Week Two Link Repository
I thought it might be helpful to post a list of all the links that were referenced in class tonight (or at least as many as I can remember). I have also posted the handout about buying a domain and hosting space on Blackboard under Course Documents–>Week 2–>Tech Handouts. Please contact me if you have any questions.
WEEK 2 LINKS
The Internet Archive
Check out your favorite Web sites as they appeared back in the day. We’ve come a long way, baby.
Google Reader
Liza and I choose Google as our preferred RSS Feed Reader. There are plenty of other options (such as Bloglines), but Google is easy to use and has a lot of extra functionality. If you don’t already have one, create a Google account and start feed reading to keep track of your beat.
Technorati
The Web’s premiere blog search engine. See what’s hot in the blogosphere by searching the site or clicking on a tag in the tag cloud. Also try Icerocket Blog Search, Google Blog Search or set up a Google News RSS Feed for topics relevant to your beat.
Firefox
Get this alternative, open source (a term you should know, btw) Web browser and browse happier than you do in Internet Explorer. You should also get the Web Developer Toolbar, so you can start paying attention to the Man Behind the Curtain on the Web sites you’re surfing.
GKG.net
Our recommended provider for purchasing a domain, such as www.yourname.com. This is just the address that will soon point to your Web site, nothing more. Buying a domain means that you bought the right to use this address. To build the house (your Web site) at this address, you first need to buy some land (hosting space). Read on.
Lunarpages.com
Our recommended provider for Internet hosting services. Follow the instructions in your handouts about calling to get the discount. Rich Gordon arranged a $20 discount for this class, but be sure to first ask about the $28 discount that seems to be running on their home page right now.
Davesite HTML Tutorial
This is the kind of homework that it pays to do. Understand the basics of HTML and you have another skill to add to your resume. You will also have an easier time working in Dreamweaver and an easier time troubleshooting minor code problems in your Wordpress site. Be sure to check out the CSS Tutorial as well.
Don’t forget about open lab on the 2nd floor of MTC this Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to troubleshoot any problems you might be having with setting up your hosted Wordpress site. I know that some (er, most) of you have class from 9 to 12 downtown on Friday and can’t make it back to Evanston in time. We will have another open lab on Monday afternoon–more details will be coming soon to your inbox.
Also, as Liza said in class, this blog is meant to be used as a forum for your comments, questions and cool sites/relevant information that you find and want to share with the class. Use it!