Home Resources Useful Tools

Thistle Site Design Resource Links

USEFUL TOOLS
These utilities/tools are mostly free or offered at a reasonable fee. We use them all and can recommend them with confidence.
Display # 
1   Link   Akeeba eXtract Wizzard
a cross-platform archive extraction utility, designed to extract any ZIP, JPA or JPS archive on your desktop, runs natively under Windows, Mac OS X (Snow Leopard) & Linux (32-bit / 64-bit) using highly optimized, blazing fast native code - free of charge

2   Link   MozBackup
a MUST HAVE utility for creating backups of Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird, Mozilla Sunbird, Flock, SeaMonkey, Mozilla Suite, Spicebird, Songbird & Netscape profiles - easily backup & restore bookmarks, mail, contacts, history, etc
3   Link   Mozy Online Backup Service
this online backup service is so easy to use & reasonably priced that not using it is irresponsible - free basic service available as well - give yourself total peace of mind - we love it!
4   Link   AVG Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware
this is the best FREE anti-virus, anti-spyware software out there for home or small business ... can upgrade to paid version for larger applications
5   Link   BelArc Advisor
free personal PC system audit - get a complete profile of your installed software, hardware, missing Microsoft hotfixes, anti-virus status etc. displayed on your browser & printable
6   Link   Crap Cleaner
free & fast system optimization tool which removes unused & temporary files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently & frees up hard disk space - safely clean up your registry
7   Link   FileZilla
we use this very reliable free FTP solution - available as a client if you want to transfer files & as a server application if you want to make files available for others
8   Link   Cute SendIt
best way to send large files - a reliable user-friendly free & secure file-excahnge service
9   Link   Mozilla Firefox
simply the best browser out there - do yourself a favor & make it yours
10   Link   Mozilla Thunderbird Email Client
we use this email application - the best alternative to Microsoft's Outlook family
11   Link   IrfanView
the BEST free image editing program - simple to use with loads of options
12   Link   IrfanView Plugins
get all availabale free plugins for IrfanView to enhance it's already amazing functionality
13   Link   Genie Timeline
get continuous data protection with this FABULOUS FREE back-up software from Genie-Soft continuous protection & restore - setup done in 2 simple steps - choose data to backup through a friendly user interface - set it and forget it!
14   Link   Audacity Audio Editor
a great free audio file editing program -
easy-to-use editor & recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux & other operating systems
15   Link   Viper Anti-virus & Malware
a superior protection program at affordable rates

16 Questions Asking 'Does Your Website Get TOP MARKS?'

Are site colors & images aesthetically pleasing?
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
Are there bulky sections of writing on the home page?
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Are there links to social media?
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Can you easily find the benefits of the product or service offered?
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Can you find out more about the site owner or employees?
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Do menu items clearly tell you where they will take you?
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly.  Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Do you feel personally connected?
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers -  real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Do you know right away what this website is about?
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
Is the content well-written & informative?
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit.  If you are unable to provide the content yourself,  hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Is the font easy to read?
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Is the important information 'above the fold'?
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Is there a 'Sign Up for our Newsletter' option?
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Is there a clear call to action?
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
Is there an easy way to contact the business?
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
Is there any multimedia?
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Where do your eyes go first?
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more