Github integrates seamlessly with Git (a version control system), making it a great way to maintain a backup of your repositories while keeping track of changes. Furthermore, because Github is in the cloud, you can work on projects from anywhere and share with colleagues. Let's get started with this fantastic tool and learn about some of its key features! Step 1 - Git Git is a version control system and is probably already installed on your computer. If not, follow these instructions: … [Read more...] about Github Repositories: Let’s Get Started!
Software Tips
Front-end Development Workflow Adjustments
I've recently updated my front-end development workflow to include an improved process for version control. Prior to this change, I would make a copy of any file I was going to edit. I could revert back to that copy in case anything got messed up. With Github, I am better able to keep track of edits. Additional Github bonuses include: work on projects from anywhere using multiple computers; collaborate with people; share files; and control how other people's edits get incorporated into my files. … [Read more...] about Front-end Development Workflow Adjustments
What Should I Do to Protect My Site from Hackers?
WordPress is the most popular content-management system in the world. For that reason alone, it is vulnerable to hackers who delight in finding large pools of potentially insecure websites. Cleaning up a hacked site is not fun or easy. So, it's important to take some simple measures to protect your site. My Recommendations Choose a reliable webhost that ensures a safe platform for your site.All user accounts should use strong passwords: at least 12 characters, including a number and a … [Read more...] about What Should I Do to Protect My Site from Hackers?
How to Build a Book Cover in InDesign
There are several ways to build a book cover in InDesign. I'll show you my tried and true methods, honed from years of experience working at an educational publishing company (Houghton Mifflin, now Cengage Learning). While there, first as a book cover designer and then cover design manager, I was involved in more than 500 books! We had to assemble and use accurate and flexible templates with all of the specifications required by various book printers. Specifications For each of my … [Read more...] about How to Build a Book Cover in InDesign
My Web Design and Development Toolset
UPDATED 6.10.21 My web design and development toolset includes desktop as well as cloud-based applications. I use the tools for brainstorming, thumbnail sketching, design comprehensives, and implementation of code. I'm always open to trying new things. Sometimes, I'll explore a new program, love it, and make the switch. PINTEREST Visual discovery platform I use Pinterest to find, store and categorize images and ideas. It serves as a great reference archive for my designs and … [Read more...] about My Web Design and Development Toolset
Video Conferencing with Zoom
Zoom's popularity has exploded these past few months. As COVID-19 spreads throughout the world, businesses and schools have to find ways to meet remotely. Ease of use make video conferencing with Zoom an attractive choice. How to Host a Zoom Meeting To host a meeting, you must have a Zoom account. The meeting can be spontaneous or scheduled. Hosting can be done on the Zoom's website, the Desktop client, or the mobile application. The steps outlined in this tutorial are for the website. … [Read more...] about Video Conferencing with Zoom
Migration and Cloning Tools for WordPress Sites
Migration is the process of cloning a website and moving it to another location. Some of the more common reasons for migrating a site are a change of web host, a change in domain name, or creating a development site to test things. There are many migration and cloning tools for WordPress. Plugins are the easiest tools to use for this purpose. In this tutorial, I'll review 3 of my favorite plugins that replicate all of the files and the database from one site to another: Duplicator, Backup Buddy, … [Read more...] about Migration and Cloning Tools for WordPress Sites
InDesign Master Pages: Consistency and Efficiency
The main reasons to use master pages are to ensure consistency throughout the publication and save time when producing the document. Consistency Maintaining consistency throughout a publication provides cohesiveness and builds reader confidence. Fonts, sizes, styles, colors, and positioning are the primary components that contribute to continuity. When considering what to use on InDesign master pages, designers look for patterns that can be replicated. Typical candidates for master page … [Read more...] about InDesign Master Pages: Consistency and Efficiency