By: Sally Strebel

Screen capture software allows a person to capture an image on a computer screen and transfer the image to a graphics file or clipboard. The person can then upload the image to other mediums such as a Page.ly website, Facebook, blog posts, print, etc…

Skitch (Mac)

Not only does Skitch have screen capture capabilities but it also has basic editing features as well as the ability to annotate and text. Sharing with friends happens with a simple copy and paste. There is a signup and download but the service is free and awesome.

Uploaded with plasq’s Skitch!

Jing (Windows, Mac)

Jing is very similar to Skitch but is both Windows and Mac friendly. With Jing a person can capture an image, provide a caption, record video, share over the web and more. Jing is free and easy to download.

Screen Capture Software

Snipping Tool (Windows)

The Snipping Tool is strictly Windows. It appears to have great reviews from windows users. Some Windows versions already have the snipping tool so be sure to do a search on your computer first.

Screen Capture Software

Paparrazzi (Mac)

Ever need to capture an entire webpage and not just a screen? Paparrazzi takes a screenshot of the entire page. Simply enter the web address of the screen you want captured, hit enter, and viola. It free and easy to download.

Paparazzi Screen Capture

Screenshot Plus (Mac Widget)

Screenshot Plus Widget can capture an entire screen, sections of a screen, timed screens, and grab pictures of widgets. It’s only available for Macs and extremely easy to use.

Screenshot Widget

Print Screen Buttons-

Chances are your computer already has screen capturing capabilities.

On Macs- Cmd Shift 3 (entire screen), Cmd Shift 4 (square)
On Windows- Press Alt-PrtSc (Current Window), Press PrintScreen (Entire screen)

Hope this helps. If you know of any other cool screen capture tools, please share.

We are happy to announce the winners of the pagely FREE 4 LIFE contest.

1. @chrismfuller
2. @AndreWillis
3. @keisbs
4. @davidherrold
5. @RefreshingMedia
6. @McLucky34
7. @JaneWMeade
8. @heyitsRachel
9. @jimmygilmore
10. @jgchristopher

Congratulations to them!

Attention Winners: Look for a DM from @pagely within the next little bit with a promo code that will give you FREE SERVICE FOR LIFE when signing up.

Legal Stuff: Page.ly Account is Non-Transferrable after service activation and subject to compliance and acceptance with the Terms of Service. Prize Includes 1 year domain name registration and No Cost Page.ly Service.

By: Sally Strebel

For many, the topic of spam may be well known and this article will serve as a review. However, whether you are new to spam or a spam veteran, I hope to supply some valuable information nuggets.  Please feel free to contribute to the good of the conversation in the comment section.

Spam is unsolicited bulk emails from a stranger. Problems occur when high volumes of spam seize an inbox burying legitimate emails.  This article briefly explains where the term spam comes from, how spammers commandeer addresses, and how to reduce or eliminate spam intake. Page.ly offers forms to help people minimize/eliminate spam occurrences.

Where did the term spam come from?

The very first spam was sent in 1978 by DEC through an ARPANET directory but the bulk mail did not inherit the name spam as of yet. The term spam originated from a skit by Monty Python’s Flying Circus. In the following Monty Python spam clip, a chef “force feeds” verbal spam to a gentleman inquiring about the menu. Early research by Brad Templeton determined MUD picked up the term from the clip and gave it the new meaning.

How did spammers get my address?

Spammers gather emails using many techniques. With one method they create spambots to search/spider millions of websites in search of the @ sign. Once they find an @ sign, they add the address to their collection. Spammers also create sites with great offers such as a sweepstakes or purchase addresses from large companies holding contests. These sweepstake/contest sites require an email address to enter and later the addresses are sold to spammers. Another method requires that you “opt in” to receive mailings from an institution’s partners. If you agreed to receive mailings, your address was sold to a spammer.  Also, spammers use software to test the validity of millions of random email addresses that are housed at large email companies. In other words, they enter the email into the “forgot user name” field and if it’s valid, spammers know that it is a legit address and then they sell it. Another method spammers use involves sending out viruses to personal computers which turns them into “zombie machines”. The spammer then uses the personal computer as a middle man to send their unsolicited emails. Phishing occurs when a fake site portraying a real site gathers personal information from individuals and then sells the information.

How can I reduce or eliminate spam?

Many options exist to reduce spam. When entering your email address to websites look for information claiming that they don’t share information with 3rd parties. Sites with CAPTCHA’s offer a little more protection. Spam filtering software also helps reduce spam. Gmail prides it’s filters and claims that they remove 99% of spam mail. MailWasherPro and Cloudmark ActiveFilter are two other filters. Many filters exist. Today numerous companies, including the White House, provide a form to fill out. The form allows parties to receive mail without subjecting email addresses to potential spammers. Page.ly uses forms.

Did you know?

- Close to half of spam emails are sent in plain text
- 2009 saw a huge increase in spammers advertising their own spamming services
- Spammers usually use an image to advertise their services through email
- 2009 shows a decrease in phishing scams
- The main sources of spam comes from Asia and Latin America
- The first half of 2009’s email traffic received an average of 85.5% in spam.
- Shorter messages pass through spam filters easier
- Spammer’s recycled IP addresses cause problems for the next person who receives the address
- CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 allows companies to spam individuals until they opt-out

Resources-

http://www.viruslist.com/en/analysis?pubid=204792072

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spam

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/spam4.htm

http://www.templetons.com/brad/spamterm.html

There has been such great interest in the forthcoming page.ly white label reseller program we thought we would share a few more details about the program.

1. Page.ly Resellers (PageSmiths) will manage most of their business via a custom Wordpress Plugin. (See screens below)
2. PageSmiths can set their own price margins on service
3. Create unique product/service upsells. Example: a $150/mo recurring SEO package.
4. Create unique promo codes to offer discount incentives
5. Customized header/footer of client signup pages
6. Select which themes to offer at signup (Future release)

That’s all we can share for now.. Please be sure to let us know you want to be reminded when the reseller option is available.

WHAT IS PAGE.LY? Page.ly is a online service that provides web hosting, domains, email, and automates the installation of the popular Wordpress platform. Find out if page.ly is right for you.

Click image to enlarge.