Security and measurements

Why is security important?
If you dont want the world finding out about something about yourself or others or even information with a system (for example your web server) then its recommend to secure it and it is private.
What security measures can you make to secure your website?
You can use SSL (Secure Socket Layer), which;

• Encrypts data sent between a website and the visitor’s computer. This means it scrambles it so nobody else can read it.

• It proves the identity of a website. SSL certificates are issued by trusted organisations which make sure a website is legitimate.

also the usual,

• Changing passwords often
• Scanning your servers for any Trojans or viruses.
• Up to date with
• Security patches
• Server patches
• Website patches
• Software patches
• Make a Google Webmaster account linked to your website. "Should you be hacked, Google will send you an email to tell you this and also which pages have been hit".

Never tell anyone your password!

Source:

• www.123-reg.co.uk/blog/interviews/ssl-certificates-secure-your-website/
• www.webdesignlessons.com/your-website-and-security/

Website Design Melbourne

Measuring Website Performance

Q. How could you measure the performance of a website, in particular your website.

As a web designer or developer. it’s better to first check similar competitor websites to help you make a design and development decisions. 

Knowing what websites work and which ones can give you insights and inspiration on what design elements to use and choose from, website features, and website content which is effective.

To analyse your own websites performance, there a free web tools on the internet to check out how your site is going.

Example tools below:

• Yahoo! Site Explorer

• Compete

• popuri.us

source:

• sixrevisions.com/tools/tools_monitoring_website_popularity/

Website Design Melbourne

Usability Testing

What is usability testing?
It can be defined as, how easy interface's are used.
it is made up of 5 components.

• Learn ability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design? 
• Efficiency: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks? 
• Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency? 
• Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?  
• Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?

How can usability testing help your website?
If people find your website difficult to use, then they will leave. If the user doesn't know what the website is about on the homepage they will leave. But if your website has great level of usability the user will stay and thus spread the word. Your website needs a great deal of information to attract the user, not just a boring plain old website.

source:

• http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html

Website Design Melbourne