Coding coder code

Google Toolbar

2010-01-20T10:00:00.001Z

The Google Toolbar is a widget designed to put access to some of Google's most popular features right at your fingertips by adding a toolbar to your Internet browser. Available for Internet Explorer and Firefox, the Google Toolbar provides easy access to Google's search function, currently the most-used Internet application on the planet. The search filter is equipped with the same autocomplete function available on Google's web site. Access to Google's e-mail service GMail is also included, as is access to Google Bookmarks and their page translation service.

One of the more controversial additions to the Toolbar is the Google Sidewiki, which is a way for viewers of a web site to leave comments about any page on the site that are viewable to other users of the Google Toolbar. This is controversial because this functionality is provided regardless of the intention of the web site owner. A web site owner has no way to moderate, regulate or prevent discussion of one of their pages on the Toolbar. Google does not allow web site owners to opt-out of the Sidewiki working on their web site.

Why use the Google Toolbar

The Google toolbar is much like a carpenters tool belt, he uses it so that all of his useful tools are right there at his fingertips. This is also true of the Google toolbar. The Google toolbar installs right into your browser and makes your everyday computing tasks much easier and faster.

The search box helps by offering helpful searches as well as correcting spelling errors.

Bookmarking is easy and what’s even better is you can access your bookmarks from any computer, anywhere.

Translations: a unique feature of the toolbar that allows you translate any webpage into the language of your choice. Just click the translation button and chose what language you want the page displayed in. This is very nice for sharing your favorite pages with those who may not speak your language.

The Google toolbar is fully customizable to suit your needs and the best part is that it’s completely free. It can be hard to find such useful tools that are both free and easy to use. Google toolbar is just that. Download this small application and discover for yourself how much fun this toolbar can make your daily computing tasks.

Google Analytics

2010-01-19T10:00:00.000Z

Google Analytics without a doubt is one free tool no webmaster should be without. This free tool from Google lets you do so many different things to see how your website is performing. Once you sign up for Google Analytics most people never use it again and that is a big mistake. It is a suite of wonderful tracking tools that will help your website produce better results and save you money in the process. Let us look at some of the tools available from Google Analytics that you will want to use on a daily basis to get better results.

No matter if, you have a blog or a website knowing where your traffic is coming from is important. If you are paying for traffic this valuable resource can save you money as well. You will be able to tell where everyone is coming from when they visit your website or blog. That will help you spend more wisely when buying traffic. The second invaluable tool you will love is seeing what keywords are working for you. By knowing, which keywords draw visitors you can apply marketing campaigns better as well.

Using Google Analytics To Help Your Website Or Blog Grow

Google Analytics also lets you see what countries your traffic is coming from. Many people do not realize how important that is. You can target audiences more readily when you know where they happen to be coming from. Probably one of my favorite parts of Google Analytics is the new vs. returning visitors. Everyone loves new visitors to their website or blog and this free tool let's do exactly that. Without a doubt, Google Analytics is your one stop-tracking suite that is very free.

Google Voice

2010-01-18T10:00:00.001Z

Google voice was bought by Google in 2007, while its availability and progression has been a work in progress.

Although nearing perfection, its availability is somewhat limited. Intended to provide a single phone number to be used as a main for call forwarding, Google voice is offering an easier phone system to the common subscriber who will have the availability to keep track of phone calls even if the phone line is not present. This will introduce call forwarding at its very easiest.

Benefits include being able to check voicemail and viewing calls on the web. Also, the ability to record phone calls by pressing a single numeric button is useful. Many cell phones limit voice recording or just don't give the option.

Google Scholar

2010-01-15T10:00:00.000Z

Google Scholar, a subset of the Google search index, premiered in 2004, offering scholarly literature across a multitude of disciplines and mediums. Despite its ambitious multi-disciplinary approach, medicine and social science are considered by far the most covered subjects, and although Google frequently offers full-text versions of these articles, some may be limited to abstracts, citation format, or require purchase for full view online.

Books that are not available in full-text online may be located in the public library by accessing the "find in a library" link in google Books. Google offers a refined "Advanced Search" option for Google Scholar, allowing the search of specific collections, authors, publications, and publication dates. In late 2009 Google announced that it would be including full-text legal opinions from state and federal courts, specifically searchable in the "Advanced Search" option.

Official Google Blog: A new approach to China

2010-01-14T15:38:00.000Z

Official Google Blog: A new approach to China

China x Google

2010-01-14T14:50:00.001Z

Summary of what happened

2 Gmail accounts were invaded by hackers
Houndreds more were invaded by spyware and viruses placed in user's computers
Only human-rights activists were affected by this well organised attack
Many other companies were also damaged but their names haven't been made public yet
Because Google believe it migth have been sponsored by China's government, they made the subject hit the headlines so they can appeal for political and diplomacy to fix the problem

"We would advise people to deploy reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on their computers, to install patches for their operating systems and to update their web browsers" - David Drummond

What the Chinese people say about this:

Chinese people on China's own Web site! - Some say Google leaving will open space on the Web for companies that respect the country's laws.

This is an incredibly brave decision! This humiliated the Chinese government. - Interesting the oriental culture: Brave decision to leave? Cute, but unfortunate.

Which side are you?

To me the answer is easy: Google is the right one. Not many of you lived in a country with censorship and dictatorship, it is bad! Here UK, if you think the government is wrong you vote for someone else for the next term. But for long time in Brazil that wasn't the case and people were being killed for questioning that. It is easy to take part on this legal battle because who wants to live being told to 'shut up' every time? And if the government was paying people to break your business apart and spoil your credibility? This 2010, not 1020!

Battle result

China will win the battle within it's borders, but the enemies of the 'free world' aren't gonna rest until that country become at the world's reach. Good luck Google, I'm even more fan of this company.

American issue

Google is from the US, but was built by foreigners. British, Indians, Chinese and Brazilians are among them, it is 'ours'.

Google Squared

2010-01-14T10:00:00.000Z

Google Squared is a search tool that helps people quickly buildup a collection of facts from the web, for any specified topic you are looking for.

So what does this square thing exactly mean well it means that the facts you want placed into a table of items and attributes squared.

We will then customize these squares just to see if your interested in them or not.

You can see what the websites serves as sources for the information in your square.

You then at last can save your square and share with whom ever you would like.

Lets do an example say you wanna find the United States Tallest Skyscraper and instead of scrolling through page after page type in the world United States Tallest SkyScraper and hit squared, and it takes it directly to it. So you see its very simple to use.

Google AdWords

2010-01-13T10:00:00.000Z

Google AdWords is encountered by most internet surfers following a typical Google search, and is indicated by the phrase "Sponsored Links." These links serve as a means of advertising and have provided the primary source of revenue for Google's search engine. Activated upon searching specific keywords, AdWords provides surfers with relevant links, paid for by that site's company to increase site traffic and, in some cases, sales.

For example, when a surfer searches the keyword "sneakers," a specific company's site such as Sketchers or Nike will be highlighted at the top of the page with a headline, description, and display URL. All AdWord sites are notated by the phrase "Sponsored Links." Additional sponsored links may appear in the right column. The client company may pay Google based upon the amount of times its link is clicked (referred to as cost-per-click or CPC), or for every one thousand times the link is displayed (referred to as cost-per-thousand impressions or CPM).

Google provides other forms of paid advertisement through AdWords, such as image advertisements on sites within the Google Network, local business advertisements frequently found in Google Maps, and video advertisements on sites within the Google Network and Google Video. Most recently Google expanded its AdWords campaign to include mobile advertisements, activated when keywords are searched on a mobile device.

Google Real Time Search

2010-01-12T10:00:00.001Z

In December Google announced many technologies and one of them was Google Real Time Search. It is a search engine compliant to the Real-time web, which means you are presented with results that have being recently published on the web, either on news websites, on Twitter or on Facebook's newsfeed.

A standard search and Real Time Search start out in the same manner, you type a string into the entry box; that goes to Google's server farm where cloud computing searches for answers from all the words you use, then it returns to you a list of answers on the world wide web. The order these are placed on the page is in order of their relative inclusion of all your search string. You would need to make a new inquiry to update the information.

This is available using the hardware Google has been developing. But they now have the capability of continuing to relevantly search the web, social networks and news services. It is then fed to you instantly. I saw their announcement film and within seconds they post new results. This is a WOW moment.

Google Chrome (Browser)

2010-01-11T09:40:00.006Z

4 things missing in Google's Browser: Chrome

Searching strings on a page (Ctr+f) don't search text inside input and textarea fields. As a developer I need this.
View source opens a new tab, and not a new window like Firefox. I shut the browser 10 times each day I try to use it before I learn it.
If you have more than 1 tabs and you hit the browser's closing button by mistake, the window shuts down with no warning. Not cool.
I miss Firebug..

They still have a long way to go before I consider using it. But I won't give up, it will take over the other browsers I'm sure!

Good things about Chrome browser:

Looks nice: There is more space on the screen since there are less toolbars floating around and the status bar at the bottom is hidden.
URL bar works for search as well; saves time.
Clever new plugins

About The Browser

According to Google

Google Chrome is a free web browser that is fast and easy to use, while keeping you safe on the Web. It is currently available for Windows (XP and Vista), Mac OS X, and Linux.

The browser created by Google, known as Google Chrome, is available free for Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linux. Google Chrome offers fast start times, tabbed browsing, a minimal interface, and can be personalized using themes. Although Google Chrome is still in the early stages of development, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast, responsive browser that gets out of your way and allows you to surf or work the way you want to.

Google designed Google Chrome to be fast and unobtrusive, with running Google applications and other web applications in mind. Like many other modern browsers, Google Chrome has tabbed browsing so you can have multiple applications or surf several web sites at the same time in a single browser window. Running each application or website in its own “sandbox” is a unique feature of Google Chrome’s tabbed browsing. To put it simply, if one tab experiences a crash your other tabs will keep running. Protecting your tabs against possible malware attacks from other tabs is another advantage of each tab running in its own sandbox.

Google Chrome launches almost instantly, you'll be surfing the Internet or running web applications in record time. Themes, especially those provided by artists, allow you customize your browser just the way you like it. With features like tabbed browsing and sandboxing, you can do more while confident that you won’t lose your important data to a crash or malware.

Google Chrome Description

Google Chrome is perhaps one of the greatest internet innovations since Mozilla Firefox. Created by the Google corporation, Chrome is a very comprehensive web browser. It is well known for it's incredible speed as an over all browser. Even still, as it only comes with few features, it is still a very well designed, aesthetic-wise, program.

At any rate, the program works well on various operating systems. That list of operating systems does also include the Linux OS.

Now, there is a single feature that may need to either be over looked or it needs to be regarded as a major issue. The chrome program does not allow for certain real-time scripts that are usually included in I.M programs in your web browser. Knowing this, be advised that the new texting feature in the yahoo interface will not be available to you.

References:

Chrome help (in English)

What's new with HTML5

2010-01-10T10:00:00.001Z

HTML5 is the next major version of HTML , the primary markup ("coding") language for the web. Some of the major new updates are to the APIs which include a new API for Immediate 2D Drawing, Timed Media Playback, Editing of Documents, Drag and Drop Functionality, Browser History Management and even Cross-document messaging.

HTML5 also includes several other differences including new types of form control such as dates and times, urls, email and search. New attributes which include ping, async and charset. Forms will also now support PUT and DELETE methods in addition to GET and POST. HTML5 provides rules for lexing and parsing. In addition to many completely new items, HTML5 has dropped some depreciated elements which include center, font, strike and frameset.

Interesting Internet Facts

2010-01-09T10:00:00.002Z

The internet is indeed an ever-expanding vast computer network which links small computer networks worldwide. The whole globe takes advantage of the internet and there are certain facts about it which cannot be hidden. Of course, if you wanted to find and acknowledge interesting internet facts without encountering any difficulties, you would have to analyze the following valid details as follows;

Basically, the internet allows social networking to operate on the internet and exist as online businesses. Socializing by virtual means is possible because of the internet. Without the internet social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace wouldn't have expanded. Businesses have taken advantage of the internet and increased their revenues every year. Banks, health and financial companies are all using the internet to grow their businesses. This makes the internet a benign thing as it supports communication. Through the internet, many technological businesses are able to email their clients everyday.
The internet allows many people to gain knowledge. In fact, many people have been able to increase their knowledge through search engines like Yahoo Search, Bing and Google Search. By the help of Wikipedia, search engine users can find articles and information about blogging platforms like WordPress, Blogger and TypePad. Without the internet, school children and professors will spend hours in libraries browsing through science books for information about photosynthesis and the Big Bang theory. There is no doubt that the internet is very interesting as it allows people to enrich their knowledge by absolute virtual ways.

Technology predictions 2010

2010-01-08T10:00:00.003Z

It is hard to talk about this without being too boring. But I will try to do it quickly.

2010 came at a very pivotal time in history in many ways:

With the looming arrival of the Nexus One ("Google Phone") and the pre-existing Droid phone with the Android OS, the competition with the iPhone is sure to reveal some interesting smart phones in 2010.
Apple also has been on a slight break from new releases, signaling the potential arrival of new products in the coming year, like the Apple iPad.
Also, on the headlines, not so long ago, was an article about the arrival of a 3-D television. While it does cost more than any HD television currently out on the market, if stations put up enough 3-D cable channels, this TV might just be a success. Just put on special glasses and you'll be watching TV in 3-D! Be on the lookout for more 3-D technology in the months to come.

Information Technology predictions

Even with the predict 3.2% growth for the IT industry, it looks like the market won't be very generous in 2010. Mainly because it is consurned to reuse and adaptation of equipments and systems already in place.

The mobile phone will receive more attention.
Cloud computing will become a more viable option for online businesses.
Green IT companies will be given more value then others.
New programming languages will hit the main stream: Clojure and Go.

Emerging Trends in IT

With entertainment currently varying in miniscule ways, it is refreshing to see innovations in the 3-D coming to life in our everyday technology. Finally, it is a safe bet to say that the established social networks Facebook and Twitter will have very interesting innovations to come that will integrate more fully with our life, what with the omnipotence of smart phones.

References:

Ben Gray's Compilation of Analysts' Predictions

Google Street View

2010-01-07T08:00:00.082Z

Funny (and strange) Pictures

My Top 5 Google Street View Pictures:

Live: Google's car got speed ticket

If this speed ticket picture isn't visible, see the print I've made from the screen.

Live: Where is Wally?

If picture isn't visible, see the print I've made from the screen.

Live: Bike accident

If picture isn't visible, see the print I've made from the screen.

News

Privacy Matters

"Street View may be great if you are a tourist - or a burglar." - Says Pete Piction - Sun Online Editor

"If people have suffered damage and distress as a consequence of the photographs, the Data Protection Act give them the right to sue and Google knows that." - Struan Robertson - IT Lawyer

Because the pictures are made on the streets, live, from real places and real people, some privacy problems may occur. Man comming out of night clubs, exteriors of army bases and police stations, vehicle number plates, 'night girls', etc. All that provoqued some objections in many countries.

However there is a service with each street view page that allows people to alert Google of such infringiments that can be analysed and discarted, or disfigured, by Google analysts.

Here in the UK, a village of Broughton in Buckinghamshire formed a human barrier to stop a Google car from photographing the village. (source: Wikipedia) Serious issue but I think it is a bit too much, mainly because these pictures have been taken in public places.

"Explore the world through images." - Matt Williams, Street View Operations Program Manager

Demo: Try seeing the beatiful Kew gardens in London

Google is making history

I have used Mapquest, Google maps and other map services out there, but their main problem is that you can't see the places you want from the pedestrian point of view, which is going to be our real perspective. You can know the directions though, the turn-by-turn way to go, but you don't know what it will look like once you get there. Surely you've had this problem too.

Mapquest easily pulls it up and tells you where to go. What Mapquest does NOT tell you is that this building you are trying to find is on a tiny road leading way back into a field, for example.

Google Street View allows you to see the views of where you're headed as if you were in a car looking right at it, as you're sure to do when you actually try to get there.

See where you're going, where you are staying and how the streets looks like before you even go there.

Countries List

Currently covered by the feature

Taiwan
Singapore
Japan
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Spain
Portugal
Netherlands
Italy
France
Czech Republic
New Zealand
Australia
Mexico
Canada
United States

Future countries to be covered by the feature

South Africa
Hong Kong
South Korea
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Romania
Sweden
Argentina
Brazil
Chile

***

Business listings provided by ThomsonLocal.com

Interesting to see that Google doesn't do everything alone. The advertisement visible in Google Street View is promoted by one of the most respectables Web directories: Thompson Local. They have a magazine of local businesses and since 2003 they have this online business directory that not even Google can beat. There is a free submition form and a paid service. Very good.

References:

Google Street View Support

Google Android

2010-01-06T09:27:00.014Z

"Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications on the Android platform using the Java programming language." - Android.com

Android Plataform

What is it?

Herein started the domination of the Google in cellphones and other mobile devices. While all other businesses in this industry developed their own OS that constricted the users actions in order to make more money, Android arose from the labs of Google to feature an OS that will bestow the user with incredible powers of customization beyond belief.

Google revolutionizes everything and they have done it again with the Android OS. Android features the same usability and design aesthetics as the much crazed iPhone OS from Apple. Despite all the competitors that seemed to rise and fall in front of the iPhone, Android is the OS that holds the power to overcome the appeals of the iPhone. After all, Android was already quick enough to implement an iPhone App Store like Android Market.

This was iPhone's greatest selling point, something that Android now has - perhaps in equally powerful terms in the near future. The Nexus One phone featuring the Android OS will soon show who comes out the victor and successor: iPhone or Nexus One with Google Android OS.

How To Buy Google's Android-powered Nexus One Mobile Phone?

Found for sale online only, it costs (06 Jan 2010) around £324 plus shipping to the UK - £18. Vodafone will offer it on a UK contract "within weeks".

Developer Android Applications

Developers can start developing Android applications using Google APIs and the Application Framework within Android SDK website and reference notes. If you know C/C++ and Java, you might want to take a look at the developer Android website for further details.

Google Projects for Android

Android-Portal
Google Android for the PSP
Android applications are developed just for this portal currently in version 1.0. Interesting but not sure if people will actually use it.
Watts
Plot historic battery levels for Android devices.
This project is analysing what applications and features consume more battery of the equipament with Andriod plataform. Very interesting!
Android-sky
Forecast widget example for Android 1.5 (using AppWidget framework in the Android 1.5 SDK)
A bit more than just a weather forecasting application, it is an on-going project with a very geek apeal: they are testing new a framework on a practical development. Loved the idea!

***

Google Cell Phone

With the advent of the HTC Droid and the tech world buzzing about the new Nexus One phone, it would be good to know exactly what sets these devices apart from other smart phones.

Nexus One Features

Phone tour

The new Nexus One is a Google phone that is pencil thin, lightweight, and has a larger screen than the Droid. It also has the ability to display true 3-D graphics, which means its processing and rendering capabilities will allow for running more apps simultaneously, as well as the ability to run more powerful applications (such as spreadsheets and databases) and process Java-based applications more easily. The Nexus One also has a 5 megapixel camera, the ability to have an animated background, and an accurate touch-screen keyboard.

Nexus with Android

The Droid is like having a portable computer. Between the very responsive touch screen, full web capabilities, the ability to integrate various e-mail addresses, instant message contact lists, and phone contact lists, it is like carrying your office with you wherever you go.

The various apps that can be downloaded and installed on the Droid, combined with its bluetooth capabilities, allow for cheap calls, copious amounts of information literally at your fingertips, and an intuitive user interface. I would recommend integrating Google voice (for transcriptions of incoming voice messages to any of your phone numbers which are then forwarded to you Google phone), Skype (if anything, because calls made from your Google phone to anyone on your contact list are free, domestically), Google Maps (because the built-in GPS is the most accurate I've seen in a mobile phone), eBuddy (to consolidate your instant message contacts into one list), and HandcentSMS (for easy management of text conversations) just for starters.

References:

Happy New 2010

2009-12-31T16:36:00.002Z

Congratulations!

If you are reading this post is because you made it! You are still alive and making history with your own hands.. a bit like me.

Be Happy!

A few tips that everyone will agree (if you don't, comment on that :)

Listen to your heart.
If you are having problems following what others tell you to do (by others I mean either people or the little voices inside your head) try the silence. It will clear out your mind and thoughts.
Give more value to the people around you.
If you received a Christmas card this year, make a note of the sender and remember to send them one next year. Will do you good!
Include the environment in your New Year's resolution.
Yes, our future depends on you! No, I'm not uncle Sam, but as a Brazilian, me, uncle Thales, says: 'The forest needs you! What can you do to help it?'
Learn, or improve, to play an instrument.
It's very good to work and make money, but if you embed yourself in some practical culture you will be more pleasant to be with. Consequently more business you will be able to generate.
Come back to this blog frequently.
This is for my own good. Sorry, but if everyone came back here once in a while, I would be more happy. So click around and try to find something you like and come back for more, would ya..?

Thank you all for your support, visits, gifts, comments, etc. I'm so happy for being part of the Web community that I can't put into words. That is it.

Thanks again and be merry!

Download this PHP script

Note: $_GET['message_id'] is the GET param you are going to use to identify each an every email you send. This can be a unique number/string (or unique identifier) (go to my previous post on Fast random string generation technique) you can use to save in a database table and generate a report for, then, calculate your email campaing open rate.

Important: Clean up your parameters to avoind SQL injection, a famous type of hacking that might afect your your whole script and, sometimes, your whole system. Do $_GET['email_id']=addslashes($_GET['email_id']); before the MySQL insert on line 10 of the "The Web Bug Script" code above.

The Web Bug Trigger

Now place the tracking trigger on the email body:

Simple version

<img src='http://www.yourdomain.com/track_bug.php?message_id=%unique-identifier%' border='0'>

Because there is the question mark in the URL above (track_bug.php?message_id) some servers might see that as a web bug (which it is, but we don't want them to know. Because you are an ethical web marketer you know you will use the statistical information you gather from this techinique wisely. So we can afford to hide our intentions and still be honest with ourselves and our clients and the web as a whole.)
The chalenge now is to use a different, more advanced, coding technique: Server configuration.

Advanced version: Using .htaccess File

Getting rid of the question mark used on the bug track trigger is simple (if you have access to the .htaccess file. Talk to your hosting company for more details!)
Simply place the following code into your htaccess (with the necessary adaptations) and place this file in the root directory of you site.

Step 1 htaccess file example:

Options +FollowSymlinks

RewriteEngine On

RewriteRule ^track_bug/(.*)$ http://www.yourdomain.com/track_bug.php?message_id=$1 [L]

Step 2 New bug trigger:

<img src='http://www.yourdomain.com/track_bug/%unique-identifier%' border='0'>

Now we don't have the question mark anymore and silly email servers won't "see" us as bad marketers. This won't help us all the time, but if helps us only once, that is good for business. So, good practice!

Basic explanation: This Apache code will redirect the "New web bug trigger" given above to the full URL we had on the "Simple version" (further up on this page). This gives a different impression of our script and looks more professional also.

Done!

What will happen now is that you will have one row in the database for every time this message was opened. You can send yourself an email or SMS instead. You decide.

The Web Bug Concept

First of all: this isn't a 'hard-test'.

We generate a picture using a PHP script and if the user's email program (or webmail) blocks images (default for Gmail and Yahoo!Mail), this email tracking technique won't work. However, my experience tells me it works really well considering this constraint.

***

Email tracking pixels

I recommend you to use a picture people can actually see for you email tracking script instead of a 1 pixel pictures like others might say. To do this, you substitute the tracking script above to:

<?php

// file name: track_bug.php

header("content-type: image/gif");

// transparent gif

echo base64_decode("R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==");

?>

This is definitely going to be seen as spam!

Some mail servers have software set up that disarms tracking pixels before clients ever get them, because, for some reason, this 1 pixel technique is considered invasive to privacy. I don't agree with that, but trying to make your email tracking script less obvious is a good idea, and more useful. This is what I call the 'ethical web bug'!

Email tracking software

Lets dismistify: there is no such thing as 'email tracking software'.

It is a piece of code placed in each email message that will connect to another page on the internet with a matching piece of code that will interpret what the 'bug' in the email's body has to send through.

You can have a software that sends emails with a tracing script. You won't find a software to do just the tracking bit.

Other types of email tracking techniques like iFrames and Delivery Headers (Return Receipt / ConfirmRead) or even the still unknown Message Tracking Query Protocol (MTQP) - IETF RFC 3887 (Category: Standards Track). Some e-mail clients, like Yahoo and Gmail, disable pictures by default, but HTML e-mail are still available. Can be good to use more then one track techniques!

***

Privacy Implications

Be careful not to invade privacy with this tracking technique. There is no need to do anything other then count the open rate for email campaigns. Keep in mind, though, that this technique won't help you make money if the: you have to find a way to instigate the reader to click on links or buy somehting, just trace and tracking scripts won't help much. So be clever. Get the data you need to carry on a good, ethical, work.

Web Bug FAQ

Can others know where I live based on a tracking script like this?
No! It is possible to get the IP address of the computer opening the email but if you use a web-based email service, nothing can be done to know where you are. There is no technique or script for that!

Blocking pictures in my emails protect my privacy?
If you consider that knowing if you opened an email or not is invading your privacy, then yes. I personally think that spam messages shouldn't know anything about me or my email behaviour, but if I requested an email, I want them to know I've opened it. Kind of a sign of respect for their effort. If I unsubscribe later, that means the emails weren't relevant to me. That is good for the business and for me. However blocking pictures doesn't garantee total privacy because there are other ways to track that.

Can attached pictures serve as tracking script as well?
Depends. 90% of the time the answer would be: No! Attached pictures are sent to you; tracking pictures (which is what this post teaches how to do) are links in the body of the message that prints out graphics and files from another part of the Internet. That is why the sender can know if you have openned it or not: because the picture is in his server, and you accessed it.
But there are types of files (like MS Word, MS Excel and PDF) that accept the tracking script in them. Tough to do, but not impossible.

Can I tell if my email has been read by the recipient?
No! Even if the recipient email software displays your picture track, HTML or accepts Delivery-Confirmation headers you won't be able to tell if your message has been read. You can, probably, know if it has been opened, when, how many times and for how long, but if it was read or by whom, well, impossible.

When does email become spam?
When it wasn't requested. Don't confuse this with 'dripping email' which are the messages sent to confirm a subscription (to reset a password or just a 'welcome' email).

References:

Disclaimer:

The email tracking technique teached in this PHP blog is ment to be used by marketers, not spammers. I am against unrequested messages but I don't think 'web bug', 'tracking' or 'tracings', are harmful to anyone's privacy. If they are legitimate (by serious companies/professionals) and used properly.
Any email tracking technique should only be used to register email campaign open rate, measurement often needed by email marketers. Collection of IP addresses is a bad practice and is against most of the privacy-protection guidelines anywhere in the World.

Fast random string generation technique

2009-12-10T09:13:00.001Z

The best way to creat a short hash string using PHP?

<?php
$tmp_link=tempnam('/tmp','');
$hash=basename($tmp_link);
unlink($tmp_link);# important
unset($tmp_link);

echo $hash;
?>

OUTPUT Possible strings:

0oXCTt
or
gS5hn1
or
LTHQD9

You've got the idea!

When creating a unique code to autogenerate a password or to save in a database as identificador or even to create a file without the risk of name clash, tempnam() native PHP function can do a superb job.

Yes it has to create an empty file in the /tmp directory, but this is so fast I guarantee you won't even notice. The only thing is: you have to remove the file afterwards. If you don't, you will end up with thousands of empty files just sitting there doing nothing.

Anyway, this is a fast technique, very reliable, and I use it all the time.

Extra information about tempnam

Possible tempnam() errors:

open_basedir restriction in effect

Warning: tempnam() [function.tempnam]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/tmp) is not within the allowed path(s)

Possible solution

Change PHP's configuration:

Open the file php/session.php

Find this code:

     $temp_file = tempnam( md5(uniqid(rand(), TRUE)),'');

Change it to:

     $temp_file = @tempnam( md5(uniqid(rand(), TRUE)), '' );

Disclaimer: This given solution may or may not fix your problem. It depends on the situation and each case may have different approaches. There is no guarantee that this will work for you.

Numbers Only Regex Replace

2009-12-09T09:44:00.000Z

How to clean up a string striping off everything that is not a number?

You need to use regular expression for that. PHP works brilliantly with regex and preg_replace() is the method to use.

<?php

$number_only=preg_replace("/[^0-9\.]/","",$variable);
?>

Parse CSV document

2009-12-08T09:16:00.002Z

How to parse a CSV file correctly in PHP?

fgetcsv() interprets CSVs in many formats. With tabs separating values, with quotes around values, with commas, etc.
See full filesystem function explanation at http://www.php.net/fgetcsv

<?php
$file_content = fopen('file_example.csv','r');

echo "<table>";
while($csv_line = fgetcsv($file_content))
     {
    echo '<tr>';
    for ($i = 0, $j = count($csv_line); $i < $j; $i++)
       {
       echo '<td>'.htmlentities($csv_line[$i]).'</td>';
       }
    echo "</tr>";
    }

echo '</table>';
fclose($file_content);

?>

Force file download on the internet

2009-12-07T09:40:00.000Z

How to force the browser NOT to open a file, but to download it to the user?

<?php
/**
* Function that forces a file to be downloaded by the browser
* User authorization will be required but it is a great way to 
*   download HTML pages as well as any other type of file.
* If you don't know the MIME type of the file, the previous blog post I
*   created has a full fill to be used.
* @author Thales Jacobi
*/
function force_download($file_name,$mimetype='',$attachment_data='')
    {
    if(ini_get('zlib.output_compression'))
    ini_set('zlib.output_compression', 'Off');

    // Make sure there's nothing else left on the cache waiting to be printed out
    $ob_active = ob_get_length () !== false;
    while($ob_active) 
        {
        ob_end_clean();
        $ob_active = ob_get_length () !== false;
        }

    // Mimetype not set?
    // A specific MIME could make a difference
    if (empty($mimetype)){ $mimetype = 'application/octet-stream'; }

    // Build temp file
    $tmp=tempnam("/tmp","f");
    $fp=fopen($tmp,"w");
    fwrite($fp,$attachment_data);
    fclose($fp);
    // Get file size
    $filesize=filesize($tmp);
    
    // Start sending headers
    header("Pragma: public"); // required
    header("Expires: 0");
    header("Cache-Control: must-revalidate, post-check=0, pre-check=0",false);
    header("Cache-Control: private",false); // required for certain browsers
    header("Content-Transfer-Encoding: binary");
    header("Content-Type: $mimetype");
    header("Content-Length: $filesize");
    header("Content-Disposition: attachment; filename='$file_name';" );
    readfile($tmp);
    exit;
    }
?>

Mime Types, Complete List

2009-12-04T09:38:00.003Z

Array with MIME types

Very useful for when you want to force downloading files in a web page, send an attachment on an email message, store in a database, etc.

<?php
$mimetypes = array(
 'ez'        => 'application/andrew-inset',
 'hqx'       => 'application/mac-binhex40',
 'cpt'       => 'application/mac-compactpro',
 'doc'       => 'application/msword',
 'docx'      => 'application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document',
 'bin'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'dms'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'lha'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'lzh'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'exe'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'class'     => 'application/octet-stream',
 'so'        => 'application/octet-stream',
 'dll'       => 'application/octet-stream',
 'oda'       => 'application/oda',
 'pdf'       => 'application/pdf',
 'ai'        => 'application/postscript',
 'eps'       => 'application/postscript',
 'ps'        => 'application/postscript',
 'smi'       => 'application/smil',
 'smil'      => 'application/smil',
 'mif'       => 'application/vnd.mif',
 'xls'       => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xlsx'      => 'application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation',
 'ppt'       => 'application/vnd.ms-powerpoint',
 'wbxml'     => 'application/vnd.wap.wbxml',
 'wmlc'      => 'application/vnd.wap.wmlc',
 'wmlsc'     => 'application/vnd.wap.wmlscriptc',
 'bcpio'     => 'application/x-bcpio',
 'vcd'       => 'application/x-cdlink',
 'pgn'       => 'application/x-chess-pgn',
 'cpio'      => 'application/x-cpio',
 'csh'       => 'application/x-csh',
 'dcr'       => 'application/x-director',
 'dir'       => 'application/x-director',
 'dxr'       => 'application/x-director',
 'dvi'       => 'application/x-dvi',
 'spl'       => 'application/x-futuresplash',
 'gtar'      => 'application/x-gtar',
 'hdf'       => 'application/x-hdf',
 'js'        => 'application/x-javascript',
 'skp'       => 'application/x-koan',
 'skd'       => 'application/x-koan',
 'skt'       => 'application/x-koan',
 'skm'       => 'application/x-koan',
 'latex'     => 'application/x-latex',
 'nc'        => 'application/x-netcdf',
 'cdf'       => 'application/x-netcdf',
 'sh'        => 'application/x-sh',
 'shar'      => 'application/x-shar',
 'swf'       => 'application/x-shockwave-flash',
 'sit'       => 'application/x-stuffit',
 'sv4cpio'   => 'application/x-sv4cpio',
 'sv4crc'    => 'application/x-sv4crc',
 'tar'       => 'application/x-tar',
 'tcl'       => 'application/x-tcl',
 'tex'       => 'application/x-tex',
 'texinfo'   => 'application/x-texinfo',
 'texi'      => 'application/x-texinfo',
 't'         => 'application/x-troff',
 'tr'        => 'application/x-troff',
 'roff'      => 'application/x-troff',
 'man'       => 'application/x-troff-man',
 'me'        => 'application/x-troff-me',
 'ms'        => 'application/x-troff-ms',
 'ustar'     => 'application/x-ustar',
 'src'       => 'application/x-wais-source',
 'html'      => 'text/html',
 'htm'       => 'text/html',
 'xhtml'     => 'application/xhtml+xml',
 'xht'       => 'application/xhtml+xml',
 'zip'       => 'application/zip',
 'au'        => 'audio/basic',
 'snd'       => 'audio/basic',
 'mid'       => 'audio/midi',
 'midi'      => 'audio/midi',
 'kar'       => 'audio/midi',
 'mpga'      => 'audio/mpeg',
 'mp2'       => 'audio/mpeg',
 'mp3'       => 'audio/mpeg',
 'aif'       => 'audio/x-aiff',
 'aiff'      => 'audio/x-aiff',
 'aifc'      => 'audio/x-aiff',
 'm3u'       => 'audio/x-mpegurl',
 'ram'       => 'audio/x-pn-realaudio',
 'rm'        => 'audio/x-pn-realaudio',
 'rpm'       => 'audio/x-pn-realaudio-plugin',
 'ra'        => 'audio/x-realaudio',
 'wav'       => 'audio/x-wav',
 'pdb'       => 'chemical/x-pdb',
 'xyz'       => 'chemical/x-xyz',
 'bmp'       => 'image/bmp',
 'gif'       => 'image/gif',
 'ief'       => 'image/ief',
 'jpeg'      => 'image/jpeg',
 'jpg'       => 'image/jpeg',
 'jpe'       => 'image/jpeg',
 'png'       => 'image/png',
 'tiff'      => 'image/tiff',
 'tif'       => 'image/tiff',
 'djvu'      => 'image/vnd.djvu',
 'djv'       => 'image/vnd.djvu',
 'wbmp'      => 'image/vnd.wap.wbmp',
 'ras'       => 'image/x-cmu-raster',
 'pnm'       => 'image/x-portable-anymap',
 'pbm'       => 'image/x-portable-bitmap',
 'pgm'       => 'image/x-portable-graymap',
 'ppm'       => 'image/x-portable-pixmap',
 'rgb'       => 'image/x-rgb',
 'xbm'       => 'image/x-xbitmap',
 'xpm'       => 'image/x-xpixmap',
 'xwd'       => 'image/x-xwindowdump',
 'igs'       => 'model/iges',
 'iges'      => 'model/iges',
 'msh'       => 'model/mesh',
 'mesh'      => 'model/mesh',
 'silo'      => 'model/mesh',
 'wrl'       => 'model/vrml',
 'vrml'      => 'model/vrml',
 'css'       => 'text/css',
 'asc'       => 'text/plain',
 'txt'       => 'text/plain',
 'rtx'       => 'text/richtext',
 'rtf'       => 'text/rtf',
 'sgml'      => 'text/sgml',
 'sgm'       => 'text/sgml',
 'tsv'       => 'text/tab-separated-values',
 'wml'       => 'text/vnd.wap.wml',
 'wmls'      => 'text/vnd.wap.wmlscript',
 'etx'       => 'text/x-setext',
 'xsl'       => 'text/xml',
 'xml'       => 'text/xml',
 'mpeg'      => 'video/mpeg',
 'mpg'       => 'video/mpeg',
 'mpe'       => 'video/mpeg',
 'qt'        => 'video/quicktime',
 'mov'       => 'video/quicktime',
 'mxu'       => 'video/vnd.mpegurl',
 'avi'       => 'video/x-msvideo',
 'movie'     => 'video/x-sgi-movie',
 'ice'       => 'x-conference/x-cooltalk',
 'ogx'      => 'application/ogg',
 'ogv'      => 'video/ogg',
 'oga'      => 'audio/ogg',
 'ogg'      => 'audio/ogg',
 'spx'      => 'audio/ogg',
 'flac'      => 'audio/flac',
 'anx'      => 'application/annodex',
 'axa'      => 'audio/annodex',
 'axv'      => 'video/annodex',
 'xspf'      => 'application/xspf+xml',
 'ico'       => 'image/vnd.microsoft.icon',
 'wmv'       => 'video/x-ms-wmv',
 'gzip'      => 'application/x-gzip',
 'acx'      => 'application/internet-property-stream',
 'asf'      => 'video/x-ms-asf',
 'asr'      => 'video/x-ms-asf',
 'asx'      => 'video/x-ms-asf',
 'axs'      => 'application/olescript',
 'bas'      => 'text/plain',
 'cat'      => 'application/vnd.ms-pkiseccat',
 'cer'      => 'application/x-x509-ca-cert',
 'clp'      => 'application/x-msclip',
 'cmx'      => 'image/x-cmx',
 'cod'      => 'image/cis-cod',
 'crd'      => 'application/x-mscardfile',
 'crl'      => 'application/pkix-crl',
 'crt'      => 'application/x-x509-ca-cert',
 'der'      => 'application/x-x509-ca-cert',
 'dot'      => 'application/msword',
 'evy'      => 'application/envoy',
 'fif'      => 'application/fractals',
 'flr'      => 'x-world/x-vrml',
 'gz'        => 'application/x-gzip',
 'h'      => 'text/plain',
 'hlp'      => 'application/winhlp',
 'hta'      => 'application/hta',
 'htc'      => 'text/x-component',
 'htt'      => 'text/webviewhtml',
 'iii'      => 'application/x-iphone',
 'ins'      => 'application/x-internet-signup',
 'isp'      => 'application/x-internet-signup',
 'jfif'      => 'image/pipeg',
 'lsf'      => 'video/x-la-asf',
 'lsx'      => 'video/x-la-asf',
 'm13'      => 'application/x-msmediaview',
 'm14'      => 'application/x-msmediaview',
 'mdb'      => 'application/x-msaccess',
 'mht'      => 'message/rfc822',
 'mhtml'     => 'message/rfc822',
 'mny'      => 'application/x-msmoney',
 'mpa'      => 'video/mpeg',
 'mpp'      => 'application/vnd.ms-project',
 'mpv2'      => 'video/mpeg',
 'mvb'      => 'application/x-msmediaview',
 'nws'      => 'message/rfc822',
 'p10'      => 'application/pkcs10',
 'p12'      => 'application/x-pkcs12',
 'p7b'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-certificates',
 'p7c'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-mime',
 'p7m'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-mime',
 'p7r'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-certreqresp',
 'p7s'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-signature',
 'pfx'      => 'application/x-pkcs12',
 'pko'      => 'application/ynd.ms-pkipko',
 'pma'      => 'application/x-perfmon',
 'pmc'      => 'application/x-perfmon',
 'pml'      => 'application/x-perfmon',
 'pmr'      => 'application/x-perfmon',
 'pmw'      => 'application/x-perfmon',
 'pot'      => 'application/vnd.ms-powerpoint',
 'pps'      => 'application/vnd.ms-powerpoint',
 'prf'      => 'application/pics-rules',
 'pub'      => 'application/x-mspublisher',
 'rmi'      => 'audio/mid',
 'scd'      => 'application/x-msschedule',
 'sct'      => 'text/scriptlet',
 'setpay'    => 'application/set-payment-initiation',
 'setreg'    => 'application/set-registration-initiation',
 'spc'      => 'application/x-pkcs7-certificates',
 'sst'      => 'application/vnd.ms-pkicertstore',
 'stl'      => 'application/vnd.ms-pkistl',
 'stm'      => 'text/html',
 'svg'      => 'image/svg+xml',
 'tgz'      => 'application/x-compressed',
 'trm'      => 'application/x-msterminal',
 'uls'      => 'text/iuls',
 'vcf'      => 'text/x-vcard',
 'wcm'      => 'application/vnd.ms-works',
 'wdb'      => 'application/vnd.ms-works',
 'wks'      => 'application/vnd.ms-works',
 'wmf'      => 'application/x-msmetafile',
 'wps'      => 'application/vnd.ms-works',
 'wri'      => 'application/x-mswrite',
 'wrz'      => 'x-world/x-vrml',
 'xaf'      => 'x-world/x-vrml',
 'xla'      => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xlc'      => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xlm'      => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xlt'      => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xlw'      => 'application/vnd.ms-excel',
 'xof'      => 'x-world/x-vrml',
 'z'      => 'application/x-compress',
 'php'      => 'application/x-httpd-php',
 'php4'      => 'application/x-httpd-php4',
 'php5'      => 'application/x-httpd-php5'
);


?>

PHP and 301 redirect

2009-12-03T10:37:00.001Z

301 Moved Permanently

How to do it correctly with PHP?

Set the obvious HTTP, but remember to place the page status as follow.

<?php
header("HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently");
header("Status: 301 Moved Permanently");
header ("Location: http://www.domain.com/location");
exit;
?>

Object-Oriented Government (analogy)

2009-12-02T16:59:00.001Z

Object-Orientation and the structure of a “normal” Government

Fabulous analogy created by Brandon Savage links the main OO concepts to the tasks, responsibilities and departments of a government. He believes programmers should learn with it and use these concepts. I think he is right in many things he said and that it makes a great blog post. Here is a short summary of what I think his article says and if you want more details, go see Five (Good) Lessons The Government Teaches Us About Object-Oriented Programming.

He lists 5 intersections between programming concepts (or principles) and Government's structure:

Abstraction
By creating many objects to do a task that once was the job of only one, is called abstraction. This makes each object more simple and able to do only one thing. Government abstraction? Bureaucracy.

Encapsulation
Protect and private functions, inside a class, 'encapsulates' its action. That means objects outside the current instantiated one won't have access to it. Government encapsulation? Among other possible examples, front-line and back-line workers. One deals with the public and the other doesn't. (Good try Brandon, this analogy kind of worked :.)

“Dumb Objects”
Objects that are 'too smart' (love that) demand more time and effort to understand and alter them. Instead of having this complex chain of variables and objects, why not make these objects less clever? The idea here is to test the parameters that are being injected into it and use it. This prevents errors and makes the later debugging much easier. Government 'Dumb' Objects? Itself! Well, have you ever had to present the same document to different departments when all you want is to see a doctor, register a business or something like that? Well, the departments could have an integrated database, but like this they are easier to manage.

Decoupling (or de-normalization)
A variation of the 'dumb' objects. It consists of the ability to move an object, or class, form one library to another, simplifying, once again, the management and debug. Governments like that and the less reliable a department is on a particular person the more flexible the system is. I personally think this happens because of lack of training budget. The same works for a developer..

Many classes working on one single job
Exactly like going to different departments and buildings to get one single task done, many systems have many objects, with different activities, working on the same action-flow. People complain about it when it concerns to governments, but what they don't realise is that what they are doing isn't one single task, it is many that looks like one.

Coding coder code

Google Toolbar

Why use the Google Toolbar

Google Analytics

Using Google Analytics To Help Your Website Or Blog Grow

Google Voice

Google Scholar

Official Google Blog: A new approach to China

China x Google

What the Chinese people say about this:

Which side are you?

Battle result

American issue

Google Squared

Google AdWords

Google Real Time Search

Google Chrome (Browser)

4 things missing in Google's Browser: Chrome

About The Browser

Google Chrome Description

What's new with HTML5

Interesting Internet Facts

Technology predictions 2010

Information Technology predictions

Emerging Trends in IT

Google Street View

Funny (and strange) Pictures

News

Privacy Matters

Google is making history

Countries List

Currently covered by the feature

Future countries to be covered by the feature

Business listings provided by ThomsonLocal.com

Google Android

Android Plataform

How To Buy Google's Android-powered Nexus One Mobile Phone?

Developer Android Applications

Google Projects for Android

Google Cell Phone

Nexus One Features

Nexus with Android

Happy New 2010

Congratulations!

Be Happy!

Top article directories

The best and the worst: top rated article directories

Top article submission directories

Tier 2 list of seo article directories

!! NOT RECOMENDED !!

!! STAY AWAY FROM THEM !!

Outsource Article Marketing for SEO

Best Practices

Duplicate content

Article directories and PageRank

SEO Articles (Search Engine Optimisation Articles)

Ezine articles for search engine optimization

Email Tracking Technique

The Web Bug Script

The Web Bug Trigger

Simple version

Advanced version: Using .htaccess File

The Web Bug Concept

Email tracking pixels

Email tracking software

Privacy Implications

Web Bug FAQ

Fast random string generation technique

The best way to creat a short hash string using PHP?

Possible tempnam() errors:

Numbers Only Regex Replace

How to clean up a string striping off everything that is not a number?

Parse CSV document

How to parse a CSV file correctly in PHP?

Force file download on the internet

How to force the browser NOT to open a file, but to download it to the user?

Mime Types, Complete List

Array with MIME types

PHP and 301 redirect

301 Moved Permanently