the closing date. What’s even cooler is that this service is free and votes can be made anonymously. Sound interesting? Send out your first one right away (it really is that easy): http://www.evite.com/polling.

Keep sending those questions my way, everyone.