How To Guides

You've likely heard of Web sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. These types of tools, collectively known as social networking sites, allow individuals (and sometimes organizations) to create online profiles, discover others who share their interests, and create an online network of contacts and supporters.

By Brett Bonfield

Source : icthubknowledgebase

Every time anyone uses your networked ICT systems your organisation is exposed to risk. This article is aimed at people looking after those networks. It looks at the major threats and makes recommendations for tackling them.

By Morgan Killick  (source: icthubknowledgebase.org.uk)

Why do laptop prices vary so widely? After looking at general considerations for any laptop purchase, this article describes some of the variables the prospective laptop buyer will need to consider.

By Morgan Killick 

Thin client networks have been around for a long time, but what are they and when is appropriate to use them? This article gives an overview thin client networks, their pros and cons, and options available.

In the final instalment of a three-part series, we look at Microsoft's Windows 2003 Server and Small Business Server Software in more detail. Specifically Microsoft's Windows 2003 Server and Small Business Server.

In the second of a three-part series starting with So You Think You Want a Server?, we look at the options for Server Hardware in more detail. An article on Server Software concludes the series.

The debate about Macs Vs PCs is not just about posy design icons versus beige work horses. There are strengths and weaknesses of both choices, and plenty of times when a Mac might just be the right answer.

So you think you want a Server? But are you ready for one? This article discusses some of the most popular reasons for acquiring a Server, potential drawbacks, costs involved in purchasing, installation and support, and prerequisites for getting one.

It is important to have a good grasp of these issues before undertaking a Server project as there may be cheaper solutions on the market that may help in your particular situation.

By Andrew Cohen

Successful online communities require more than a software package. In this article, we outline the strategies and features that can help you build online message boards, social networks, or other conversation based sites that become vibrant, useful communities.

This article is courtesy of Idealware, which provides candid information to help nonprofits choose effective software. For more articles and reviews, go to www.idealware.org.

These days, an organisation can create an online community site in minutes. But creating an actual online community takes much longer.

courtesy of Techsoup.org

Sometimes when you come across something online, you just know it's a gem that needs to be shared. This is one of those items. Chris Brogan put together a really comprehensive list of 50 Steps to Establishing a Consistent Social Media Practice on his blog about community and social media. It's chock full of good advice, day-to-day practice, tools to streamline your processes, and an abundance of comments with even more good tips from the peanut gallery.

Some of the things off his list that I've found most useful when developing social media strategy for nonprofits are:

• Build an editorial calendar to think about your posting schedule and subject matter.
• On all your presence points, be human, and write a human-sounding profile. Use a human-seeming profile picture. (Did I mention “human?”)
• Use tagging and other metadata to improve your blog’s search features. Most newer blog software has this built in. If not, look for plugins.
• To create consistent content, read daily, and not just for your industry. Skim, synthesize, and post.
• Invite your audience in to guest post where appropriate.
• Look for cross-promotional opportunities for like-minded blogs in your space.
• Set 3 month goals to review progress with upper management. Determine if this is having any impact.
• Though these last 10 tips are about numbers, NEVER treat people like numbers in social media.

Overall, he's got great tips and things to think about when developing your own social media strategy. Check out his list of 50 steps and think about the ones most valuable to your organization. Now, the big challenge is finding someone to add a few extra hours to the day so there's time to do them all!