Hello world!

As my blog indicates, I am a web designer/developer. I specialize in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySql, and SEO. I have been involved in web design for 10 years. About 6 months ago, I decided to open my own  web design business. It is doing well so far. I specialize in building sites for small to medium size businesses. Some of my most recent work can be seen at http://www.premierewebdesign.net/Portfolio/ .

I love my work and take a lot of pride in it. When I start a site, I try to determine what I can do with the site to improve every aspect of my client’s business.

Check out my work and even if you don’t need a web site, let me know what you think about it.

New Web Hosting

For years, we have taken a very relaxed position in the area of web hosting. We have had several resellers accounts and also provided hosting for some of our clients when needed.
Now, that has changed. We are pleased to announce the launch of www.PremiereWebHosting.net The site just launched and so we realize  that there may be  a few bugs we will have to work out. Therefore, we are offering free hosting on any of our hosting packages for the first 90 days to anyone using the Promo code Free90. So, visit our site and sign up and begin your free 90 day period.

We look forward to serving you for years to come.

Tips and tricks on effective web design

Tips and tricks on effective web design

The Number 1 rule that every web designer should follow is to create a fast loading web site. You might have a great design but very few people are going to see it if it takes a long time to load. While designing a web site always think about how long it will take to load. Try out our tips to build a great looking web site that also loads fast.

1. Minimize the use of images – The key to a fast loading web site is to minimize the use of images. Images do enhance a page but don’t make 80% of your web site only images. Instead break it down as much as possible to simple HTML. Notice the popular sites like Yahoo, Google, Ebay, Amazon etc., they have very few images because the load time is more important. Very often simple designs are the best.

2. Optimize images for the web – Once you have decided on the images that you need on your site, make sure that it is optimized for the web. They should be in the gif or jpeg format. You can also minimize the size of the image by choosing the number of colors you need, from the color palette. The less the colors you choose, the less the size of the image. You can also use online tools like Gif Wizard to optimize your images or to get a recommendation on how to cut down the size of an image.

3. Use Tables creatively – You can get some great looking designs by using tables creatively . Tables load very fast because it is just HTML code. Tables can be used in the homepage, menus or anywhere you like.
Read more on Using HTML Tables Creatively

4. Cut down the use of animated gifs – Don’t use animated gifs unless it is necessary. Animated gifs take a long time to load and can also be very irritating. But since they catch your attention you could use small animated gifs to draw a visitor’s attention to a particular section of your site.

5. Design simple icons – Instead of using big, bulky images use simple and small icons that add a little color and draw the attention of a visitor. We have used small icons in our homepage to highlight the main sections of our site.

6. Use background images instead of big images whenever possible – Use background images whenever possible. This is usually a very useful tip for headers and footers. Instead of using an image of width 580 which is a uniform design you can use just a part of that as a background fill. This reduces the size of the web page as the image is small. The code will look like this :

7. Try out CSS Styles – Have fun with CSS styles to get some cool text effects. Again, a CSS Style is simple HTML code so it loads very fast. You can create cool rollovers using CSS Styles.
Rollover the text on the right menu to see how we have used CSS Styles to get a simple but nice text effect.
Check out our CSS Styles tutorial for more cool tips on CSS Styles

8. Use Flash sparingly – There seems to be a lot of hype about Flash but I recommend that you minimize the use of Flash on a site. Don’t make entire sites using Flash. It may look great but it takes hours to load and can really put off visitors. If you do want to use Flash use it within an HTML site and make sure it loads fast.

9. Design most of your site in HTML – As much as possible try to design your site using HTML. You can create great designs by just using HTML code. Use tables, CSS Styles and simple fonts to design your site. Minimize the use of animated gifs, Flash, bulky images etc.

10. Keep checking your load time – Last but not least, before you decide on the final design of your web site, check its load time on NetMechanic. This site gives you a free analysis of your web site which is extremely useful.

New Christian Social Networking Site

I just finished a new site. It is a Christian Social Networking Site. It has many features such as Chat rooms, Forums, Bible Study Resources, Prayer Center,  games, videos, and much more. Visit at www.newspiritlife.net

Online Computer Training

One of the most secure occupations is that of an IT specialist. Let’s face it Computers are here to stay. Another fact is that since computers are machines, they are going to need repairs from time to time.

As I see it, one of the fastest growing fields is that of an A+ Certified Computer Technician. Open any newspaper and you will find a company looking for someone with this particular skill.

So, what does it take to be an A+ Certified Computer Technician? http://www.calarttech.com’s Curriculum looks like this..

This course maps fully to CompTIA’s new 2006 A+ Exam objectives. The course is designed to be a complete, step-by-step approach for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware and software.

You will receive comprehensive materials, instruction, quizzes, practice exams, labsims, projects and online learning resources. At the conclusion, you will prepare to pass the actual CompTIA A+ certification exams using our included Cert Blaster software.

This comprehensive course is taught over a 10 week period.
Specific topic coverage includes:

Introducing Hardware
Introducing Operating Systems
PC Repair Fundamentals
Form Factors and Power Supplies
Processors and Chipsets
Motherboards
Upgrading Memory
Hard Drives
Installing and Supporting I/O Devices
Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
Installing Windows 2000/XP
Maintaining Windows 2000/XP
Supporting Windows 2000/XP Users and Their Data
Troubleshooting Windows 2000/XP Startup
Windows 9x/ME Commands and Startup Disk
Supporting Windows 9x/ME
PCs on a Network
PCs on the Internet
Securing your PC and LAN
Notebooks, Tablet PCs, and PDAs
Supporting Printers and Scanners
The Professional PC Technician

Did you notice that this is a 10 week course? In jsut 10 weeks, you can be on your way to an exciting new career. Contact calarttech.com today and get started!

Need to send an E-Mail to somebody’s cell phone?

Sending a text message to cell phone with your email account is extremely easy. The hardest part is knowing the carrier of the cell phone you are trying to reach.

the syntax is this 5555555555@carrier.com

use the table below to find the right information.

Company Name	SMTP Format
3 River Wireless	phonenumber@sms.3rivers.net
ACS Wireless	phonenumber@paging.acswireless.com
Advantage Communications	10digitpagernumber@advantagepaging.com
Airtouch Pagers	10digitpagernumber@myairmail.com
Airtouch Pagers	10digitpagernumber@alphapage.airtouch.com
Airtouch Pagers	10digitpagernumber@airtouch.net
Airtouch Pagers	10digitpagernumber@airtouchpaging.com
AlphNow	pin@alphanow.net
Alltel	10digitphonenumber@message.alltel.com
Alltel PCS	10digitphonenumber@message.alltel.com
Ameritech Paging	10digitpagernumber@paging.acswireless.com
Ameritech Paging	10digitpagernumber@pageapi.com
American Messaging (SBC/Ameritech)	10digitpagernumber@page.americanmessaging.net
Ameritech Clearpath	10digitpagernumber@clearpath.acswireless.com
Andhra Pradesh Airtel	phonenumber@airtelap.com
Arch Pagers (PageNet)	10digitpagernumber@archwireless.net
Arch Pagers (PageNet)	10digitpagernumber@epage.arch.com
Arch Pagers (PageNet)	10digitpagernumber@archwireless.net
AT&T	10digit@txt.att.net
AT&T Free2Go	10digitphonenumber@mmode.com
AT&T PCS	10digitphonenumber@mobile.att.net
AT&T Pocketnet PCS	10digitphonenumber@dpcs.mobile.att.net
Beepwear	pagernumber@beepwear.net
BeeLine GSM	phonenumber@sms.beemail.ru
Bell Atlantic	phonenumber@message.bam.com
Bell Canada	phonenumber@txt.bellmobility.ca
Bell Canada	phonenumber@bellmobility.ca
Bell Mobility (Canada)	phonenumber@txt.bell.ca
Bell Mobility	number@txt.bellmobility.ca
Bell South (Blackberry)	number@bellsouthtips.com
Bell South	phonenumber@sms.bellsouth.com
Bell South	phonenumber@wireless.bellsouth.com
Bell South	phonenumber@blsdcs.net
Bell South	phonenumber@bellsouth.cl
Bell South Mobility	phonenumber@blsdcs.net
Blue Sky Frog	phonenumber@blueskyfrog.com
Bluegrass Cellular	phonenumber@sms.bluecell.com
Boost	phonenumber@myboostmobile.com
BPL mobile	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Carolina West Wireless	10digitnumber@cwwsms.com
Carolina Mobile Communications	10digitpagernumber@cmcpaging.com
Cellular One East Coast	phonenumber@phone.cellone.net
Cellular One South West	phonenumber@swmsg.com
Cellular One PCS	phonenumber@paging.cellone-sf.com
Cellular One	10digitphonenumber@mobile.celloneusa.com
Cellular One	phonenumber@cellularone.txtmsg.com
Cellular One	phonenumber@cellularone.textmsg.com
Cellular One	phonenumber@cell1.textmsg.com
Cellular One	phonenumber@message.cellone-sf.com
Cellular One	phonenumber@sbcemail.com
Cellular One West	phonenumber@mycellone.com
Cellular South	phonenumber@csouth1.com
Centennial Wireless	10digitnumber@cwemail.com
Central Vermont Communications	10digitpagernumber@cvcpaging.com
CenturyTel	phonenumber@messaging.centurytel.net
Chennai RPG Cellular	phonenumber@rpgmail.net
Chennai Skycell / Airtel	phonenumber@airtelchennai.com
Cincinnati Bell Wireless	phonenumber@gocbw.com
Cingular	mobilenumber@mycingular.com
Cingular	mobilenumber@mycingular.net
Cingular	mobilenumber@mms.cingularme.com
Cingular	mobilenumber@page.cingular.com
Cingular	10digitphonenumber@cingularme.com
Cingular Wireless	10digitphonenumber@mycingular.textmsg.com
Cingular Wireless	10digitphonenumber@mobile.mycingular.com
Cingular Wireless	10digitphonenumber@mobile.mycingular.net
Clearnet	phonenumber@msg.clearnet.com
Comcast	phonenumber@comcastpcs.textmsg.com
Communication Specialists	7digitpin@pageme.comspeco.net
Communication Specialist Companies	pin@pager.comspeco.com
Comviq	number@sms.comviq.se
Cook Paging	10digitpagernumber@cookmail.com
Corr Wireless Communications	phonenumber@corrwireless.net
Delhi Aritel	phonenumber@airtelmail.com
Delhi Hutch	phonenumber@delhi.hutch.co.in
Digi-Page / Page Kansas	10digitpagernumber@page.hit.net
Dobson Cellular Systems	phonenumber@mobile.dobson.net
Dobson-Alex Wireless	phonenumber@mobile.cellularone.com
DT T-Mobile	phonenumber@t-mobile-sms.de
Dutchtone / Orange-NL	phonenumber@sms.orange.nl
Edge Wireless	phonenumber@sms.edgewireless.com
EMT	phonenumber@sms.emt.ee
Escotel	phonenumber@escotelmobile.com
Fido	phonenumber@fido.ca
Gabriel Wireless	10digitpagernumber@epage.gabrielwireless.com
Galaxy Corporation	10digitpagernumber.epage@sendabeep.net
GCS Paging	pagernumber@webpager.us
German T-Mobile	number@@t-mobile-sms.de
Goa BPLMobil	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Golden Telecom	phonenumber@sms.goldentele.com
GrayLink / Porta-Phone	10digitpagernumber@epage.porta-phone.com
GTE	number@airmessage.net
GTE	number@gte.pagegate.net
GTE	10digitphonenumber@messagealert.com
Gujarat Celforce	phonenumber@celforce.com
Houston Cellular	number@text.houstoncellular.net
Idea Cellular	phonenumber@ideacellular.net
Infopage Systems	pinnumber@page.infopagesystems.com
Inland Cellular Telephone	phonenumber@inlandlink.com
The Indiana Paging Co	last4digits@pager.tdspager.com
JSM Tele-Page	pinnumber@jsmtel.com
Kerala Escotel	phonenumber@escotelmobile.com
Kolkata Airtel	phonenumber@airtelkol.com
Kyivstar	number@smsmail.lmt.lv
Lauttamus Communication	pagernumber@e-page.net
LMT	phonenumber@smsmail.lmt.lv
Maharashtra BPL Mobile	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Maharashtra Idea Cellular	phonenumber@ideacellular.net
Manitoba Telecom Systems	phonenumber@text.mtsmobility.com
MCI Phone	phonenumber@mci.com
MCI	phonenumber@pagemci.com
Meteor	phonenumber@mymeteor.ie
Meteor	phonenumber@sms.mymeteor.ie
Metrocall	10digitpagernumber@page.metrocall.com
Metrocall 2-way	10digitpagernumber@my2way.com
Metro PCS	10digitphonenumber@mymetropcs.com
Metro PCS	10digitphonenumber@metropcs.sms.us
Microcell	phonenumber@fido.ca
Midwest Wireless	phonenumber@clearlydigital.com
MiWorld	phonenumber@m1.com.sg
Mobilecom PA	10digitpagernumber@page.mobilcom.net
Mobilecomm	number@mobilecomm.net
Mobileone	phonenumber@m1.com.sg
Mobilfone	phonenumber@page.mobilfone.com
Mobility Bermuda	phonenumber@ml.bm
Mobistar Belgium	phonenumber@mobistar.be
Mobitel Tanzania	phonenumber@sms.co.tz
Mobtel Srbija	phonenumber@mobtel.co.yu
Morris Wireless	10digitpagernumber@beepone.net
Motient	number@isp.com
Movistar	number@correo.movistar.net
Mumbai BPL Mobile	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Mumbai Orange	phonenumber@orangemail.co.in
NBTel	number@wirefree.informe.ca
Netcom	phonenumber@sms.netcom.no
Nextel	10digitphonenumber@messaging.nextel.com
Nextel	10digitphonenumber@page.nextel.com
Nextel	10digitphonenumber@nextel.com.br
NPI Wireless	phonenumber@npiwireless.com
Ntelos	number@pcs.ntelos.com
O2	name@o2.co.uk
O2	number@o2imail.co.uk
O2 (M-mail)	number@mmail.co.uk
Omnipoint	number@omnipoint.com
Omnipoint	10digitphonenumber@omnipointpcs.com
One Connect Austria	phonenumber@onemail.at
OnlineBeep	10digitphonenumber@onlinebeep.net
Optus Mobile	phonenumber@optusmobile.com.au
Orange	phonenumber@orange.net
Orange Mumbai	phonenumber@orangemail.co.in
Orange – NL / Dutchtone	phonenumber@sms.orange.nl
Oskar	phonenumber@mujoskar.cz
P&T Luxembourg	phonenumber@sms.luxgsm.lu
Pacific Bell	phonenumber@pacbellpcs.net
PageMart	7digitpinnumber@pagemart.net
PageMart Advanced /2way	10digitpagernumber@airmessage.net
PageMart Canada	10digitpagernumber@pmcl.net
PageNet Canada	phonenumber@pagegate.pagenet.ca
PageOne NorthWest	10digitnumber@page1nw.com
PCS One	phonenumber@pcsone.net
Personal Communication	sms@pcom.ru (number in subject line)
Pioneer / Enid Cellular	phonenumber@msg.pioneerenidcellular.com
PlusGSM	phonenumber@text.plusgsm.pl
Pondicherry BPL Mobile	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Powertel	phonenumber@voicestream.net
Price Communications	phonenumber@mobilecell1se.com
Primeco	10digitnumber@email.uscc.net
Primtel	phonenumber@sms.primtel.ru
ProPage	7digitpagernumber@page.propage.net
Public Service Cellular	phonenumber@sms.pscel.com
Qualcomm	name@pager.qualcomm.com
Qwest	10digitphonenumber@qwestmp.com
RAM Page	number@ram-page.com
Rogers AT&T Wireless	phonenumber@pcs.rogers.com
Rogers Canada	10digitphonenumber@pcs.rogers.com
Safaricom	phonenumber@safaricomsms.com
Satelindo GSM	phonenumber@satelindogsm.com
Satellink	10digitpagernumber.pageme@satellink.net
SBC Ameritech Paging	10digitpagernumber@paging.acswireless.com
SCS-900	phonenumber@scs-900.ru
SFR France	phonenumber@sfr.fr
Skytel Pagers	7digitpinnumber@skytel.com
Skytel Pagers	number@email.skytel.com
Simple Freedom	phonenumber@text.simplefreedom.net
Smart Telecom	phonenumber@mysmart.mymobile.ph
Southern LINC	10digitphonenumber@page.southernlinc.com
Southwestern Bell	number@email.swbw.com
Sprint	10digitphonenumber@sprintpaging.com
Sprint PCS	10digitphonenumber@messaging.sprintpcs.com
ST Paging	pin@page.stpaging.com
SunCom	number@tms.suncom.com
SunCom	number@suncom1.com
Sunrise Mobile	phonenumber@mysunrise.ch
Sunrise Mobile	phonenumber@freesurf.ch
Surewest Communicaitons	phonenumber@mobile.surewest.com
Swisscom	phonenumber@bluewin.ch
T-Mobile	10digitphonenumber@tmomail.net
T-Mobile	10digitphonenumber@voicestream.net
T-Mobile Austria	phonenumber@sms.t-mobile.at
T-Mobile Germany	phonenumber@t-d1-sms.de
T-Mobile UK	phonenumber@t-mobile.uk.net
Tamil Nadu BPL Mobile	phonenumber@bplmobile.com
Tele2 Latvia	phonenumber@sms.tele2.lv
Telefonica Movistar	phonenumber@movistar.net
Telenor	phonenumber@mobilpost.no
Teletouch	10digitpagernumber@pageme.teletouch.com
Telia Denmark	phonenumber@gsm1800.telia.dk
Telus	phonenumber@msg.telus.com
TIM	10digitphonenumber@timnet.com
Triton	phonenumber@tms.suncom.com
TSR Wireless	pagernumber@alphame.com
TSR Wireless	pagernumber@beep.com
UMC	phonenumber@sms.umc.com.ua
Unicel	phonenumber@utext.com
Uraltel	phonenumber@sms.uraltel.ru
US Cellular	10digitphonenumber@smtp.uscc.net
US Cellular	10digitphonenumber@email.uscc.net
US Cellular	10digitphonenumber@uscc.textmsg.com
US West	number@uswestdatamail.com
Uttar Pradesh Escotel	phonenumber@escotelmobile.com
Verizon Pagers	10digitpagernumber@myairmail.com
Verizon PCS	10digitphonenumber@vtext.com
Verizon PCS	10digitphonenumber@myvzw.com
Vessotel	phonenumber@pager.irkutsk.ru
Virgin Mobile	phonenumber@vmobl.com
Virgin Mobile	phonenumber@vxtras.com
Vodafone Italy	number@sms.vodafone.it
Vodafone Japan	phonenumber@c.vodafone.ne.jp
Vodafone Japan	phonenumber@h.vodafone.ne.jp
Vodafone Japan	phonenumber@t.vodafone.ne.jp
Vodafone UK	phonenumber@vodafone.net
VoiceStream / T-Mobile	10digitphonenumber@voicestream.net
WebLink Wiereless	pagernumber@airmessage.net
WebLink Wiereless	pagernumber@pagemart.net
West Central Wireless	phonenumber@sms.wcc.net
Western Wireless	phonenumber@cellularonewest.com
Wyndtell	number@wyndtell.com

I just finished my latest E-Commerce site

I just finished my latest E-Commerce site! E-Commerce sites are a real challenge. Simply because there is so much going on with them. Not only do you have to focus on creating a layout. But there is so much more there that is dynamic than in any other type site. You have to expect not just visitors, but members also. You have to realize that people visiting the site are going to be transacting financial business. This requires extra levels of security. You have to allow for payment gateways and things like that. I lost my interest in E-Commerce a couple of years ago and have not done another one until now. I just finished it. Please view it at www.premieredesigns.net

Please leave your comments on it here.

Free Scripts

I just added some free scripts that you may download from my site to add functionality to your web site.  If you are interested in them, please visit www.premierewebdesign.net/downloads.html

I will be adding more scripts and some CSS design templates over the next few days so keep your eyes on that page!