• Jul, Mon, 2023
web development

Maximize AdSense Revenue by Fixing Ads.txt File Issues

Increase AdSense Earnings by Resolving Ads.txt File Problems

To fix the AdSense Revenue issue,  I decided to write this blog post to share a fix that I recently applied to my website that may indeed be helpful to others who might experience the same problem. The error I encountered said, “Earnings at risk – You need to fix some ads.txt file issues to avoid severe impact on your revenue.”

The issue started with the notice showing up on my Google AdSense dashboard. It was puzzling to me as I already had my ads.txt file correctly placed in the root folder of my website. From my understanding, this file is needed to verify the authenticity of the publisher’s ad space and ensure that the advertising is safe for all users. The ads.txt file is a simple, flexible, and secure method that publishers and distributors can utilize to declare who is authorized to sell their inventory, improving transparency for programmatic buyers.

Despite everything appearing in order, I was continually informed by the AdSense Platform that there were issues with my ads.txt file that could seriously impact my revenue. This was frustrating, to say the least.

I fished around the internet for solutions and while a lot of advice pointed to the ads.txt file potentially being missing from the root directory, or the file being incorrectly formatted, this wasn’t the case for me. I had the file correctly placed, and it was formatted as per AdSense’s specific guidelines.

A little more investigation and a fresh perspective on the problem led me to a solution. On a hunch, I decided to try and exclude the front page of my website from displaying any ads. This might seem like a bit of an odd strategy, but I figured it might make a difference, and I was right.

AdSense

Once I made this change, the status in my AdSense account shifted to “Authorized.” Just like that, the error message was gone.

It seems that for whatever reason, the main page displaying ads was causing some form of conflict, and removing the ads from this page cleared the issue. It was a surprising result, considering how much longer I’d spent on trying to resolve the issue with other methods.

If you’re seeing the same error in your AdSense account and have tried the more general ads.txt troubleshooting methods without success, then it might be worth giving this a try.

In conclusion, I would say don’t forget that sometimes unconventional solutions solve problems just as effectively as conventional ones. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try different things. Hope this helps some of you out there!

Best of luck!

  • Jul, Sun, 2023
FortiGate

The Power of Real-Time Threat Maps

Boost Security with Live Cyber Threat Maps

As technology evolves rapidly, so do the methods of digital warfare. In the ever-growing world of cybersecurity, accessibility to real-time threat maps has become essential. These dynamic tools not only visualize the stunning depth and breadth of global cyber threats but also provide crucial insights to repel attacks better and enhance system protections. One excellent example is Kaspersky’s real-time threat map, an exciting cocktail of features like OAS (On Access Scan), ODS (On-Demand Scan), MAV (Mail Antivirus), WAV (Web Antivirus), and more , providing a birds-eye view on the activity in the cyber world.

Numerous organizations today, offering antivirus, anti-malware, and an array of other products, serve as the frontline defense in this seemingly endless cyber warfare. As these devices tirelessly scan, protect, and report anomalies, they fuel the cloud with potent insights. These invaluable snippets of digital intelligence enable the companies to continually refine their security posture, fortification dynamics, and of course, their products’ efficiency, promising unprecedented security for their customers.

Dynamic threat maps are not only about influencing cybersecurity efforts; they also serve to entertain and educate individuals about the severity and intricacies of the digital threat landscape. Kaspersky’s online threat map, accessible here wonderfully epitomizes this claim. An immersive experience, the map displays different types of attacks ranging from botnets, intrusions, and vulnerabilities, the regions they emanate from, and their respective destinations. Plus, the user-friendly interface allows you to interact, learn, and effectually negate these threats from your devices.

Kasper Live Cyber Threat Maps

Similarly, yet uniquely, Bitdefender’s threat map (available at threatmap.bitdefender.com) emerges as another robust platform to track and understand cyber threats. Displaying a captivatingly animated, real-time threat map, Bitdefender lets you monitor, in all its realistic glory, the incidents of attacks and infections happening around the globe. It’s like having your personal watching tower, providing an eagle’s view of the digital battle unfolding worldwide.

Bitdefender Live Cyber Threat Maps

In conclusion, these real-time threat maps provide a compelling, engaging, and enlightening perspective into the universe of cyber threats. Whether you’re a cybersecurity enthusiast, an industry professional, or an organization seeking to improve its defenses, these threat maps are invaluable tools in countering the digital menace threatening our connected world. With the likes of Kaspersky and Bitdefender at the forefront, these real-time maps stand as the symbolic embodiments of our collective efforts to confront and dismantle the cyber threats looming large over the horizon.

  • Jul, Sat, 2023
network

Why DNS is Essential: The Internet’s Phonebook Directory

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phonebook of the Internet. Whenever you want to visit a website, you type in the website’s name, such as www.google.com. But your computer and the internet communicate using IP addresses (numbers), not names. Your computer doesn’t instinctively know what IP address www.google.com corresponds to, just like you wouldn’t know a person’s numeric phone number by only knowing their name. That’s where DNS comes in.

0 KNOfmhs1x c2v4U

To understand the role of DNS, imagine that you have to dial a friend’s phone number. Still, instead of being able to use their name stored in your phone contact list, you had to remember and dial their full number every time. Tough, right? The situation would have been even harder if you had to remember the phone numbers for every single person you wanted to call—pretty much impossible without an infinite photographic memory. 

By translating domain names that humans can understand into IP addresses that the internet can understand, DNS saves us from the Herculean task of remembering each and every IP address of websites we visit.

This fantastic system doesn’t only apply to websites but is also crucial for other network services like email servers, file servers, and print servers. Imagine wanting to print a document at work. Without DNS, you would have to remember the IP address of that specific printer amongst many in the building!

Let’s take a common example; when someone uses the familiar ‘ping google.com’ command in the terminal or command prompt. Here’s what happens behind the scenes: when you use this command, your computer first has to translate ‘google.com’ into an IP address to know where to send the ‘ping’. That’s where DNS comes in. It takes the name ‘google.com’ and translates it into the respective IP address which is what the computer understands.

ping google

After the translation, if you take this given IP address and paste it into your browser’s address bar, Google’s search engine will open. This shows that while humans interact with the internet using friendly names like google.com, the actual work is done using IP addresses assigned to these names by DNS.

firefox
google

In conclusion, DNS makes our lives significantly easier by acting as an efficient and effective directory, allowing us to reach any network destination by using easy-to-remember names instead of complex numeric IP addresses. It’s a powerful backbone of the internet that ensures our online journeys are smooth and efficient.

  • Mar, Sun, 2023
computer troubleshooting

USB Standards & Connector Types

What is a USB and What are its Standards & Connector Types?

USB standards are a set of specifications and protocols developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) to ensure compatibility between different types of USB devices and computers. The standards define the physical and electrical characteristics of the USB interface, the data transfer protocols, and the power delivery and charging protocols. USB standards are regularly updated to keep up with the latest technology and to ensure compatibility with new devices.

USB connectors come in three main types – Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the device to be connected. It’s important to understand the history of USB standards and the different types of connectors available in order to make sure that you are using the right type for your device.

Since its introduction in 1996, USB (Universal Serial Bus) has become the computer industry standard for connecting devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, cameras and other peripherals. Over the years, various versions of USB standards have been released, each with its own type of connector, making it faster, more reliable, and more widely used than ever before.

Understand USB Standards & Explore All Connector Types

USB Standards

USB connectors are an essential part of modern technology, allowing us to connect our devices to computers, phones, and other devices. But with so many different types of USB connectors, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your device. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to understanding the different USB connector types and standards, from USB 1.1 to the latest USB 3.2.

We’ll start by looking at the different USB connector types.

  • USB Type-A is the most common type of USB connector and is found on most computers and other devices. It’s a rectangular connector with two flat sides and two angled sides.
  • USB Type-B is a square connector with four flat sides and is typically used for connecting printers and other devices to computers.
  • USB Type-C is the newest type of USB connector and is becoming increasingly popular due to its small size and reversible design.

Next, we’ll look at the different USB standards.

  • USB 1.1 is the oldest USB standard and is now considered obsolete.
  • USB 2.0 is the most common standard found on most computers and devices.
  • USB 3.0 is the latest standard and offers faster data transfer speeds than USB 2.0.
  • USB 3.1 is an even faster version of USB 3.0.
  • USB 3.2 is the latest version, offering even faster data transfer speeds.

Finally, we’ll look at compatibility. Generally speaking, newer USB connectors are backward compatible with older USB standards. For example, a USB 3.2 device can be connected to a USB 2.0 port. However, it’s important to note that the data transfer speeds will be limited to the speed of the older USB standard.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the different USB connector types and standards, from USB 1.1 to the latest USB 3.2. With the right connection, you can ensure that your devices are compatible and that you’re getting the most out of your USB connection.

  • Feb, Mon, 2023
computer troubleshooting

HDDs vs SSDs vs NVMe: What’s the Difference?

Unlock Maximum Performance: HD vs SSD vs NVMe – How to Speed Up Your Computer

HD, SSD, and NVMe

When it comes to storage, there are a variety of options available. Two of the most common types of storage are hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). But, what about NVMe? How does it differ from HDDs and SSDs? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between HDDs, SSDs, and NVMe to help you make the best decision for your storage needs.

  • HDDs are the traditional type of storage that have been around for decades. They use spinning disks to read and write data, making them slower than other types of storage. HDDs are also typically larger in size and more affordable than other types of storage. Examples include the Seagate Barracuda and the Western Digital Caviar.
  • SSDs, on the other hand, are faster than HDDs because they don’t use spinning disks. Instead, they use flash memory to read and write data, which is much faster than spinning disks. SSDs are also typically smaller in size and more expensive than HDDs. Examples include the Samsung 860 EVO and the SanDisk Ultra 3D.
  • NVMe is a type of storage that is even faster than SSDs. It is based on the PCI Express protocol, which allows for faster data transfer rates. NVMe is typically used for high-performance applications like gaming, video editing, and data analysis. It is also more expensive than both HDDs and SSDs.Examples include the Samsung 970 Pro and the Intel Optane 900P.

Upgrade Your PC Performance with NVMe Drives

So which type of storage device is right for you? It depends on your needs and budget. HDDs are the most affordable option, but they’re also the slowest. SSDs are faster and more reliable, but they’re also more expensive. NVMe is the fastest and most reliable option, but it’s also the most expensive. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of storage device is right for you.

The prices of hard drives, SSDs, and NVMe drives vary widely depending on the size, brand, and type of drive. Generally, hard drives range from around $50 to over $200 AUD, while SSDs range from around $50 to over $500 AUD and NVMe drives range from around $100 to over $1000 AUD.

Hopefully, this has helped you understand the differences between HDDs, SSDs, and NVMe. Now you can make an informed decision about which type of storage is best for your needs.

  • Feb, Tue, 2023
web development

Understanding User Access Levels in WordPress for Secure Management

WordPress is a powerful platform that enables users to create and manage websites. It provides seven distinct user access levels, each with its own set of privileges and capabilities. This article will discuss the different user access levels in WordPress and how they can be used to create an effective website.

The seven access levels in WordPress include Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, Subscriber, Shop Manager, and Custom User Roles. Each of these roles has its own set of privileges and capabilities that allow users to control who can view or edit content on their website. Administrators have the highest level of control over the website while Editors are able to manage content but not change settings. Authors are able to write posts but not publish them without approval from an Editor or Administrator. Contributors can write posts but cannot publish them without approval from an Editor or Administrator. Subscribers have the least amount of control over the website as they are only able to read content posted by other users. Shop Managers manage online stores, allowing store owners to easily create, customize and manage their online shops with minimal effort. They also provide multiple options for customers to purchase products and services from their stores.

WordPress user access level

The current WordPress role categories are:

  1. Administrator is the highest level of user with full control over the site, including content, plugins, themes, users, etc. This user has access to all pages, posts, and admin functions, making it the ideal role for the content manager.
  2. Editor role in WordPress manages content, such as creating, editing, publishing, deleting posts/pages, moderating comments, and managing categories, tags, and links. Ideal for internal employees.
  3. Authors can manage and publish their own posts, edit and delete them, and manage their profiles, including changing passwords and info. Ideal for experienced freelancers/contractors.
  4. Contributors can create and edit posts, but not publish them. They can also comment on other posts. Ideal for new writers needing practice or freelancers needing approval before publishing.
  5. Subscribers can read and comment on posts and pages, but not create or edit them. They can update their profile page. Content managers use the subscriber level for authors who don’t need access, such as internal employees or guest writers.
  6. Customers can view orders, files, and account info, but can’t change the site or access admin features.
  7. Shop Manager in WordPress oversees store setup, product management, order processing, customer accounts, payment settings, shipping, taxes, and WooCommerce store management.

The capabilities of a website can be tailored to meet specific requirements by customizing existing roles and adding new roles as needed.

Content managers play an important role in keeping user access to content secure and up-to-date. It is essential for content managers to regularly review user access and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that users have the appropriate level of access to the content they need for their work, while also protecting confidential information from unauthorized access. By regularly reviewing user access, content managers can also ensure that users are not granted more privileges than necessary, which can lead to potential security risks.

  • Feb, Sun, 2023
network

How to Recover Passwords on Cisco Devices

Cisco password recovery using ROMMON mode is a process that allows a user to reset the password of a Cisco device that has been locked out due to a forgotten password. This process requires the user to access the device’s ROMMON mode, which is a special boot mode that allows the user to access the device’s firmware. Once in ROMMON mode, the user can reset the device’s password and gain access to the device.

Cisco ROMMON (ROM Monitor) is a bootstrap program that initializes the hardware and boots the operating system software on Cisco routers and switches.

The configuration register in Cisco IOS is a 16-bit register that can be used to control certain aspects of the router’s behavior, such as how the router boots up. It can also be used to enable or disable certain features, such as the ability to boot from a TFTP server.

The steps for Cisco password recovery are:

cisco console port

  1. Connect to the device via console cable.
  2. Power cycle the device.
  3. When the device begins to boot, press the Break key on the keyboard – The router will enter ROMMON mode.
    • This break signal will interrupt the boot process and allow the user to access the device’s ROMMON mode.
    • To send a break signal using a Putty terminal, press and hold the Ctrl key and press the Break key. This will send a break signal to the terminal.
  4. At the rommon prompt, type the command “confreg 0x2142” and press Enter.
    • This command sets the configuration register to 0x2142, which tells the router to ignore the startup configuration (which holds the passwords and configuration) and boot into ROMMON mode.
  5. Type the command “reset” and press Enter.
    • The command “reset” in ROMMON mode is used to reset the device to its factory default settings (no configuration on the device at all).
  6. The router will reboot and enter setup mode.
  7. At the setup prompt, type “no” and press Enter.
  8. Type “enable” and press Enter.
  9. Type ”copy startup-config running-config” and press Enter
    • This command will copy the startup-config to the running-config, overwriting any existing configuration in the running-config.
  10. Type “configure terminal” and press Enter.
  11. Type “enable secret <password>” and press Enter.
  12. Type “exit” and press Enter.
  13. Type “copy running-config startup-config” and press Enter.
  14. Type “reload” and press Enter.
  15. The router will reboot and the new password will be set.
  • Feb, Thu, 2023
web development

Choosing a Hosting Service

7 Considerations for Choosing the Right Hosting Service

  1. Price.
  2. Reliability.
  3. Security.
  4. Scalability.
  5. Support.
  6. Features.
  7. Reputation.

Hosting Service

When selecting a hosting service, consider type, storage, support, cost, reliability, security, scalability, ease of use, and customer service. Research and compare services to ensure the right one is chosen for the website’s needs. Consider traffic and bandwidth usage when selecting a package. Researching and comparing services can help ensure the best hosting service is chosen.

When selecting a hosting service, consider the following factors:

  • Customer service – Look for contact options such as live chat, toll-free phone number, etc.
  • Availability – Determine if the service is available 24/7 or only during specific business hours.
  • Band width and storage – Consider the amount of bandwidth and storage you need for your website.
  • Plans and Pricing – Compare different plans and pricing options to find the best fit for your budget.
  • Location – Consider the location and target audience.
  • Scalability – Ensure scalability.
  • Security – Ensure adequate security.

Examples of Popular Web Hosting Services:  HostGator and DreamHost.

Another example is DreamHost which provides multiple choices for hosting and email services.

Be sure to thoroughly examine your purchases to make sure you understand the renewal terms. Additionally, look into web hosting reviews to compare different packages and providers.

  • Feb, Wed, 2023
web development

Getting a Domain Name

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Domain Name and Finding the Right Domain Registrar

Getting a Domain Name

Domain Registrar

A domain registrar is an organization that manages the reservation of domain names. It is responsible for registering domain names and ensuring their availability to be purchased by customers. Domain registrars are also responsible for maintaining the list of available domains, as well as providing other services such as DNS hosting and website hosting. When a customer wishes to purchase a domain name, they will contact a domain registrar who will then check if the desired name is available and reserve it for them. Once the purchase has been completed, the customer will be able to use their new domain name for their website or email address.

  • Google Domains and Hover only provide domain registration. 

  • Blue Host and Dream Host are hosting companies that offer hosting and domains. 

When your domain registration expires, it will no longer be assigned to you and will go back into the pool of available domains. This means that anyone else can register the domain name if they choose to do so. Most registrars will send out expiry reminders prior to the expiration date, allowing you to renew your registration and keep your domain name. It is important to remember that if you do not renew your registration before it expires, someone else may register the domain name and you could lose control of it.

ICANN

To register a domain name, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires your contact information. This information is stored in the WHOIS database, which is a public database that contains the contact information of domain owners. ICANN requires this information to ensure that domain names are registered with accurate and up-to-date contact details. It also helps to protect against the malicious activity such as cyber-squatting or trademark infringement. By providing your contact details, you can help protect yourself and others from fraudulent activities related to your domain name.

whois.com

WHOIS is a service offered by domain registrars that allows you to look up information about a domain name. This includes when the domain was first registered when it expires, and who owns it. It also shows contact information for the domain owner, including their name, address, phone number and email address.

However, not all registrars offer WHOIS Privacy as part of their registration services. If this privacy service is being used then the contact information will default to the registrar’s contact information instead of the actual owner’s details. In this case, you can use WHOIS.com to look up the registrar’s contact details in order to get in touch with them regarding any queries or issues related to the domain name.

If you don’t have a website (how to publish a website), it doesn’t mean that you can’t make use of your domain name. You can still use a domain name for various other purposes. One way is to redirect your domain to another website or page, such as a social media profile or an online store. You can also set up a custom email address using your domain name and create an email account with any popular email provider. This will give you the opportunity to create a professional-looking email address for yourself or your business and make it easier for customers and contacts to reach out to you.

  • Feb, Fri, 2023
web development

Website Hosting Platform Comparison

How to Choose Which Platform is Right for You & Your Web Design Goals?

Website Hosting Platform Comparison

Exploring the Different Types of Web Hosting Services

  • Website Builder – This service provides you with the ability to quickly create and customize pre-built themes for your website, without needing any coding knowledge. You can easily make changes to the look or functionality of your website in a matter of minutes, allowing you to get your website up and running in no time.

    • web hosting is supplied by platforms such as Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace.

    • This is a good option. if you want something to be built quickly.
  • Self-Hosted Website – It requires a lot of technical coding experience and knowledge of web technologies.  Additionally, hosting your own website gives you more freedom to make changes as needed without relying on third-party services.
  • CMS or Static Site Generators – also a Self-Hosted solution. it’s a mix of website builders and coding which is fully customized. use templates for design and content.
    • WordPress and Magento are popular examples of CMS (Content Management Systems).
    • Jekyll, Hugo, and  Eleventy are examples of Static Site Generators.

Having an email address with your own domain name is a great way to enhance your online presence. With most hosting companies, you can easily create an email account using your domain name. This allows you to have a professional-looking email address that looks more professional than a generic one from a free provider.

Shared hosting is the most popular choice for new or small businesses because it is cost-effective and offers a lot of features. It allows businesses to host multiple websites from one server without having to invest in expensive hardware. It also provides a range of benefits such as scalability, high uptime, and easy setup. Additionally, shared hosting plans come with various features like domain name registration, email accounts, website builders, and more. All of these make shared hosting an ideal option for new or small businesses who are looking for an affordable way to get their website up and running quickly.