Tom’s Hardware Evaluation

Tom’s Hardware is a frequent stop for hardware and PC enthusiasts. A one stop shop for reviews, specs, builds, releases, and tech news; tomshardware.com is an incredible resource with incredible content.

Content

Tom’s Hardware is filled with content written by hundreds of creators. If you can stick it in a computer, then  there is an article about it. The content is extremely useful. Content creators are techies and their articles are backed by manufacturer specs and stress tests. Active and relevant comment threads grant increased validity and provide further information. Advertisements aren’t distracting but function as the main images of the site providing ads from relevant hardware manufacturers.

Structure

The structure of the website is simple. The  homepage has subtle navigation with pages that help filter articles by categories or tags. The prominent way to navigate is through the built in search that can filter specifically by the model of the hardware you are searching for. Beneath the homepage lies the masses of articles that are neatly disguised as fully fleshed out pages, but simply pull in elements from the homepage and specific content based on their tags.

Behavior

There isn’t any incredible behavior elements of Tom’s Hardware. There are some nice dropdowns from the nav and a useful  lightbox enlargement of photos. There is also a scrollable gallery of the latest articles on the homepage which is useful for frequent and daily users.

Design

The website is not very nice to look at. It is very clear that the emphasis is on content and styling seems to be mainly used to ensure that the content is usable. Red bars, white backgrounds, and lots of text makes Tom’s Hardware feel like a newspaper. The static design elements are really uncomfortable especially for widescreen users which most PC enthusiasts are. Some of the icons and nav elements are very sleek and pleasing but contradict the stark print feel of the rest of the site. The design doesn’t make the content unusable, but it certainly doesn’t boast user friendly. The design definitely doesn’t reinforce the site’s tagline as “the Authority on Tech.”

In all, Tom’s Hardware get’s a 10/10 on content, but I’d rather follow them on Google+ or subscribe to their RSS feed rather than spend time on their site. If I do visit the page I go straight to the search bar to bypass the homepage and jump straight into whatever content I’m looking for.

Google Power Searching

Use define:(term) to find definitions without typing as many words! This is much better than typing What is the definition of coagulate? Instead; type define:coagulate.

Search by file type using filetype:(extension). This will filter results based on extension. For Example, find a cat vector using cat filetype:svg.

OR will help find synonyms or alternatives. Maybe you are searching for biological articles about philodendron xanadu, but you know that the article may contain botany instead of biology. Search philodendron xanadu botany OR biology.

Use intext: to verify word is contained in a page. To verify a philodendron xanadu article is biology related, seach philodendron xanadu intext:biology

Use WHOIS to find site owner. WHOIS youtube.com will show that Youtube is owned by Google Inc.

Web-based services: DeviantArt

DeviantArt is a hub where artists (deviants) submit there artwork (deviations). DeviantArt has always been focused on creative freedom and expression. As a result, the site is home to ideas and media of all kinds. Media ranges from sketches to vector logos and even literary works. The pros of DeviantArt are that you can find graphics about anything and individual artists have unique spins on pre-existing themes. The cons of DeviantArt come with almost any art site; inappropriate images and masses of strange fan creations. However, that is part of creative expression. Luckily, the site revolves around searching, filters, and categories. A proper search will filter out the things you don’t really want to see. I’ve been a deviant for almost ten years and I frequently visit the site to gather inspiration. A quick search, based on whatever I’m currently working on, shows me what hundreds of other artist have created: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From this, I have learned interesting techniques and what not to do. Deviants, also love to share their Photoshop brushes, templates, and image bases.

Embedded Presentation: Virtualization

Hello World!

The first week of the IT minor has been totally tubular! I’ve enjoyed learning about the program and I think that it offers a lot more than I expected. Initially, my expectations involved getting hands on web design and learning professional skills. I did not quite expect a strong emphasis on foundations and am greatful that I’ll be learning some of the more technical skills . My new goal is to become a technical savant using adaptive methods to deliver professional and quality web solutions in individual and collaborative settings. Already, I am enjoying the environment and am looking forward to building a network with my fellow classmates.