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Speed Tweak

Learn speed techniques you can use to increase page download speed. Speed Tweak of the Week shows how to optimize XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, graphics, and other web page components to maximize web site speed and usability.

Don’t Let the Graphics Grinch Steal Your Christmas Bonus

Know what jolly old site owners get when they let their graphics get so plump they shake like a bowl full of jelly? A lump of coal for Christmas. Let our Rudolph guide your way to a merry Christmas and happy New Year with an inspirational rendering of ‘Twas the night before Christmas.
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The Interactive Effects of Website Delay, Breadth, and Familiarity – improve information scent in information foraging theory study

A recent study examined whether website delay, breadth, and familiarity have interactive effects on user psychology and performance. A significant three-way interaction among all three factors showed that the ill effects of delay can be dampened by familiarity and breadth. Developers are urged to consider site familiarity, breadth, and delay together rather than separately.
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Use a Web Accelerator – reviews google web accelerator proxy server uses cache and gzip compression

We review google web accelerator to see how well it speeds up web browsing. Web accelerators speed up web browsers with look-ahead caching, http compression, and proxy servers. This tutorial includes webmaster information.
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Optimize PDF Files – tips on pdf optimization to compress file size & optimizing pdf files – Acrobat 8 review

We review Acrobat 8 Professional (pre-release) and PDF Enhancer 3.1 for optimizing PDF files. The new Acrobat features faster operations, smaller PDFs, a new interface, and the ability to combine different types of files into one PDF. Learn how to use PDF optimization tools to remove redundancies, subset and outline fonts, and compress text and images for faster downloads and higher user satisfaction.
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Clickstream Study Reveals Dynamic Web – fast web navigation in browser study heatmaps

A new browser study revealed a shift in how we interact with the Web. University of Hamburg researchers found the Web moving from static hypertext information to dynamic interactive services. Clickstream heatmaps and web page statistics show rapid interaction over smaller areas of the screen. The authors recommend that web developers create concise, flexible, and fast loading web pages to keep pace with the speed of web navigation.
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Highlight the Current Page with CSS: The Body ID/Class Method – css tutorial on auto-selection of current navigation

This article shows how to automatically highlight menu items that correspond to the current page using CSS and XHTML. These “you are here” waypoints help orient users and improve usability. Using CSS avoids the need for complex scripting which simplifies maintenance and improves performance.
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Combine Images to Save HTTP Requests – use imagemaps on combined images with ismap usemap tutorial

Learn how to reduce the number of HTTP requests required by your web pages by combining adjacent images and optionally imagemapping the links. This tutorial shows both client and server side techniques you can use to save precious HTTP requests and speed up your site.
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CSS Overlays: Using CSS Positioning to Overlay Web Objects – css layout tutorial

Learn how to create an eye-catching overlay with CSS positioning. This CSS-layout technique is faster than image slicing requiring fewer HTTP requests.
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Accessible CSS Forms: Using CSS to Create a Two-Column Layout – replace tables with css layout form tutorial

Websites have become less accessible and more complex over time according to recent studies. Learn how to buck the trend by creating fast, accessible CSS forms that work with modern browsers and gracefully degrade.
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Bookend Lists: Using CSS to Float a Masthead – replace tables with css layout list tutorial

Learn how to create that ‘bookend’ look with lists and CSS positioning. This CSS-layout technique saves a significant amount of XHTML code over tables.
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