NiftyClicks: Backup, Web Design and Free Music





Andrew Lock

Mozy


This may well be the most important column you’ll read all year, if you heed the advice.







It never fails to amaze me how little value marketers place on backing up their computers. You must realize that hard drives are guaranteed to fail. It’s not a question of “if” but “when.” They always fail, and usually it’s less than five years. How long have you had your current computer?


Mozy allows you to backup all of your important files and keep them safe, and crucially it does it automatically, it’s the service I use. Here’s how to get setup, and safe:


Step 1: Visit Mozy.com


Step 2: There are two main options to choose from as a personal user (businesses with multiple computers should choose the MozyPro option on the top menu).







You can get a free account with 2GB of storage space (no strings attached), or you can opt for unlimited storage for just $4.95 a month. If you’re just backing up Office documents, a few music files, and a few videos, the free option should suffice but if you want to backup your entire computer you’ll need to opt for the paid version.


To select the free option, click the Sign Up link in the top right hand box.


To select the paid version, click on the large, orange Unlimited Backup button in the middle of the page. TIP: Use the coupon code: UPLINE for 20 percent off.


Step 3: Enter your name, e-mail address, username and the other information you’re asked to submit.


Step 4: Simply download and install the software. You can access your account online to control options etc.






RedAlt.com
I Like Your Colors
(Click for larger image)
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RedAlt


Have you ever visited a Web site and fallen instantly in love with the colors they use? The problem is how to identify those colors, right? Fret no more my dear friend, there’s a nifty Web resource that’ll come to the rescue for you, and it’s completely free.


The site is called RedAlt and the resource is called I like your colors!


Step 1: Visit RedAlt.com and click on I Like Your Colors — it’s the first option under Web page construction tools.


Step 2: At the bottom of the page is a box where you enter the URL of the Web page that you want to find the colors for.


The screenshot shows an example of what you’ll see. Obviously the range of colors will depend on the site that you select for evaluation. The values may seem like some weird kind of code, but any designer will know what to do with those codes. It’s a unique identifier for each exact color, a hex value I believe they call it.


Bear in mind that this resource does have a limitation — it can’t detect colors in graphics, only colors that are used to make up the page, and colors that are used in fonts.


Oh, in case you’re wondering about the legal or ethical implications of ‘borrowing’ colors from another site — don’t worry, there’s no copyright on colors or even color combinations!


ColorSchemeDesigner


While designing Web pages, computer applications or house interiors, we need to find good color scheme — a set of colors producing the best impression. For every tint there are colors it can coexist with, and those it can’t. Some combinations are uncomfortable, or disturbing — while others are pleasant.






AudioMicro.com
AudioMicro.com
(Click for larger image)
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ColorSchemeDesigner generates color schemes of several types. Every scheme is based on one (base) color, which is supplemented with additional colors making together the best optical impression — using one of the authentic algorithms.


AudioMicro


AudioMicro is a revolutionary collection of user-generated micro stock music, sound effects, production music, production elements and music cues. Finally, high quality audio content is available at unbelievable prices with no hidden costs or fees.


AudioMicro is an artist friendly community, paying the highest royalty rate in the micro stock music industry. In addition, customers can purchase AudioMicro content at the most competitive rates available.


Andrew Lock is a self-described maverick marketer and the creator and host of Help! My Business Sucks, a free, weekly Web TV show full of practical marketing tips, advice and resources to help small businesses “get more done and have more fun.”





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