If you anytime bump into the problem with XHTML code which isn't interpreted correctly in EPiServer, you might want to take a look at what EPiServer property type contains the XHTML code.
If you use the common Long string property type, the XHTML will be treated as HTML and the code will be shown in uppercase, thus not validating.
Instead, you should use the XHTML string property type.
If you've got any problems, just change the property type to XHTML string (<255) and your problems will probably be solved.
More often than not when you're at a download center and just want to download a file, you really have to search for the download link. This shouldn't be the scenario. Here's a minor case study on download links and how to make them more user friendly, plus a set of great examples.
Download links come in different flavours
When you want to download something, you have to look for a number of characteristics.
What you have to look for is a download sign, a link, button or an icon, that tells you where you can download something. And very often the characteristics of these download signs are confusing. Plus, what makes it worse; many of these signs are aimed at advanced computer users. Quite often though, even advanced computer users really have to search for a download link to find it. Not very good for usability.
What download links should give users
To make every visitor instantly spot the download link, download links should meet a number of requirements.
Simplicity
Download links should be simple - simplicity is the best friend of usability. A visitor should just have to spot the download link and click it.
Accessibility
Thinking of simplicity will improve the overall accessibility, since visitors by default will know where to get what. Accessibility means everyone should be able to download, without too much hassle.
Clarity
A visitor should always know how to get a specific version of a download. Download centers must be clear on this – how can the user choose what to download? Where's the latest version? It's a good thing to highlight the latest version of a download, since that version probably attracts the most visitors.
Also, a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section might be of great help. Many visitors have questions that need answers and by providing the answers, visitors will get satisfied.
Some great download centers
There are some great download centers and they do their stuff great. Here's a set of best practice download centers and what they do well:
CodePlex
Over at CodePlex, an open source community, you can find a lot of great downloads where information on them are provided in a satisfying way. Take for instance Silverlight Toolkit, which has an excellent download page with a get started part:
The start page is clear, you instantly know where to download the latest release, and you have a FAQ section (the forum).
When you click the download link, you couldn't ask for much more clarity:
What you get is two simple download alternatives, either Silverlight 2 or Silverlight 3.
The one improvement that is clear here, is to highlight Silverlight 3, since it's way more popular. Other than that, this is a great example of a download page.
FileHippo
FileHippo is a structured download center for all users. Even though the start page might be too informative, the specific download software pages are excellent.
FileHippo provides information on the download, such as description, technical information and a change log – a perfect approach in order to satisfy most visitor's demands.
Also, the download link is one of the best you'll see out there – it's visible, perfectly clear and does exactly what's expected:
In one click, you can download the latest version of a specific software and you get to know the file size. Excellent.
Take a look at the CCleaner download page for further inspiration.
CNET download.com
Download.com has always been the one website for downloads. They are constantly improving the website too, while providing one of the best download websites you've ever seen.
CNET download.com gives you simple editors' reviews, clear download links and other helpful information on a specific download.
The download link is quite clear, with an icon, file size and a spyware free statement that says the file is safe for download:
Summary on download links
When providing a download link, make sure you keep it simple, that you're clear and the correct information is provided. Any user should be able to download any file.
CodePlex, FileHippo and CNET download.com are great examples of download centers, where you can find inspiration.
Remote Desktop is awesome when you need to connect to another PC and work as if you were sitting in front of it. Remote Desktop is simple to use, you just have to know how to enable it. Here's how:
- Click the start button, right click Computer and choose Properties:
- At Control Panel Home, choose Remote settings:
- Finally, set your desired option in the Remote tab:
Here you can choose the less or more secure option, depending on your Windows version. For most Windows versions, the latter option with Network Level Authentications is recommended.
Also, make sure your firewall allow remote desktop connections.
You'll find the Windows Firewall under Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Windows Firewall. Choose Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall to change the options.
Are you one of those who let your private time be ruled by what’s on television? Are you one of those who just doesn't seem to have enough time? Then, this might be something for you.
Television, a huge time consumer
We’re constantly bombarded by media and other attention seeking channels in our life. Everyone wants a piece of you. And the thing is – these channels receive your attention. At the cost of your precious time.
Television is a perfect example of one of these channels.
You surely can choose what channels you want to watch on television, but you very rarely can choose what you want to watch on those channels. Fact: others choose what you should watch. And they choose whether you should watch the movie, the tv episode, or the commercials.
If you think at it, you spend countless of hours watching stuff you don’t really care about. It is time for you to make a change.
What you can do is choose when to watch and what to watch.
Here’s what you can do instead of just watching what’s on television:
- Record what you think is most interesting and do something else meanwhile. Watch what you’ve recorded when you have time.
- Download episode of your favourite show. There are perfectly legal ways to download movies and tv shows.
- Hire movies at your local movie rental store. These stores are sometimes hard to find because of the Internet, but they still exist.
This way, you get to decide when to watch your favourite movie or your favourite tv show. Plus you’ll probably be free of commercials, which is worth more than you actually think.
Also, you'll have more time on your hands, meaning you'll have more time to do the things you think are important.