April 19th, 2012
Posted in: Technical, Security — Admin @ 3:26 pm
From time to time (and especially recently), we will get a call or an email that someone isn't able to receive email from a particular person because their email is being blocked. The reasons for this are usually pretty simple and can be narrowed down to one of the following:
- the mail service the person is using is also used by spammers so they need to change to a more reputable mail service. this typically seems to happen frequently with Hotmail and Yahoo addresses.
- the service provider of the person is currently being used to send spam and may be blocked until they rectify the problem. Many service providers have been through this and are quick to resolve the issue and all is typically back to normal within a few hours. In most cases, the bounced email will have information as to what is causing the bounce and even a link to more information.
- the mail server of the person is connected to a cable or DSL connection from a company such as Shaw or Telus and they are sending out email directly from the server.
Unfortunately, blocking spam has become a never-ending war between spam detection and detection avoidance. Service providers are constantly looking for new methods to reduce spam.
One of the methods used to do this is to use PTR record filtering. This can reduce spam considerably and typically filters out email that originates from cable users on the Shaw network.
The truth is, there is really no reason why legitimate email should be sent directly from any server connected to the Shaw cable network. Pretty much all email being sent from consumer broadband connections is SPAM of some type. Shaw users are typically encouraged to use Shaw's SMTP servers.
The problem is that an expansion of this technique is to simply use RBL filters to prevent any connection from servers on what is considered, correctly or not, a dynamic address range. Some Shaw business connections have static IP addresses within these ranges and can be blocked as well.
The simple solution to this is to either use your service provider's SMTP server as your smarthost (or relay host) or subscribe to a service that will permit you to relay your email safely and effectively.
So, if you are finding that your email is being blocked, check the error message for a link to what may give you the answer as to why it's being blocked. If may be a simple matter of properly configuring your mail server or changing to a reputable mail provider.
Jamie Penner has nearly 30 years of experience in developing, operation, troubleshooting, and implementing email servers and spam/virus detection.
December 19th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 2:51 pm
The 12 Bugs of Christmas - A Software Developers' Version
1. For the first bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
See if they can do it again.
2. For the second bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
3. For the third bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
4. For the fourth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
5. For the fifth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
6. For the sixth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
7. For the seventh bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
8. For the eighth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Find a way around it
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
9. For the ninth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Blame it on the hardware
Find a way around it
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
10. For the tenth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Change the documentation
Blame it on the hardware
Find a way around it
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
11. For the eleventh bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Say it's not supported
Change the documentation
Blame it on the hardware
Find a way around it
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
12. For the twelfth bug of Christmas, my manager said to me:
Tell them it's a feature
Say it's not supported
Change the documentation
Blame it on the hardware
Find a way around it
Say they need an upgrade
Reinstall the software
Ask for a dump
Run with the debugger
Try to reproduce it
Ask them how they did it and
See if they can do it again.
August 8th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 10:13 am
An acronym is a string of letters that stands for a larger idea. Take LOL or TGIF for example – pretty much everyone knows these stand for “lots of laughing” or “thank goodness it’s Friday!” Along with these common known acronyms, there are many that litter the pages of web sites today. We here at V3 have penned “Tech speak – acronym edition” to clear up the confusion when navigating the world of web site design.
CMS – Content Management System. This is a type of software that allows V3 to create a web site for you and give you the keys to access it whenever you like. Just like a new home, your user name and password will allow you to access the site and “decorate” – add/subtract content, such as new products, blog updates and monthly specials for your business.
ISP – Internet Service Provider. This is the company that allows you to access the Internet; for example, Telus, Shaw and Rogers.
UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply. V3 is just as dependable as the other UPS (the common shipping company) because of our ability to use backup power servers, giving you constant access to your site.
ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network. Simply put, a way to access the Internet. This way uses the landline of your phone to access the Web.
PHP, Perl, C, C++, JavaScript, HTML, MySQL and Flash are all programming languages and technologies that V3 uses to create your website. As the technologies develop and new breakthroughs are made, we will consistently update our knowledge to give you the best there is.
Other common acronyms
The world today has created a whole new language based on texting. Texting has definitely evolved from the above-mentioned LOL … here is a brief primer on some common texting phrases.
BION: believe it or not
FWIW: for what it’s worth
MHOTY: My hat’s off to you
WYWH: Wish you were here
Don’t forget – no matter what type of web site you want developed, from large to small, complicated to simple, V3 can handle it with efficiency, flair and professionalism!
August 2nd, 2011
Posted in: Security — Admin @ 9:58 pm
Many WordPress blogs at risk from image-based zero-day vulnerability.
Technology blogger Mark Maunder recently wrote about an intrusion to his WordPress site. The culprit was a widespread image-tweaking utility called timthumb. Learn what happened and how to fix it at http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2011/08/03/many-wordpress-blogs-at-risk-from-image-based-zero-day-vulnerability/
August 2nd, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 11:12 am
SEO, or search engine optimization, has to be one of the most common acronyms to be thrown around in the web design market today. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to increase your profits and your return on investment. SEO is, simply, a way to increase your visiblity on Google, or any search engine. By using the correct keywords, and the correct percentage of keywords, Google will recognize your site and move it up on its search pages.
By increasing the amount of people that click on your website, by nature you will be increasing the percentage of people that buy your products or services. It is all fine and dandy to have a beautiful looking website, but just like the unheard tree that falls in the forest, for a site to be successful it needs first to be found.
We at V3 will research the best keywords that have the highest entries for your business. We will use every tool available to us to choose the keywords that have the highest ranking; that is, the keywords that most people will enter into the search engine when they are looking for your type of product or service. We will then deftly weave those keywords into your content.
V3 does not write for search engines only – we write for the human eye. We will not “keyword stuff” – your content will flow and make sense, and not be a bunch of keywords all written on a page. It is important to note that Google and other search engines can decrease your site’s listing based on certain items, and we know how to increase your site’s visibility without falling into that problem.
SEO is becoming another necessity for websites, especially those for businesses that need to turn a profit. It is highly probably that your competitors are using SEO, so why let them get a step ahead? Contact V3 today to find out more information on our SEO services.
July 25th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 1:25 pm
It’s as necessary as a business licence, or having a good name for your company. What is it? Your website, of course. A website is somewhere for your current clients, or your prospective clients, to look for more information about your company. It’s like a salesperson that never sleeps, or a storefront that never closes. The following are some basic reasons why it’s important to have a website.
- It’s always there. Unlike a regular, or bricks and mortar, storefront, your website is always open. Clients can browse through your site, read about your different products or services, and even purchase something if you have an e-commerce website.
- E-mail. Along with your website, you gain another way of communicating with your clients – e-mail. Not only can clients contact you regarding your products, you can contact them on sales, specials, or new items that may interest them.
- Another sales portal. Just like e-mail, your website provides you with another forum to advertise your products or services. You can mention that in the month of August you will have buy one get one free on one certain item, or advertise for the new product launch you have coming in the fall.
- Your competitor has one. You should have a website for your company just for the simple reason that more than likely, your competitor has one. Why let them get a step ahead of you when all you need to do is contact V3 to get started on your site?
- A window to your business. Unlike a Yellow Pages ad, or even a TV ad, a website is interactive. If a client wants to find out how to contact you, all they have to do is click on a button. If they want more information about your company, they can go to the about us page. To find details on your products or services, they just have to go to the appropriate page.
July 18th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 11:15 am
A CMS – content management system such as Makor, where you can update and edit the content of your website yourself.
Your website should have a certain look and feel – and stay that way. I'm sure I speak for most web design companies (and not just V3 Mediaworks) when I say that we have spent many hours and a lot of work on getting your website to look classy, sophisticated and fit your every need; there are definitely some cases where uniqueness and creativity (such as bright green font in Comic Sans MS) don’t fit. Here are some key ways to keep your website outstanding, without being boring.
1) Text font. The font that we have chosen for your website has been carefully selected – so please don’t go changing it willy-nilly! Your font will fit your business, whether it be a child daycare, an accountancy or just your own personal blog. It will fit your personality and what your clients/readers will expect to see. If you would still like to change your font, the best thing to do is stick within the same font family or one that looks similar to the one we have chosen for you. You should also survey your family and friends for their opinion as well.
2) Text colour. A bright green font pretty much does not go with anything. You want to stick with neutral colours or colours that match your website. For example: If your website background is a dark green, a variation of a light green (not neon!) will go well with your background. The same goes with a navy blue (royal blue) as well. If your background is black or gray, the best colour depends on your font choice – always ensure the font is easy to read at first glance, without straining your eyes.
3) Formatting. Formatting of your text, whether it include paragraphs, carriage returns or bullets, should always simply make logical sense. The text should be outlined in clear points or paragraphs. As with the text colour, it should always be easy to read and easy to follow from each paragraph to the next, or each bullet to the next.
July 8th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 9:20 am
The Web is Visual
When you click on a website, what is the first thing that you notice? Is it the text, the links or the graphic design? All in all, most people will notice the graphic design of a website first above everything. That is why it is so important to have a quality web design, no matter your business.
Here are some key points to creating a quality design.
- Colour. No one wants to read red text on a blue background, or be assaulted by hot pink and neon green colours when they click on a website. Neutral colours in an easy-to-read font are key when working with V3 to create your website; we will guide you on which colours will work best for your design.
- Links. Links should be obvious in what they are linked to – “Come visit me at my site” would be better as “Come visit me at www.mysite.com.” This tells the reader exactly what the link is for. A page specifically dedicated to links is a common page as well, along with home, about us and contact us. Be sure that the links you give V3 to include on your page are working.
- Navigation. Navigation, or how a visitor gets from one page to another, should be simple and easy to follow. The same links should be shown at the top or side of a page as well as at the bottom (usually in plain text). That way, if a visitor knows what they are looking for (such as “Contact Us”) it is easy to find.
- Home page. A home page is where a visitor is typically first directed to when they go to your website. This page can include a small graphic movie, which will display what your company does, or any specials or features that you may have running.
July 6th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 1:49 pm
Dear Mr. Architect:
Please design and build me a house. I am not quite sure of what I need, so you should use your discretion. My house should have somewhere between two and forty-five bedrooms. Just make sure the plans are such that the bedrooms can be easily added or deleted. When you bring the blueprints to me, I will make the final decision of what I want. Also, bring me the cost breakdown for each configuration so that I can arbitrarily pick one.
Keep in mind that the house I ultimately choose must cost less than the one I am currently living in. Make sure, however, that you correct all the deficiencies that exist in my current house (the floor of my kitchen vibrates when I walk across it, and the walls don't have nearly enough insulation in them).
As you design, also keep in mind that I want to keep yearly maintenance costs as low as possible. This should mean the incorporation of extra-cost features like aluminum, vinyl, or composite siding. (If you choose not to specify aluminum, be prepared to explain your decision in detail.)
Please take care that modern design practices and the latest materials are used in construction of the house, as I want it to be a showplace for the most up-to-date ideas and methods. Be alerted, however, that kitchen should be designed to accommodate, among other things, my 1952 Gibson refrigerator.
To insure that you are building the correct house for our entire family, make certain that you contact each of our children, and also our in-laws. My mother-in-law will have very strong feelings about how the house should be designed, since she visits us at least once a year. Make sure that you weigh all of these options carefully and come to the right decision. I, however, retain the right to overrule any choices that you make.
Please don't bother me with small details right now. Your job is to develop the overall plans for the house: get the big picture. At this time, for example, it is not appropriate to be choosing the color of the carpet. However, keep in mind that my wife likes blue.
Also, do not worry at this time about acquiring the resources to build the house itself. Your first priority is to develop detailed plans and specifications. Once I approve these plans, however, I would expect the house to be under roof within 48 hours.
While you are designing this house specifically for me, keep in mind that sooner or later I will have to sell it to someone else. It therefore should have appeal to a wide variety of potential buyers. Please make sure before you finalize the plans that there is a consensus of the population in my area that they like the features this house has. I advise you to run up and look at my neighbor's house he constructed last year. We like it a great deal. It has many features that we would also like in our new home, particularly the 75-foot swimming pool. With careful engineering, I believe that you can design this into our new house without impacting the final cost.
Please prepare a complete set of blueprints. It is not necessary at this time to do the real design, since they will be used only for construction bids. Be advised, however, that you will be held accountable for any increase of construction costs as a result of later design changes.
You must be thrilled to be working on as an interesting project as this! To be able to use the latest techniques and materials and to be given such freedom in your designs is something that can't happen very often. Contact me as soon as possible with your complete ideas and plans.
PS: My wife has just told me that she disagrees with many of the instructions I've given you in this letter. As architect, it is your responsibility to resolve these differences. I have tried in the past and have been unable to accomplish this. If you can't handle this responsibility, I will have to find another architect.
PPS: Perhaps what I need is not a house at all, but a travel trailer. Please advise me as soon as possible if this is the case.
June 30th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 9:45 am
Why you shouldn’t hire your son’s best friend’s uncle for web design
Web design is one of those services that a lot of people think is easy and simple to do. This may be true, but the end product will look a lot different if you hire a professional web design company, such as V3. An amateur web designer may save you some money, but they could very well cost you in the loss of prospective customers. Here are some reasons why a professional web design company is better to design your website than an amateur.
- The Web is visual. The very first impression a visitor receives is based on the outline or the design of a website. A slick, sophisticated website with easy-to-navigate links or tabs will pull in more visitors than one that is hard to follow. A professional web designer will consult with you as to exactly what your target audience is and guide your design to draw in that type of audience.
- Knowledge. A professional web designer will have knowledge in more than one type of computer language, such as PHP, Perl, C, C++, Javascript, HTML, MySQL, Flash etc. In English: anything you want your website to do, they will be able to do it, from movies to adding social media to your site.
- Experience. When you hire a company rather than an amateur, you gain not only one person’s experience, but a conclave of minds that will be able to turn any problem into a solution. They can also provide you with advice on the best way to target your audience, whether it be through Facebook or a Flash movie.
- Consistency. Hiring a company instead of a person or a relative – or a friend of a relative – will provide you with a guarantee that if you ever need a new web design, or an upgrade, you will have someone to go to that already has the knowledge of your business, rather than having to start anew. They will also keep up to date on current techniques and programs, ensuring your website is always groundbreaking and eye catching.
May 26th, 2011
Posted in: Security — Admin @ 7:01 am
WordPress has announced a new version to their popular software.
It's always important for users who choose to install software such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal to maintain updated versions to avoid being hacked.
This really does seem like an obvious thing to do but it's always amazing how many people install and forget web software. The maintainers of these software packages release updates on a fairly frequent basis but it is up to you to update your software.
The latest WordPress update information can be found at http://wordpress.org/news/2011/05/wordpress-3-1-3/
If worrying about installed CMS software is not your thing, you can always opt for a server based solution such as Makor where updates and software maintenance is the responsibility of the hosting company.
May 25th, 2011
Posted in: General — Admin @ 8:22 am
Welcome to the V3 Mediaworks blog.
It has been a long time coming but sometimes you just get too busy with projects and development of new products to sit down and look after the things you want to do for yourself.
We're very excited about expanding into our blog as there have many times we've wanted to just write about new trends, new products, our clients, security issues, and many other things that we've felt that are important or that you would want to know about.
Now the trick is to make time to sit down and write about these things. If you have written something important that you feel would serve our viewers well, let us know and maybe it will make the blog!
Thank you for all your support and we look forward to what the future holds!
