Web Design Blog

Avoid being locked into one system without a choice:

• Secure (End-to-end encrypted) chat on your own server.
• Audio / Video calls (no need for Zoom)
• Compliant with EU, HIPAA, and other privacy regulations
• Build chatbots, extend into 3^rd party systems, etc.
• Fully Free and Open Source

Plus...

• [Matrix] is Federated:
  join and interact with other [Matrix] servers.
• Communicate on other platforms from one app / inbox:
  • Discord
  • Facebook
  • Google Chat (Hangouts)
  • Group.me
  • IRC
  • Incoming webooks (Slack, Concource CI, etc.)
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Signal
  • Skype
  • Slack
  • Steam
  • Telegram
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp

Why host your own [Matrix] Server?
The benefit of having your own Matrix server is that the data exchanged between you and other [Matrix] servers will be stored redundantly, this means that even if one server or the public server goes offline or disappears forever your data and content will still be stored and accessible. Think of it like an encrypted cloud service for everyone for free! 

I recommend using this tool to confirm your site is accessible: 
accessibilitychecker.org

1. Find out if your website is Accessible and Compliant
2. Scan your website for free, identify accessibility issues, and get exact instructions on how to fix them.
3. "Export" the results and email them to me if you need help making the necessary changes.  
   
   

Google is finally making it easier for you to make sure your personal information doesn’t show up in online search results – and all it took was hundreds of thousands of requests over nearly a decade.

(via CNBC)

Directly from Google:

• New options for removing your personally identifiable information from Search
• A new Search tool to help control your online presence

Google has recently announced some changes coming to their Analytics platform:

If your website was created before October 14, 2020, most likely changes will be required in order to continue using Google Analytics.

One of the frustrations I've encountered with the K2 extension for Joomla is the lack of a "description" when editing tags.  It allows for a description under categories, not tags.  What gives?

Here is the solution:

Are you in the process of switching domain registrars?  This helpful guide will help navigate the process. 

The image below illustrates the flow of a domain transfer, including the actions taken by each of the parties involved. Please note that all confirmation emails are sent to the Administrative Contact email address listed for the domain.  (See attachment below)

If you've got the "My Business" app installed on your smart phone, you'll probably want to uninstall it soon.  

Back in 2020, Cloudflare started connecting with the Internet Archive (archive.org) for some sites using its Always Online feature.  In July 2022, cloudflare is announcing that ALL sites will use the Internet Archive, rather than Cloudflare itself hosting the "always online" version.  

Reports of a new Google Business Profile (GBP) verification label are currently circulating within the local SEO community. Select GBPs have received the new ‘confirmed’ label from Google to show that the associated business has had its details verified recently.

Many common vulnerability scans are now requiring and recommending HSTS security enforcement.  How easy is it to fix?

Answer:

Assuming your site already has an SSL certificate installed and working, this is a pretty simple fix.