Month: January 2022

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World Wide Web: Building, Managing and Promoting Your Site

World Wide Web: Building, Managing and Promoting Your Site

Assembled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

(The library includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics in All About Computers, Internet & Web.)

Suggested Previous Reading

If you don’t know anything about computers or the Internet, it may benefit you to review the following sections before reading more about the Web.

Sections of This Topic Include

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Basics About the Web

About Browsers

Naming Your Website

also see “Naming Your Organization, Product or Service”

Designing and Evaluating a Website

Designing Your Website for Any Browser

Designing Website for Accessibility for Readers with Disabilities

If You Have Someone Design Your Website

Also consider

How to Successfully Hire and Work With an Excellent Consultant

Promoting a Website

Installing a Counter of the Number of Hits to Your Site

Also consider

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Recommended Articles

Additional Articles

Using Search Engines

Additional Information for Nonprofits

General Resources

Note that resources are listed throughout the above topics referenced from this page. Thanks to www.accessmagazine.com for many of the following links.

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.


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Basic Technical Support and Maintenance of Small Computer Systems

Male technician looking at laptop holding in his hand

Basic Technical Support and Maintenance
of Small Computer Systems

Assembled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

(The library includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics
in All About Computers, Internet &
Web.)

Sections of This Topic Include

Basic Overview
Troubleshooting
Free, Online Technical Support

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Basic
Overview

Basic Support of Small Computer Systems

Troubleshooting

The Art of Trouble Shooting
list of
many sites
desk reference
guide

Free, Online Technical Support

(Don’t forget that the vendors for your hardware and
software may provide free support. Reference your owner’s manuals.)
Tech Jocks
Best Free Technical Support Sites

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


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Software for Small Computer Systems

A young lady seated using a laptop

Software for Small Computer Systems

Sections of This Topic Include

Accounting Software
What Free Software Means
Various Perspectives
Nonprofit (Additional Information for)

The library also includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics
in All
About Computers, Internet & Web. You may also want to
look at the Library topic Fundraising
for database and contact management software.

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Accounting Software

An accounting software package can greatly reduce the time
to enter and manage accounting transactions, and generate financial
statements. However, you still should have at least a basic understanding
of the accounting process for your organization, including what
journals are used and what general accounts exist. You must have
good understanding of financial statements and how to analyze
them — an accounting package cannot do this for you!

NOTE: Many accounting packages will work for either nonprofit
or for-profits — therefore, consider both of the following lists.

For-Profits

Accounting
Software
How to Choose the Best Small Business Accounting Software for Your Business

Nonprofits

Suggestions for Nonprofit Accounting Software (forum)

Geared to For-Profits, but Also Apply to Nonprofits.

How to Select Accounting Software
Accounting Software Reviews

What “free” software means

What is open source? Why use open source software?
The Free Software Definition
What is Free Software?

Sources of Free Software

Free
Software
Tucows – Free Software and Shareware Downloads
ONET Download.com
For Mac
users
Also for Mac
users
Directory of Shareware

Additional Software Information for Nonprofits

Ten Steps to Selecting Software Successfully
Tips
on Using Database Software and Other Tech Tools
Capterra’s
software directory
Philanthropy
Journal’s site
NPO.NET: For and About
Chicago Area Nonprofits
Computer
Use in Social Services Network CUSSN
Coyote
Communications Technology Tips for Not-for-Profit Public Sector
Orgs
River
Guide’s index and comparison of software
The Nonprofit Software Index — Your source for
information on software for nonprofit organizations
Software Discounts
for Nonprofit and Academic Institutions
Software directory for non-profit organizations

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


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Computer and Network Security (including worms, viruses, hoaxes and spam)

Woman holding a padlock and a laptop

Computer and Network Security (including worms, viruses, hoaxes and spam)

Sections of This Topic Include

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Sample Computer Security Policy

There are two kinds of security: data and break-in. Data security is addressed by having a good backup system (see next section on computer security). Break-in security is often a matter of using passwords to files or systems where possible, locking systems in offices and managing modem dial-in. Have the modem on only when sending or receiving.

1. To avoid losing information stored on your computers when, e.g., a disk breaks (or “crashes”), ensure that computer files are regularly backed up to another media, e.g., backed up onto magnetic tapes, “zip” disk, CD-ROM, etc. Store the media offsite, that is, in a facility other than at your organization. If a disk  crashes, you can repair the disk or get a new one and then restore the information from the backup media onto the new disk. Or, if backup media cannot be afforded (most are only a few hundred dollars), ensure files are stored on at least two different media devices, e.g., stored on an internal hard disk and then also on a diskette. Using a diskette as backup simply requires the computer user to occasionally save away his or her file to the diskette in addition to the hard disk. The same diskette can be used to backup files. Label the diskette with the time period during which files were backed up to it. Note that the major software applications themselves (Word, Excel, etc.) do not have to be backed up because the organization usually has the software application’s master diskettes. The most important items to backup are usually database files, spreadsheet files and large documents written by users. Conducting regular backups is more a matter of managerial policy than technical limitations.

2. Use electrical surge protectors to ensure your computers will not experience sudden surges of electricity, e.g., during storms, if the quality of your electricity in your building is poor, or is the computer is turned off and on.

3. Protect unauthorized access to computer files by using passwords to log-on to your system, if possible. Critical files can be copied onto two different diskettes (with one as a backup for the other) and both stored in locked drawers. Be sure to label the diskettes such that you’ll recognize them later by the name on the diskette label.

4. Ensure that computers remain working as much as possible (that is, maximum their uptime) by recording and testing detailed procedures for all routine, but critical, tasks performed by staff on the computers and associated peripherals, e.g., for computer backups and restores, fixing recurring problems, etc. Locate and label the procedures in a central location of which all staff are aware.

5. Develop competent internal technical support personnel who can help others to conduct basic activities on the computers and who can call outside consultants for troubleshooting when needed. Have one or two internal people who are designated as technical support contacts for other staff members.

6. Instruct staff to report all problems to the internal technical support people. That way, the internal people are aware of all problems and are more likely to detect oncoming problems as early as possible. They also become better trained at detecting and diagnosing problems.

7. Record all important phone numbers for technical support consultants or contacts, and ensure staff can find these numbers when needed.

8. Keep all software documentation, such as manuals and guides, stored in a central location where staff can find them. Post a sheet on the wall so they can check documents out and for control to ensure they are returned.

9. Promptly register all new software with the vendor to ensure you receive notification of regular software version updates and your eligibility to call the vendors for technical support if needed.

10. Keep the serial numbers of all software packages in a clearly visible place for ease of reference when calling the software vendor’s technical support. (The vendor usually will ask you for the serial number to verify that you indeed purchased the software.)

11. Note that if you dissemble your computer hardware, you risk losing coverage of your warranty. During your warranty period (which often covers labor during the first 90 days and hardware during the first one or two years), always call the vendor as soon as you suspect any problems. Problems usually occur during the first several weeks if they occur at all.

12. Be sure to install a virus detector on your system. The detector should automatically check any new data brought into your system, for example, from diskettes, downloaded from the Internet, etc.

13. Develop a disaster recovery plan. The plan should address contingencies. It should include procedures to respond to, e.g., if a disk crashes, if the computer quits working, if the network is down, if the building is somehow destroyed, etc.

General Information

Protecting Against Viruses

Checking on Computer Hoaxes

Avoiding Spam (junk mail)

Boards and Cyber Security

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.


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Computer and Network Usage Policies

unrecognizable man typing on laptop

Computer and Network Usage Policies

Many employers are increasingly concerned that computer and network facilities
be used appropriately for company (and sometimes personal) use. The following
links will provide guidelines and samples of this type of policy. (The library
includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics in All
About Computers, Internet & Web.)

Sections of This Topic Include

Sample Computer Usage Policy
Various Policies and Perspectives
Implications of E-Mail Records

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Sample Computer Usage Policy

The following wording can be considered by an organization that is considering
developing a policy to guide organization members to appropriate usage of the
organization’s Internet-related resources. This policy is referenced from Polices
about Using Computers and Networks.

“The (organization’s) internal network is connected to the Internet.
Everyone wit computer access to the internal network has the ability access
the Internet, including use of electronic mail and the World Wide Web. While
the Internet is a great resource for our organization, it is the responsibility
of each employee to use this resource responsibly and respectfully. It is assumed
that the predominant use of these resources will be for work use, and that any
personal use of electronic mail or the World Wide Web will be limited; never
a priority over work matters. If an employee is found spending excessive time
on personal use of these resources, this privilege may be revoked for that employee.

Electronic mail sent from the Institute should be treated the same as any
other communication that is sent. All communications represent the (organization
name) as a whole, and as such, should be written in a professional and appropriate
manner. This also applies to any material that is published on the (organization
name’s) World Wide Website.

If there are any question regarding this policy, please contact ____________.”

Various Policies
and Perspectives

Richland, WA
Computer and Internet Policies
Sample Wording for an Internet Usage Policy
Lawletter’s Acceptable
Use Policy

Implications of E-Mail Records

Developing a Policy for Managing Email
Managing
E-mail as Records – Industry Analysts
What’s Your Corporate E-mail Policy?

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


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Key Questions When Planning a Computer System

Question Mark on Chalk Board

Key Questions
When Planning a Computer System

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

About the Need for (or
Problem Solved by) the Computer System

1. What is the overall purpose of the proposed system?
2. What major problem(s) does it address in the organization?

3. How was the problem identified and/or determined?
4. Is the problem well understood and described in the proposal?

5. What key personnel were involved in defining the problem?

About General Requirements
for the Computer System

1. What are the required functions of the system that will solve
the problem? (This question is often responded to by describing
the technical characteristics of an already preferred computer
system; however, this approach may result in poorly conceived
requirements and an inadequate system. One should first identify
all of the requirements of a new system, and reference these requirements
when selecting the hardware, software, peripherals, networking,
etc.)
2. What planning went into defining these requirements?
3. Were the end-users of the system involved in determining these
requirements (they should be)?
4. Were the general plans for the new system (particularly if
the system is quite costly compared to the budget of the agency)
included in the strategic plans of the agency?
5. Does purchasing the overall system to address the problem have
the support of key leadership in the agency?

About the Proposed
Solution to the Problem

1. What are the technical specifications that will meet the above-explained
requirements? Include reference to hardware, software, networking,
training, maintenance and ongoing internal/external support.
2. How was the system selected to meet these requirements?
3. Was a sound cost-benefit analysis conducted? Were all costs
and benefits considered? Consider direct, indirect and ongoing
costs.
4. Were all major alternatives for obtaining the system considered,
such as leasing, outsourcing, etc.? The larger the investment,
the more important that alternatives be investigated.
5. What system was selected to best meet the functional requirements?

6. Are all key requirements met by the system?
7. Describe the system, including key specifications of the hardware,
software, peripherals, networking, etc.
8. Is the technology appropriate for current market trends and
end-user environments, for example, selecting menu-driven interfaces
rather than command-driven, using generally mainstream vendors,
etc.
9. Is a budget included in the proposal that includes all costs
associated with the purchase, maintenance, and ongoing support
of the system?
10. Are all aspects of the system included in the budget or accounted
for by other means/reports in the proposal?
11. Are item specifications listed sufficiently to assess the
reasonableness of budgets costs for the items?
12. Was attention paid to low-cost solutions? Is it possible to
apply volume discounts in any way? 13. Do all staff and/or volunteers
listed in the proposal, really need computers?
14. What’s being done with any old systems?
15. Is the budget approved by key leadership?
16. Has collaboration been considered, either for cost savings
and/or for the good of the community?

Implementation Plan
for the Proposed New System

1. What is the timeline for the project, in particular for the
funding, purchase, implementation, testing of the system and for
evaluating the project?
2. Are the times reasonable?
3. Might funds be dispersed in a staged fashion and associated
with certain benchmarks/milestones to assess the success of the
project?

About Outcomes and
Evaluation of the Project

1. What are the benefits and/or outcomes from usage of the proposed
system?
2. How will the project personnel evaluate the progress to the
proclaimed benefits and/or outcomes from the project?
3. What follow-up activities are planned?

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


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Learning About Small Computer Systems

computer on table with smartphone in office

Learning About Small Computer Systems

Assembled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

Information referenced from this page provides a basic overview
of small computer systems, including hardware and software. (The
library includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics in
All About Computers, Internet &
Web.)

Sections of This Topic Include

Overview of Small Computer Systems
Advanced Guide About Managing Technology
Online Tutorials
Miscellaneous Links
Reference Materials

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Overview of Small
Computer Systems

How Can I Learn More About Computers?
How to Be a Computer Geek
CPU
and Memory Speed
Top 5 Tips for Buying a New Computer

About Managing Technology

8 Steps to Managing Technological Changes
How to Keep Your Online Business Information Secure

Online Tutorials

On-Line Technology Tutorials from Around the World Wide Web
Free Computer Tutorials
Online Tutorial Resources

Miscellaneous Links

Computer Virus Myths home
page
Business Technology Management

Reference Materials

FOLDOC
– Computing Dictionary
Net Lingo Dictionary

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


Posted on

About Intranets

Intranet illustration concept

About Intranets

(The library includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics in All About Computers, Internet & Web.)

Sections of This Topic Include

Basics of Intranets
Various Perspectives

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Basics of
Intranets

There are a large number of links with useful information about intranets.
A very good site from which to start to understand all about intranets is
the following:
Intranet Road Map –
Road Map Intranet Basics
What is an Intranet?
What Is the Purpose of Having a Company Intranet?

The following FAQ (collection of Frequently Asked Questions and their
answers) will round out your knowledge about intranets.
Intranet Journal’s FAQ (called How Do I…)

Intranet FAQs: Wrangling All Those Frequently Asked Questions

Intranet Design Strategies

Various Perspectives

Create an Intranet Governance Guide
Plan, design, manage, and improve your intranet
The Intranet Professionals
Discussion Forum

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


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All About the Internet

Young girl on the internet with a mobile phone

All About the Internet

Assembled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

NOTE: There is a vast amount of online information about the
Internet. Much of this information includes reference to the World
Wide Web. Note that writers occasionally refer to the “world”
of the Internet and World Wide Web as “cyberspace”.)
(The library includes a related, comprehensive set of subtopics
in All About Computers, Internet &
Web.)

Sections of This Topic Include

Basics
Developing Internet Strategy
Glossaries of Internet Terms
Nonprofits (additional information for)

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Basics

Learning About the Internet

Primer to Using the Internet
Demystifying
the Internet
Electronic
Frontier Foundation
Internet Basics:
What Can You Do Online?
Making the Internet Work for You

Developing Internet
Strategy

Developing an Internet Strategy and Plan
How Can You Use the Internet?
18 Ways To Use The Internet To Make Life Just A Little Bit Better
Strategies to Use the Internet Correctly
5 Ways to Use the Internet for Self-Improvement
15 Reasons People Use the Internet

How Can You Use the Internet?

Also consider

Getting Connected to
the Internet

Glossaries of Internet Terms

Matisse’s
Glossary of Internet Terms
Glossary of Internet Terms
Glossary of Internet & Web Jargon

Additional Information
for Nonprofits

The Benton’s “25 Best Practices for Nonprofit Websites

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Related Library Topics

Recommended Books


Posted on

All About Computers, Internet and Web

Person typing on keyboard of laptop

All About Computers, Internet and Web

Assembled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

The following topics are listed in the order in which a person might learn about and buy a new computer system, then connect it to the Internet and Web, and then develop and market a website.

Sections of This Topic Include

Additional Information Focused on Nonprofits

For the Category of Information Technology:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.