There’s plenty of debate about the phrase “Web 2.0.” Coined as the name of a conference on online trends in 2004, there’s a debate within programming, development, and Internet marketing communities about whether it is meaningful.

The phrase may sound like it refers to an entirely new version of the Internet. But it actually stands for a change in the way people use it. To put it simply, Web 2.0 is all about you-and your friends. Today’s users are finding new ways to express themselves online, through pages on MySpace, blogs and podcasts, and file sharing on sites like Flickr and YouTube. They’re also connecting to their friends and meeting new people through these and other social networking sites.

User-generated content. Perhaps the most common quality of true Web 2.0 sites is that most of the content is provided-or heavily influenced-by users themselves. Just look at some of the prime examples: YouTube, Wikipedia, MySpace, Flickr, and hundreds of others are all places where users supply the content and determine what they see based on their interests and recommendations from others in their social networks.

Ads are secondary. If you think about it, Google’s website is a perfect example of Web 2.0. Go to their home page, and you won’t see any ads. You’ll just see their logo and a window to type in your search phrase. But even though there’s no overt advertising, Google is a big source of revenue for many businesses. With Google, money-making opportunities involve crafting a website that people want to see.

With most Web 2.0 sites, it’s the same. There isn’t much of a formal business model, and direct advertising is rare. When they see it, users tend to be unwelcoming. But these sites are still a powerful venue for savvy marketers who truly understand the community-and know how to deliver the type of content it’s looking for.

A social network. Web 2.0 sites thrive on social networking. They give users a platform to talk about themselves and connect with others who share the same interests. The software has evolved to allow that to happen: blogging, social tagging, peer-to-peer sharing, and wikis are all Web 2.0 applications that allow users to express themselves, share files they like, and leave feedback for others.

As a marketer, social networks can work in your favor. Make an ad, write an article, or create a compelling blog that people like, and you’ll find your readers or viewers are your best advertisers. They’ll forward links to everyone in their network, who will forward to everyone they know-until you’ve reached a huge number of people.

Web-as-platform vs. desktop-as-platform. When defining Web 2.0, many people talk about the evolution of the web as “the platform.” In the past, overarching operating systems such as Microsoft Windows were thought of as “platforms,” because they provided a base on which other programs could be built. Every Windows-compatible program, from Quicken to The Sims, is built to work on a Windows platform.

With Web 2.0, these overarching applications can actually be built to run on a specific website instead of an individual computer. Programmers can then build programs that run on these platforms. For example, Google has mapping services that runs on its API. Social networking sites have their own API’s, with programs that allow users to connect to others, manage bookmarks and favorites, build their own pages, and express themselves through blogs, podcasts, pictures, and video.

A signature look. It might seem a bit superficial, but most Web 2.0 sites share a specific aesthetic-and it’s part of the social nature of the sites.

Web 2.0 relies on user content and feedback to get a site off the ground. To encourage users to participate, most Web 2.0 sites cultivate an approachable, friendly, low-key image. Some, like Craigslist, have an incredibly simple text-dominant look, with almost no distracting graphics. Others rely on cheery primary colors, rounded text, and plenty of white space to give a clean, simple, and accessible impression.

Cutting-edge technology. The technology you’ll find at work on a Web 2.0 site can include Ajax, CSS, Wiki software, tags and tagclouds, blogging software such as WordPress, and open-source software. Many of these technologies make it easier for users to connect and recommend sites to each other, and better express themselves through content and design.

Whether you like the phrase or hate it, Web 2.0 is here to stay. And despite the fact that successful social marketing sites attract millions of visitors every day, many businesses have not learned how to harness the power of marketing to networking sites. Learn all you can about Web 2.0 marketing, and you’re sure to be ahead of the curve.

G Davies works for http://www.gsinc.co.uk . For more information on social media check out the video interview with Ben Wills at http://www.gsinc.co.uk/tips/social-media-websites.html

Windows registry errors are a result of broken file paths, missing extensions and basically any interruption in our operating system. Downloading free trials and new software is a common practice for any computer owner. But, erasing unwanted programs isn’t as easy as the install process. There are plenty of things to keep in mind before we click ‘delete.’

• The best place to uninstall a program is through the Control Panel’s ‘Add/Remove’ Program List.

• Always double check you clicked on the right program box before you choose to remove it. At times, several programs are checked as a default. You wouldn’t want to delete your anti-virus software or anything like that.

• If you’re prompted to delete a ’shared drive,’ don’t delete it! This was help prevent future error messages, in case you remove a file another software program relies on.

• If the program you want to delete isn’t listed under ‘Add/Remove,’ go to Programs and look for the specific software folder. Most have a folder called ‘Manual Uninstall’ which will help you removed the program.

• If you don’t recognize a program in your ‘Add/Remove’ folder, don’t jump and get rid of it. It may have a strange name (leaving you fearful of some virus or worm) but chances are, it’s meant to be there. Consult with someone who knows PC’s or browse the Help database.

Though these bits of advice are one way to prevent crashes and error messages, there are plenty of other Windows registry errors that are more of a challenge to fix. One solution is utilizing registry cleaners to help eliminate headaches.

6StarReviews.com reports that Registry Mechanic doesn’t simply delete broken file paths, but repairs what is causing the malfunction. For a limited time only exclusively on the site, they’re even offering 15% off the software product. If you haven’t mastered the ‘Add-Remove Issue’ and are bombarded with countless errors and slow PC speeds, registry errors may currently be the culprit.

Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and web service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com

In a rapidly changing world of technical jargon, many terms are popping up in everyday conversations and the non-technical professional might be overwhelmed. Podcast, blog, IM, domain, URL… the lingo can make your head spin. However, one such term, RSS, has frequently been showing up everywhere and seeping into the world of Online Marketing as well. For business professionals today, the terminology might be a daunting task to keep up with, but utilizing the Web to your advantage doesn’t have to be.

RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a Web format that allows for certain information to be pulled from multiple Web sites into a central location. What exactly does that mean?

Well, for marketers it means that RSS can be used to either:

A.) Keep prospects up to date with information that your business is constantly updating, like press releases or events.

B.) Increase returning visitors to your site by setting up an RSS feed to display current, pertinent information from other Web sites on your Web site.

For example, let’s say that you manage a local community Web site. An RSS reader could be set up within your Web site to display items like current headlines from the local newspaper Web site or school closings from the local school district site. Also, if sections of your Web site were RSS-compatible, like the news and events section, community members who have RSS readers could keep up to date with local information easier, and encouraged to visit your Web site more often.

RSS feeds are created in a language called XML (or eXtensible Markup Language), a technology already used for various other purposes on and off the Web. Since it is so widespread, many Web developers find it relatively easy to set up these indexes on existing sites. Not only can you keep your existing patrons coming back more often, it can help boost SEO to increase new site traffic by providing another way for Web users to experience your content.

There are many different reasons to use RSS feeds today, from making your Web site’s articles easily accessible to a wider audience, to making it easy for clients to keep up with your company’s blog. The possibilities are endless and so are the sites that are adding RSS everyday.

The best way to learn about how RSS works is to setup your own personal RSS reader. There are a number of readers out there, an example of which is Google’s new Reader. To try it, go to http://reader.google.com (you need a Gmail account) and follow the instructions — it is easy to setup and starts out with a quick video tour. Once you do this, you’ll have a feel for how RSS works from the perspective of someone using it to view your content, and how setting up RSS capabilities on your business Web site can help you boost Web traffic.

Heather Jewell is the Manager of Planning and Administrration of NuRelm. NuRelm is a Web software and services firm that focuses on helping non-technical people compete on the Web. For more information on the benefits of RSS feeds, how to integrate them or any other interactive capabilities for your Web site, Click here to contact us or call 1.877.2NuRelm ext. 204. Don’t forget to visit: http://www.NuRelm.com

Given the number of digicam models being introduced in the market one is likely to get confused while narrowing down on a model. Which should be a buyer’s priority — picture quality or reliability? No doubt, a buyer would look at the specs, before deciding whether the price is worth paying.

First, find out the width the lens can cover. Is the camera able to capture that building or a whole image without your having to go back and forth? Ask for a lens that will give you the width you are looking for.

Apart from lens quality, portability and comfortable handling are also important. You need 5-6 megapixels to get a good quality print out of 4×6″. Anything close to this range (plus or minus 1 or 2 mega pixels) and the image quality is going to be similar.

The camera you select should be compatible with compact flash memory cards. Digicams once used smart media cards which are no longer in use. They have been replaced by compact flash cards with capacities of up to 16GB. Also, Smart Digital cards are available with 8GB capacity.

The compact flash drives and their software drivers are compatible with all operating systems.

Look also at the autofocus speed of a digicam; cheap models after pressing the button take time to get ready for shots. Five frames per second is a speed you can settle for. Especially if you want to take pictures of your kids who move fast, a camera with 5 frames per second is the right choice. For at least a few seconds, the Canon G7 is capable of capturing 5 frames per second, before the internal memory buffer of the camera goes off.

The aperture speed decides the light received by the image sensor through the lens. The Canon G7 model appears to have fast aperture speed. Normally the aperture and shutter speeds play a vital role in ensuring adequate balance of light is reached the image sensor.

Digital noise may affect the quality of a picture; cameras with inbuilt noise reduction capability are available. The Canon G7 comes with inbuilt noise reduction capability of up to ISO 400; this allow you to take pictures holding the camera waist high without bothering about the quality of the picture being affected.

If you want to zero in on your kid or friend on stage and get a good quality picture, then you should look for cameras with image stabilization.

You also need to check battery life, warranty and after sales service.

The Canon G7 fulfils all the above requirements, satisfactorily.

Richard J. Runion is the President of Geostar Publishing & Services LLC. Rich loves net research & blogging. His new blog on Canon G7 digicams is fast becoming popular, as it is comprehensive and well-researched. Read his blog at: http://canong7review.com

Traveling for your holidays is very popular these days. Most states in America promote themselves as tourist destinations in some way as they offer travel incentives for their local areas. There are many options for your vacation, everything from theme parks to national parks.

While planning a holiday travel, you need to decide at the onset what you want, for example, do you want to relax on a beach or enjoy roller coasters and water rides. If a good deal on holiday travel is what you want, check out if travel packages are available around your destination. Such packages, which combine airline fares, hotels and car rentals together, are offered by many travel companies, making it a cost-effective as well as convenient deal to go for.

Once you have chosen your vacation type you can begin searching for a destination. Your destination will often be affected by your budget, so this is also a good time to consider that aspect. Of course you can choose a higher priced destination for a shorter time if you choose not to compromise that aspect of your vacation. Use the Internet to search for a variety of destinations, then discuss them amongst your family. Many popular vacation areas can satisfy a variety of vacation desires as they integrate both relaxing on a beach and the fun and excitement that the more youthful members of your family may be searching for.

When you involve your family, and get a early head start holiday travel can be as exciting as it is to plan a vacation. Travel Packages will probably be cheaper with short notice because companies would rather have families occupied in the room instead of the cost of the room sitting empty. Remember the best deals are found when you plan ahead of time as oppose to a shorter time.

Last minute travel deals are often available if your travel plans are flexible. If you are willing to make last minute changes, there is a good possibility that you can travel at a fraction of the cost paid by those with fixed plans. Of course, if money is not a problem, the security of a fixed plan for any type of vacation you want is possible. If luxury is your goal and price is no object then you can go on the vacation of your dreams. You might choose to rent a yacht off the eastern seaboard, or sip the best wines in the vineyards of California.

If you have a reasonable budget, and do a little bit of careful planning, nothing can stop you from enjoying your holiday travel to the hilt. You can satisfy your wildest dreams, be it a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon or having fun and gambling the night away on the Las Vegas strip.

The are many travel incentives to attract tourists with numerous options for activities ranging from visiting national parks to enjoying yourself at a theme park. Involving your family and getting an early start can be exciting when planning your holiday travel. You can decide if you want to relax on a beach, enjoy roller coasters or water rides. Travel packages can combine airline fares, hotels and car rentals together making a cost-effective and convenient deal. Last minute travel deals are often available if your travel plans are flexible. If you are willing to make last minute changes, you may be able to travel at a fraction of the cost.