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By Christina Laun

Researching family history used to mean spending hours pouring through archives in libraries and public records. With the growing power of the Internet, however, now you may not even have to leave your home to find the information you need about your family. There are loads of sites dedicated to helping people build their family histories, find records and even learn the origins of their family names. Here are a few sites where you can start your search to build a bigger, better family tree.

Websites

These major sites can be a great starting points for your genealogical research.

1. Ancestry.com: Ancestry.com is one of the largest genealogy sites on the Web, with billions of names that you can search through to find your relatives as well as gain access to historical records, genealogy communities, family tree makers and much more.
2. RootsWeb: Unlike many of the online genealogy sites, RootsWeb is free to use, and you do not need to pay a monthly or yearly fee for access. Users can browse through searchable databases of historical and genealogical information as well as create online family trees to display their findings.
3. Geneaology.com: This membership-based site will allow you to search through information, build online family trees, subscribe to certain types of information, and even look at celebrity family trees.
4. SurnameWeb: This online genealogy project is based solely on the history of your surname. Simply enter in your last name and you’ll get access to loads of resources that can help you trace your name’s history and find others with the same name.
5. Family Tree Maker Online: Get access to more features online with the website for this popular software choice. Owners of Family Tree Maker can meet and talk to others with the program, read a blog about new features and learn more about genealogy.
6. US GenWeb Project: This project is dedicated to keeping genealogy research free of charge. It compiles loads of free resources and archives by state as well as providing access to special projects the group works on.
7. Cyndi’s List: Don’t waste your time scouring the Web looking for genealogy resources. This site organizes just about anything you could need into one large comprehensive guide to the best of genealogy on the Web.
8. Lost Cousins: Find your long lost cousins with this site. Enter in your family history and the program will put you in touch with anyone else out there who shares the same ancestors.
9. WeRelate: This wiki project is sponsored by the Foundation for On-Line Genealogy and has grown to become the largest genealogy wiki out there. You can add your own family history to the site and look at the information provided by millions of others.
10. FamilySearch: This site is home to one of the largest collections of genealogical research tools available. Even better, it’s free, so you don’t have to pay to look through their records.
11. GeneaNet: Go international with this multi-lingual genealogy site. You’ll be able to search through information, chat with others and build your own family tree online.
12. Genealogy Today: Here, researchers will find both pay and free databases for their use as well as access to loads of informative articles, guides and helpful information.

Archives and Records

Get access to all kinds of historical records through these online archives.

13. Library of Congress Local History and Genealogy Reading Room: Take advantage of one of the largest libraries in the United States through this website. You’ll gain access to any genealogical resources the library has and learn a little more about researching family histories.
14. National Archives and Records Administration: While not always the easiest information to peruse, the National Archives are full of records that can be a big help in your quest for information about relatives.
15. Social Security Death Index: If you’re looking for more recent relatives, the Social Security Death Index can be a great way to find them. Records go back to 1937 and cover any relatives who were given a Social Security number.
16. Internment.net: Search through thousands of cemeteries nationwide for the graves of your relatives. You can find out birth and death information as well as additional information about family connections through this site.
17. Access Genealogy: This free online resource is full of archives you can use. It covers everything from Census records to genealogical records for African Americans.
18. Footnote: Footnote is an original and innovative site that lets users from all over the world upload original documents and photographs. You may even be able to find some that belonged to your relatives. It’s a great way to learn about your own history as well as that of others.
19. Genealogy Bank: You’ll be able to search through the archives on this site to find information on your family history. Perhaps one of the best features, however, is the timeline creator which lets you build a timeline of important events in a family member’s life.
20. Find a Grave: Learn where even your most distant relatives were laid to rest with this tool. If you have photographs you can upload them to the site as well as obituaries and other death information.
21. DocumentsOnline: Those doing research on relatives from the UK can take advantage of this large archive of records that has been digitized and is available through the website for researchers.
22. JewishGen: If you are of Jewish heritage you may be able to find information about your ancestors through this site. You can search through records from a number of countries and get in touch with others keeping records of their family history.
23. Global Gazetteer: Find the homes and resting places of your family members using this site. It has satellite images of locations all over the world to give you an idea of where you’re from.
24. Census Links: Census records can be tedious to go through, but this site combines many links to sites all over the world to make it just a little less painful to research.
25. The Records Room: This site combines links to records like birth certificates, census reports, marriage and divorce papers, and much more to make finding the information you need easier.
26. Vital Rec: Here you’ll find vital records on births, deaths and marriages across the US as well as information on how you can request copies of this information.

Crests and Coats of Arms

Find out what coat of arms represents your family name with these helpful resources.

27. House of Names: Memorialize your family crest with merchandise from this site. You can get high quality print outs or even mouse pads with your family logo.
28. All Family Crests: Here you’ll find a simple search tool to help you find a crest, if there is one, that matches up with your family name and you can print it out for free.
29. Coats of Arms and Family Crests: Find simple renditions of your coat of arms with this easy-to-use site.

Charts and Forms

Keep your family tree information organized and accessible with these tools for charting relationships online and off.

30. OurTimeLines.com: Here you’ll be able to generate interesting webpages that can give you some insight to the lives of your ancestors. It shows how your life or the lives of anyone in your family fits into major events in history.
31. Online Family Tree Maker: This free software allows you to connect with others who may already have parts of your family tree online or to start your own. People can then search through your tree for information and you can do the same with theirs.
32. Geni.com: This sleek and easy-to-use site gives you access to an online family tree maker. It’s private, so only people in your family will have access to the information.
33. Genealogy Forms and Charts: Get all the charts and forms that professional genealogists use through this site. They’re free to download, print and use at your discretion.
34. My Family Health Portrait: Chart your family’s medical history with this site. You’ll be able to see where certain risks for illnesses may have come from and create a more comprehensive family health history.
35. SharedTree: This open source site allows users to create free online family trees and to share their information with other researchers.

Networking

Meet others looking to find out more about their family histories on these sites. Who knows, you might even find a distant relative!

36. CousinConnect: On this site you’ll be able to submit questions about family members you’re looking for or search through other peoples’ queries to see if you can answer any of their questions.
37. GenCircles: Here you’ll be able to upload your family tree and share it over the Web. You’ll also be able to talk with others using the program and exchange information and ask questions.
38. Past Connect: Looking for long lost family heirlooms, photos and documents? You may be able to find them on this site, which collects and lists loads of information floating around out there and can put you in touch with the current owners.
39. National Genealogical Society: Meet and greet thousands of people nationwide who are into researching family histories with this site.
40. GenSwap: This feature of Family Reunion.com allows users to exchange their information for help or information from other users out there.
41. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness: This organization is dedicated to helping members get the information they need through exchange. One member will do work in their neck of the woods in exchange for help doing research for another member.

Web Tools

These tools can help inform you and make your research a little easier.

42. Diigo: This Web highlighter and sticky notes app can help you keep track of all the information you’re finding on different websites all over and keep it organized and easier to reference.
43. Roots Television: This site is entirely dedicated to genealogy and features a number of informative videos that can help educate you on how to improve your search techniques.
44. One Step Webpages: Steve Morse has taken the work out of accessing loads of online records. Here you’ll find records like those from Ellis Island broken down and ordered so that they’re much easier to look through.
45. WorldCat: This resource will make it easy to find books, movies, articles and more at a library near you, or let you know where the nearest location of these items is. There is a Firefox plug-in for this site as well.
46. Family Tree DNA: Take genealogy to the next level by tracking not only records but the actual DNA of your family as well. This site provides the largest resource of DNA records to date.
47. PAF 5.2: The Church of Latter Day Saints has put together this great research tool. It’s free to download and use, and can help you organize and find loads of information.
48. Pedigree Soft: Organize your family history with this free software. You can also share it with the world by uploading it to the web.
49. Clooz: This database program makes it much easier to keep track of all your genealogical information with loads of templates for storing records as well as convenient reports you can print out.
50. Bygones: Take advantage of this freeware program which is designed to help researchers take and keep together their notes from genealogical research.

By Jessica Hupp

Even in its short history, the Internet has gone through serious growth, often shedding old content for new developments. The Wayback Machine offers an archive of what used to be, and the results of searches on the machine are often quite fun. Here are our suggestions for amusing and useful ways to use the machine for yourself.

1. Find old friends: Reconnect with old chat buddies from your early days online.
2. Find a manual for your obsolete product: Have you bought a discontinued item on eBay? Get the manual from the manufacturer’s old website.
3. Take a look at your own site’s growth: Enjoy a trip down memory lane as you track how your site has grown over time.
4. Create a scavenger hunt: Design a fun hunting game that uses the Wayback Machine to find quirky bits from yesterday’s Internet.
5. Track the commercialization of the Internet: Marvel at how the Internet has become a great tool for marketing and sales.
6. Check out your site’s history: If you bought your domain name from someone, see what it looked like before you got your hands on it.
7. Research a website you’d like to buy: The Wayback Machine is an excellent domainer research tool. Find out if a seller is yanking your chain about any statistics and history by plugging it into the archive.
8. Find old school photos: Check out your old school’s online newsletter to find dorky photos of yourself.
9. Save a lost site: If your hosting company dropped off the face of the earth, use the Wayback Machine to recover some of your work.
10. Reminisce about your old resume: Find your old online resume and enjoy a look back at old jobs.
11. Create an Internet timeline: Track the Internet’s history, or your own, complete with screenshots.
12. Review the history of Internet porn: Take a look at how online porn has evolved over the years.
13. Research conspiracy theories: Sites may be taken down, but with the archive, you can still see what others may not have wanted you to find.
14. Clear your name: If someone accuses you of stealing information, prove to them you had it online first.
15. Find old crappy GIFs: Remember when the Internet was full of stupid smiley animations? Check out the Wayback Machine to snag a few and harass people with them.
16. View a suspended site: Did you go to check out a cool site, only to find out the owner didn’t pay their bill, or overloaded the server? Use the Wayback Machine to pull it up.
17. Show punk kids how cool you used to be: Know a kid who thinks MySpace is about the coolest thing the Internet has ever done? Let them take a look at some of your old favorite sites.
18. Settle a bet about who’s been online longer: Show your buddy that you found the Internet 4 months before he did by finding old forum posts.
19. Create a PDF copy of an old ezine: Retrieve old issues, and preserve them for later reading.
20. Learn from bad design: Take a look at sites from the early Internet to learn about what not to do.
21. Reminisce about your old dotcom job: Visit your dot-com’s defunct site and think about the way things used to be.
22. Compare historical prices: Find out how much a seller paid for the item you’re buying today.
23. Compare page versions: Analyze how a page has changed by comparing two versions side by side.
24. Retrive lost content: Find your old resume, papers, and more.
25. Check out stock prices: See how stock prices have risen and fallen in the past decade or so.
26. Nail a content thief: Prove that you published content before a thief did, and you’ve got a rock solid case against them.
27. Make fun of old predictions that never came true: Find sites that predicted the sky would fall on a certain day, and laugh when you realize that day was 5 years ago.
28. Enjoy pre-coverage of Y2K: Read press releases and worried postings about how Y2K was supposed to screw everything up.
29. Figure out why you dropped in search engine rankings: Take a look at old stuff that used to work to your advantage, and figure out what you need to bring back.
30. Take a look at past elections: Revisit the hype of now-forgotten candidates of elections past.
31. Marvel at the early years of the Internet: In the Web Pioneers collection, you can see some of the sites that shaped the Internet.
32. Blackmail: This one’s easy. Just find something embarassing on your friend, and screenshot it for future blackmailing.
33. Check out old promotional sites: See how sites like McDonald’s and Pepsi jumped on the Internet in the early years.
34. See how generic domain names have evolved: Take a look at the way sites like Porn.com and Milk.com have changed over the years.
35. Find embarassing old photos: Get photos that have been long taken down, and use them to torture friends and family.
36. See ads for old cars: Remember what your car looked like when it was brand new.
37. Research historical prices: See how the cost of software and more has gone up through the years.
38. Research potential employees: Before you hire someone, see if you can dig up any dirt on them with the machine.
39. Find deleted LiveJournal entries: Did someone delete a particularly juicy entry? Find it with the Wayback Machine.
40. Check out pre-”404″ pages: Satisfy your curiosity and find out what existed before a page went bad.
41. Laugh at failed business plans: Check out past business plans of corporations that failed.
42. Find the goofy website your boss built: Discover your boss’ old crappy website devoted to cats.
43. Research the past of political candidates: See what political candidates were saying a few years ago.
44. Check out wedding websites of divorced couples: See the calm before the storm, and look for signs of impending doom.
45. Research religious wackos: Find out what crazy ideas cults and other strange religious groups have published in the past.
46. Find out how long your competitor has been established: Figure out whether or not your “first on the web” claim stands up.
47. Preserve old sites for nostalgia’s sake: If you miss old communities, save your own copy of them with the machine.
48. Find old news stories: Check out breaking news coverage now that it’s not so “breaking” anymore.
49. See how big name web sites used to look amateur: Check out sites that have become large, but started out very small.
50. Check out dot-com casualties in their heyday: See what failed sites like Pets.com used to look like.

By Laura Milligan

New communication and data storage technologies like VoIP and USB drives allow us to easily manage, share and transport large amounts of information without being tied down to a single location or clunky desktop. The ability to connect with friends, family, and business associates has made remote access a necessity in today’s world, but with that demand comes increased vulnerability to hackers, theft and privacy breaches. To make sure all of your data remains safe and secure, from private (and possibly incriminating) photos, e-mails and conversations to standard files on your computer’s hardware, we encourage you to research the following software programs, downloads and articles to better understand how data encryption can benefit your lifestyle.

Open Source Computer Software

Feel free to tool around with the encryption software in this list: if the version you download doesn’t work just right for your computer, add some new features and then post your version online for others to share.

1. TrueCrypt: This open source disk encryption software works with Windows Vista and XP, as well as Mac OS X and Linux operating systems. The software can encrypt USB drives as well as files and features a hidden volume security solution, which “cannot be distinguished from random data.”
2. AxCrypt: AxCrypt is a file encryption program for Windows operating systems that can be modified and redistributed by any developer.
3. GnuPG: This software is currently undergoing some revisions, but advanced developers may want to contribute to the updating process. Visit this site to learn about the latest news, controversy and installation guides surrounding GnuPG.
4. SWF Encrypt 4.0: Amayeta’s encryption tool SWF Encrypt 4.0 gives open source developers the protection they need to for Adobe Flash SWF files. The program works on PCs, Macs and C++ systems.
5. FreeOTFE: FreOTFE works on PCs by creating virtual disks that encrypt your files before copying them to the hard drive.
6. CrossCrypt 0.4.3: This “on the fly and offline encryption” solution works with Linux systems, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.
7. Cypherix: Cypherix uses the open source program Blowfish to carry out its commitment to “strong encryption.” The program works on all Windows operating systems.

Portable Storage Encryption

Portable storage devices like USB drives make it easy to move information from one computer to another; however, these little tools are also way too easy to lose. Make sure your data is protected even if your portable storage device is lost or stolen.

8. Thumbdrive Encryption: Watch this video from CNET TV to set up a thumbdrive encryption system.
9. CMG External Media Shield: This program, issued by CREDANT Technologies, aims to secure the data stored on devices like USB drives, iPods and external hard drives. Features include user-transparent encryption, policy-based intelligent encryption and more.
10. Pointsec Device Protector: Designed by Pointsec Mobile Technologies, the Pointsec Device Protector “can separately control the two-way flow of data between a PC or laptop and” portable devices like USB drives. The tool is highly customizable, allowing owners to list which storage devices and programs can be opened and which cannot.
11. Portable Storage Device Security: This article from ITtoolbox Blogs lists different ways to amp up security on portable storage devices.
12. ID Vault: GuardID’s ID Vault “provides multi factor authentication in the form of a USB security token with an embedded smart card chip,” according to About.com reporter Ryan Groom. This means that users can securely store password and sign-on information on the device and protect themselves from identity theft.
13. The Pros and Cons of Portable Storage: Before loading up your USB drive with confidential information read this article from SearchStorage.com to evaluate the risks associated with portable storage. The article also reviews different encryption software programs.
14. CruzerLock 2: This application can encrypt and decrypt folders and files on PCs and flash drives. Users can also share files via e-mail, copy-to-hard-drive-capabilities, on CDs and DVDs, and through network drives.
15. Thumb Drives are Too Often the Victims of Convenience: Read this article to find reviews of encryption software and to learn about the different ways USB encryption operates.
16. GuardianEdge Removable Storage Encryption: By supporting USB, FireWire, Floppy, CD and DVDs, the GuardianEdge Removable Storage Encryption features either 256- or 128-bit AES encryption of stored data and helps businesses avoid property loss and theft and other security threats.
17. SecurFlash: Issued by Encrypt, a BeCompliant Company, SecurFlash encrypts all types of files being stored on USB flash drives and removable hard drives.
18. KanguruMicro Drive AES: This device “is the only USB flash drive that meets federal requirements for insuring the confidentiality of sensitive dta and information accessed by portable flash drives.” The tool comes with an encrypted virtual disk that is password protected.
19. DeviceWall: This tool provides USB encryption, “simple and secure administration,” and access to a free data leakage prevention guide. The website also has information about portable storage security, USB lockdown and more.

Phone/VoIP Encryption

Whether you’re on your cell phone, landline or VoIP connection, your phone line probably isn’t as secure as you think it is. Try out these encryption devices and applications to tie up the loose ends and give eavesdroppers the boot.

20. Zfone: This popular product lets users encrypt their VoIP phone calls for private discussions.
21. Fast Guide: VoIP Encryption: New VoIP users can check out this beginner’s guide to understanding VoIP security issues.
22. How to Encrypt Your VoIP: Lifehacker provides this tutorial for VoIP users who want to make their calls more secure.
23. CryptoPhone 200/G10: Individuals and companies requiring ultimate wiretapping protection can benefit from this phone from Navastream. The phone features AES256 protection, an encryption key that is destroyed after each call and secure talk time for up to 3 1/2 hours.
24. Videoconference Encryption Service: Also a Navastream product, this service ensures secure, private videoconferencing communications.
25. PhoneCrypt: This product claims to provide “military grade encryption” capabilities. The product works on Windows-based Smartphones and encrypts conversations in real time.
26. Nokia E61 Encrypted Cell Phone: This phone comes with a hefty price tag, but individuals wanting serious security will want the 256 bits random key feature and BlackBerry Connect compatibility.
27. Babylon nG: Babylon nG is an application that “runs on a switch network which allows private communication to take place between users.” It also features a 256-bit algorithm for solid encryption.

Images

Whether you want to use an image to hide certain information or just keep others from accessing personal photos, check out this list to see how images can be used for encryption purposes.

28. FreeCrypt: This software program encrypts all kinds of files, including personal photos and digital archives.
29. EyeMage IIE: This free software encrypts files in bitmap images. Users can even “hide photos in photos” and share secure files.
30. HIP Hide in Picture 2.1: Hide files in bitmaps and GIF formats to keep them safe.
31. Androsa File Protector: Androsa File Protector is a free-to-use program that encrypts all kinds of files, including images and file videos.

Computer Encryption

Keep your personal and professional files safe by implementing these security solutions into your computer. You still be able to share files with clients and friends, but outside parties won’t be able to spy on your documents.

32. Advanced File Lock 5: Encrypt all of your files, including images and movie files, with the Advanced File Lock.
33. Kryptos 2: This user-friendly system encrypts and decrypts files on PCs and portable storage devices. It also comes with a file shredding feature for ultimate security.
34. RoboForm 6.9: Secure your password information with this program, which automatically remembers and fills in password forms for you on Web sites.
35. AutoKrypt: Use AutoKrypt to perform encryption and decryption tasks on all of your files. The system also features a key store to help you manage keys, as well as zipping, unzipping, synchronizing and file monitoring capabilities.
36. Folder Lock 5.8.2: Quickly “password-protect, lock, hide and encrypt any number of files, folders, drives, pictures and documents” with this version of Folder Lock. You can use the program on USB drives, CD-RWs, disks, hard disks and more.
37. WinXAR 1.1: This encryption software also lets users share folders and files. The program works on Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and 2003.
38. Crypt4Free 4.6.16: This download relies on Blowfish, DESX and “Quick Wipe” to protect all kinds of files and medium, including zip drives.
39. Cryptmage: Download Cryptmage here to access simple file encryption capabilities and a “proprietary algorithm to secure your files from preying eyes.”
40. HandyBits EasyCrypto Deluxe: This software’s Version 5.5 is free to download, and users will be able to encrypt files and folders, as well as self-extracting zip archives.
41. Kryptel: Version 5.45 of Kryptel is compatible with Windows 95,98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP and Vista. Users can encrypt files and entire folders, including their Documents folder.
42. Omziff: Encrypt textual data using Omziff by splitting files, creating random passwords, and utilizing algorithms like Blowfish and Twofish.
43. NOYBcription (1): Mac OS X users will benefit from this software program, which stands for None Of Your Business. The program encrypts individual files as well as entire folders, which can be sent securely over e-mail or saved on a flash drive.

Wi-Fi and E-mail

Close up open Wi-Fi and e-mail connections by downloading one of these software programs. You’ll be able to securely send e-mail attachments and log on to censored sites without anyone spying on you.

44. Hotspot Shield 1.01: Hotspot Shield “ensures anonymous and censor-free internet usage” by encrypting information that goes in and out of your computer. This version is currently free of charge.
45. SecureZIP: This product makes your e-mail messages and attachments secure against hackers. SecureZIP is compatible with Microsoft Outlook.
46. Iron Key: Send encrypted files over the Internet when you use Iron Key. Version 1.3 works with Windows operating systems and can delete files after they’ve been encrypted.
47. CryptoHeaven: This software program allows Mac users to “send and receive secure and anonymous email,” instant messages, information on message boards, document folders and more.
48. Email Encryption for the Lazy: Follow this guide to safely encrypt your email messages and attachments according to PGP.
49. MessageGuard: This app works with Outlook, Outlook Express and Network Solutions email accounts. Users only have to click on the “Send Secure” button to have their messages sent as encrypted emails.
50. PGP: Find different versions of the infamous PGP freeware here.

By Jessica Hupp

DIY offers a great way to take on personal projects and make things your own. Although often DIY focuses primarily on home improvement, the DIY ethic expands out to arts, technology, and so much more. Check out these categories and more in our list of DIY sites that’s sure to get you inspired to get up and make something yourself.

Home Improvement

In these sites, you’ll find fun and useful projects to take on at home.

1. DoItYourself: Check out this site’s featured projects for detailed DIY instructions.
2. Mike Holigan’s How-To Library: On this site, you’ll find loads of information for home building and remodeling.
3. DIY Homes: Learn about home improvement, repair and more from this site.
4. Acme How to: Learn how to do just about anything in your home, from plumbing to pest control.
5. HammerZone: Learn the art of handymanlyness on HammerZone.
6. DIY Fix It: On this site, you’ll get access to loads of guides and answers to your DIY questions.
7. HGTV: This site offers a great source for home improvement inspiration.
8. Home Improvement: Learn how to buy materials, save money, and more with this site.
9. Home Tips: Check out DIY projects for health and safety, plumbing, and so much more on Home Tips.
10. Home Doctor: Find DIY tips and projects on this home improvement site.
11. Hometime: Get step-by-step guides and more on this site.
12. Ask the Builder: On this site, you’ll get tips from home improvement guru Tim Carter.
13. HomeImprove: Find tips and ideas for home repair, remodeling, and more on this site.
14. Easy2DIY: Check out this site for animated tutorials that walk you through each project.
15. Bob Vila: Get DIY help from the master himself.
16. Curbly: Find cool design ideas in this DIY design community.
17. DIYnot: This DIY site is complete with a wiki, forum, and books.
18. Ikea Hacker: Ikea Hacker offers great ideas for getting more out of your Ikea furniture.
19. DIYonline: This site makes it easy to create your own design online.
20. DIY Ideas: Get inspiration for your home and garden with this site.

Arts & Crafts

Whether you want to learn how to make your own macro lens, or just find a knitting pattern, these sites will have what you’re looking for.

21. DIY Photography: Learn how to achieve looks and create your own studio gear with this site.
22. Love You Deer: Check out DIY clothing, arts, and crafts on this site.
23. Max is Now: Max is Now offers a great source for arts and DIY.
24. DIY Design It Yourself: Use this site to design your own books, Tshirts, and more.
25. Photojojo: Check out Photojojo to find fun photography hacks and DIY projects.
26. We Make Money Not Art: Check out DIY art projects and much more on this site.
27. Craftster: Find out what other crafters are up to in these forums.
28. Craftform: Showcase your work and check out what others have done on Craftform.
29. I-Craft: On this site, you can find your favorite crafts and save them in your craft box.
30. wiseNeedle: Get yarn reviews, advice, and more for knitters here.
31. Crafter’s Community: Find seasonal crafts, resources, and lots more on this site.
32. Get Crafty: Get Crafty features forums, how-tos, guides, and more cool crafty stuff.
33. Make Stuff: The crafts and projects on Make Stuff range from seasonal projects to gardening.
34. Craftown: Visit this crafters resource center for loads of projects and illustrated lessons.
35. Knitty: Check out Knitty for “little purls of wisdom.”
36. Craftzine: Figure out what to do with leftover Easter Peeps, plastic bags, and more.
37. Chic Knits: This site offers knitting patterns for clothes that don’t look anything like your Grandma’s wardrobe.
38. My Craft Book: Find easy and fun crafts on this site.

Tech

Find everything you want to know about hacking gadgets, electronics, and more from these sites.

39. Makezine: Learn how to make your own fun electronic and tech toys with this site.
40. Freedom to Tinker: Check out this site to learn how to modify and repair tech devices.
41. Hack This Site!: Test your hacking skills on the challenges presented in this site.
42. Popular Mechanics: This online magazine offers information on everything from green living to buying a car.
43. I-Hacked: Find new and exciting ways to make technology work for you with I-Hacked.
44. Gadget Hacks: Check out this site to get connected with all sorts of sites that offer hacking projects.
45. Layada: Visit this site to find all sorts of fun tech hacks.
46. Console Hacks: This site lists some of the best published hacks for consoles.
47. Hacked Gadgets: Visit Hacked Gadgets to learn how to get more out of your gadgets.
48. Inventgeek: This site celebrates reinvention, offering loads of fun and useful DIY projects.
49. DIY:Happy: Hack gadgets, software and more with DIY:happy’s guides.
50. Wired How-To Wiki: On this collaborative site, you’ll find tech projects, hacks, tricks, and tips.
51. Hack a Day: This site features a new hack every day.
52. MakeUseOf: Check out web apps, tools, and more on this DIY site.
53. DIY Live: Learn how to create and do things with technology using DIY Live.
54. Hack N Mod: Take on these awesome hacks, mods, and projects.
55. Zedomax: Find super-cool DIYs, hacks, and more on Zedomax.

Lifehacking

These sites present great ways to apply the DIY principle to everyday life.

56. Lifehackery: Check out Lifehackery to turn everyday objects into useful things.
57. DIY Planner: This community likes to take productivity into their own hands.
58. Productivity 101: Increase your personal productivity using tips and tools from this site.
59. Instigator Blog: Make more out of your ideas with the help of this blog.
60. 43 Folders: This blog, created by Merlin Mann, focuses on organization, productivity, and getting things done.
61. Life Optimizer: Become more successful and productive with this site.
62. Lifehacker: The Lifehacker blog offers lots of technology and productivity hacks designed to make your life easier.
63. Ririan Project: Check out this personal development blog to find out how you can apply DIY principles to your life.
64. Dumb Little Man: Here you’ll find loads of tips for productivity, projects, frugality, and more.
65. Aim for Awesome!: Find tips for awesome personal development on this site.
66. FlyLady: Aimed at housewives, FlyLady aims to help you get control of your home.
67. Business Hackers: Here you’ll find loads of information on how you can get work done quickly.
68. LifeDev: Take a DIY approach to life development using this site.
69. The Next 45 Years: Visit The Next 45 Years to learn about Lifehacking for the future.
70. HackCollege: HackCollege features all of the hacks a college student might want to know about-from “college drinking games to study skills.”
71. Get Rich Slowly: JD at Get Rich Slowly has lots of great ideas and advice for DIY frugality.
72. The Optimized Life: Use the tips you’ll find on this site to make your life the best it can be.
73. Frugal Hacks: This site turns DIY into frugality.
74. Zen Habits: Hack your life to zen with this site.
75. LifeClever: This site is always helpful, whether they’re teaching you to organize your workspace or just find cheap gas.
76. Mind Hacks: Get a look at what’s going on inside your mind, and take it to the next level with this site.
77. Write to Done: Learn how to hack writing with this incredibly helpful blog.
78. Wise Bread: Follow this site for great tips on DIY frugality.
79. Biz Plan Hacks: Use the tips from this site to make life as a business owner easier.
80. Christian Lifehacking: This blog features lifehack tips and tools focused on Christianity.
81. Lifehack: Lifehack’s posts focus on organization, inspiration, and productivity.
82. Study Hacks: This site offers lifehack advice for students.

General

Check out these sites to find anything and everything DIY.

83. DIY Life: Check out DIY Life for projects ranging from tech to home improvement.
84. wikiHow: Visit wikiHow to make use of the world’s largest collaborative how-to manual.
85. Instructables: Find out how to do projects from your peers on Instructables.
86. Hackszine: On Hackszine, you’ll find everything from Facebook to food.
87. Hints-n-Tips: Check out this site to find practical information for just about every topic out there.
88. SoYouWanna: Learn what you want to do on this advice site.
89. ReadyMade: On ReadyMade, you’ll learn how to make items for your home and more.
90. Daily DIY: Make and modify everyday items to create something great on this site.
91. Do It 101: Check out this site to learn about gardening, technology, health, and more.
92. ElephantStaircase: ElephantStaircase boasts a wiki as well as a number of different project pages.
93. How To Do Things: Learn how to do things ranging from raising earthworms to how to buy sod.
94. DIY Chatroom: Although this forum primarily focuses on home improvement, you’ll find great tips for computer repairs and upgrades as well as automotive repairs.
95. The Do-It-Yourself Channel: Visit Propeller’s DIY channel to find instructional information from around the web.
96. How2pointoh: Check out this blog for projects ranging from magnetic potholders to time lapsing.
97. Wikia DIY Culture: Find arts, crafts, games, and lots more in this source.
98. DIY Network: Find products, advice, and more for DIY projects through this network.
99. HowStuffWorks: Although it’s not exclusively a how-to site, HowStuffWorks will give you the insight you need to complete your DIY projects.
100. eHow: On this site, you’ll find out how to do nearly anything you can imagine.

By Heather Johnson

The struggle to attract and retain key customers is a constant one, but business owners and freelancers have lots of tools and resources to help them when marketing themselves and their businesses. Web-based solutions produce hassle-free services and efficient communication options, while networking events and online opportunities are perfect for making new contacts. This list is full of ideas to improve your branding techniques, e-mail etiquette, website design and other hacks to help you figure out ways to keep customers from flirting with the competition.

Where to Find Them

You’ll never beef up your client roster if you don’t know where to find new customers. Maintaining a presence on select sites and at certain events will increase your profile too.

1. Conventions: Get yourself an invite to conventions that market to your target audience. Everyone’s already in the mood to network anyway. Just don’t forget to bring your business cards.
2. Airports: If you travel on a week day, you’ll probably notice that a good percentage of your fellow passengers are business travelers. Strike up a conversation with someone about their business, and you may find yourself gaining access to a whole new demographic, region or industry.
3. Volunteer events: Whether you’ve got your eye on snagging the nonprofit as a future client or just want to meet people from a range of backgrounds while showing off your community efforts, volunteer events and fundraisers are a great way to meet customers.
4. LinkedIn: This popular social networking site connects professionals and alumni to forge profitable relationships.
5. Ryze: Ryze “helps you expand your business network.”
6. Xing: Xing is a sleek social networking site that offers professional contact management, a business accelerator and other cool apps.
7. Facebook: Get on Facebook to market yourself to a particular demographic, keep track of customers and set up groups.
8. MeetUp: Members of this site organize get togethers based on interest and location.
9. Chamber of Commerce: Visit your chamber of commerce to gain access to their business mailing lists. You’ll have names and contact information for some of the leading professionals in your area.
10. Industry-related seminars: Even though you might think you wouldn’t be able to learn anything new from a seminar, attend anyway so that you can meet your target audience and offer them supplemental advice and services.
11. Guru: Guru is an online “marketplace” for freelancers. You might be able to find new customers willing to trade services or share mailing lists.
12. Elance: Elance is another freelancer-oriented site that connects business professionals and jump starts new partnerships.

Networking Tips

Once you’ve met your target audience, you’ve got a small window of opportunity to make an impression. Check out these networking tips that will make you and your business more attractive.

13. Business cards: Never leave home without your business cards. Visit this site to design some for free.
14. Pass out coupons: Attach a coupon to your business card to encourage future contact.
15. Stand out: This post from Freelance Switch gives freelancers plenty of quality ideas for standing out in a competitive field.
16. Host your own networking event: Under the guise of bringing together your friends and business associates, plan a happy hour to meet new customers for yourself.
17. Pass out free stuff: This tip works especially well if you’re hosting the event. Pass out promotional items that boast your logo as prizes or to put in goody bags.
18. Sponsor a contest: Sponsor a contest in your community that awards the winner a temporary gig designing one of your products or an invite at an industry-related convention. Write up a press release for the paper and advertise at schools, churches, community centers and more.
19. Engage others: Whether it’s by introducing yourself to the “loners” or starting up a group conversation, bring different groups together. You’ll be remembered as someone who’s inclusive and knows a lot of people (even if you really don’t.)
20. Make notes: Make plenty of notes to help you remember the people you meet. You can jot down a few key words on the back of someone’s business card which will give you something personal to say when you follow up.
21. Know your competition: If you don’t know your competition ahead of time, you may wind up handing out coupons or pitching a project to the wrong person.
22. Follow up: In the world of networking, the follow up is key. Send an e-mail, a coupon or a handwritten note.

Website Tricks

Make sure your website is user-friendly and attractive otherwise your future clients will leave you for someone sleeker and more organized.

23. Update your blog: Your business blog keeps customers in the know about upcoming projects and the daily grind at your office. Use this guide to ensure maximum blog usability.
24. Create a simple navigation system: Designing a clear, simple navigation system will help customers find out information about your company easily and quickly.
25. Write an “about” page: Don’t forget to publish a short bio about yourself and the history of the company. Your new customers will want to do a background check before they enlist your services, and it’s best if they hear the truth from you.
26. Link with CSS: The website NetMechanic.com encourages Web designers to set up their links with CSS. Follow the tutorial to find out how.
27. Make searching for information easy: Include a search box that allows visitors to search for information and archives on your site easily.
28. Give customers access to their own account information: Let your customers have secure, online access to their account information, including billing statements, deadlines, services requested and more.
29. Set up 24/7 support: A live chat software program will give customers online support anytime they need it.
30. Link your homepage to your logo: This tip isn’t just about website usability: any action you can take to promote your logo is a smart move.
31. Advertise security: If you want customers to buy products from your website, you need to convince them that your site is secure.
32. Encourage feedback: Set up a feedback form on your site to let your customers know you care what they think and are dedicated to making improvements.

Spoiling Them

There’s no better way to keep your clients loyal than to spoil them. From sending out a birthday surprise to sharing your contacts, check out this list of fresh ideas.

33. Celebrate their anniversary: When a customer has reached the one year mark of doing business with you, give them a break on their monthly invoice or attach a free service or coupons to their regular services.
34. Host free clinics and workshops: Educate your clients by offering them clinics and workshops that teach them how to perform simple tasks that you normally do for free anyway. Just don’t give away your major secrets!
35. Remember their birthday: Send a perky e-mail or have flowers delivered to a customer’s office on their birthday. Chances are, everyone else will be doing the same thing, and if you don’t, you’ll stand out: in a bad way.
36. Send a thank you gift when a customer renews a contract: Don’t act like a renewed contract is expected. Even if it’s coming from one of your most loyal customers, make it a big deal and take them out to a special lunch.
37. Allow them to pre-order new services: If you’re about to launch a new product that will undoubtedly sell out, give your loyal customers first dibs. Let them pre-order the item or hold on to a few to send as gifts.
38. Share your mailing list: You may not want to give out your top secret contacts, but sharing a few key e-mail addresses and phone numbers from your Rolodex will make them feel special. They may even return the favor.
39. Nominate them for awards: Nominate your top clients for community awards to show off their business talents and community spirit. They won’t be able to thank you enough for the personal gratification and free PR.
40. Provide plenty of perks: The next time someone sends you free tickets to the symphony or a heavily discounted reservation at a bed and breakfast, consider passing them on to your best customers.
41. Give them space: Your customers might feel too pressured or overwhelmed if you’re constantly throwing specials and reminders in their face.
42. Get personal: Blogger Eric J. Adams suggests cultivating a personal relationship with your customers in order to inspire loyalty. Keep it simple, though: Adams cautions, “don’t expect too much from your newfound intimacy; two minutes of chitchat will only go so far.”
43. Gift giving Dos and Don’ts: Before you shower your customer with gifts during holiday time, read this post to anticipate appropriate gift ideas.
44. Make house calls: No, we don’t mean showing up to your customer’s house in the middle of the night with a contract that needs to be signed, but making occasional trips to their office to deliver confidential agreements will earn you brownie points.
45. Emphasize quality: Always pledge to do whatever it takes to deliver quality products and services to your client. They’ll move on to the competition if you start offering defective merchandise, hiring lazy employees or missing deadlines.

Being Attentive

Customers like to assume that they’re your number one priority. Even if you’re juggling a large client roster, make sure to check in on each customer every once in a while to give them the personal attention they expect.

46. Encourage partnerships: Put your clients in touch with each other and encourage them to make partnerships of their own. They’ll see you as a leader in your field and a “go to” person for meeting new people and starting up projects.
47. Hand out your cell phone number: This isn’t always a smart idea, so make sure you give out your cell phone number to very close customers only. They’ll feel honored to have gotten such a sacred number.
48. Send handwritten notes: Quick e-mails are okay, but if you really want to spoil your clients, send them a handwritten note as a follow up or to thank them for their business.
49. Send out holiday greetings: Whether it’s a well-designed e-mail at Thanksgiving or a funny card for St. Patrick’s Day, show your clients that you care all year round.
50. Follow up after a service call: After a customer receives a service from your company, make a phone call, send an e-mail or mail them a feedback form to find out if they’re satisfied with the results.
51. Give them plenty of notice: If you’re going to be out of town or unavailable, let your clients know way ahead of time. Give them alternative contact numbers in case they have an emergency when you’re gone, and make sure they’re well taken care of before you take a vacation.
52. Hire interns: If you can’t afford to hire a full-time employee to write thank you notes and monitor customer satisfaction, hire an intern to do the grunt work instead of failing to do it altogether.
53. Design effective e-mail campaigns: Periodically send out well-designed e-mail campaigns to touch base with your customers, update them on specials and introduce them to new hires.
54. Show them how current events affect their services: If the economy is bad, let your customers know how gas prices will affect your business or if you expect to cut back on certain goods and services. Giving your customers insight into how your business works will make them feel included.
55. Communicate during a project: Give your customers updates regarding their project, especially if you think you might need more time on a deadline. They’ll be more understanding if you talk to them ahead of time than if you wait until you’re already behind schedule.
56. Train employees to be customer service professionals: Even if you don’t have a separate customer service department, take the time to train your employees to work with your customers in a variety of crisis management situations and phone skills.
57. Don’t go into hiding when a problem erupts: If you’re approached with a client problem, don’t stop answering the phones. Tackle the issue head on and take responsibility when necessary.
58. Continue to make improvements: Asking for feedback isn’t any good if you don’t actually make improvements and listen to your customer’s complaints. Showing them results means showing them you care.
59. Prioritize: Use a smart Web-based system like Neptune to help you prioritize and keep track of how much time you spend on each customer.

Exclusive Specials

Give your customers exclusive access to specials and deals they wouldn’t receive with any other business.

60. Throw an annual party for your regulars: Everyone loves a party. Gather all your regular customers together and treat them to a special dinner. Better yet, invite them over to your home for a more intimate party.
61. Go above and beyond: If you’re in the print making business and find out that your loyal customer’s daughter needs a sign for her softball championship, see if you can offer a discounted price for the job, or even design one for free.
62. Give your customers VIP online access: When customers shop online, give them a special promo code or discount.
63. Sign on specials: Award new customers with “sign on specials” after they make their first purchase. Give them a free gift or a discounted price for the first few months.
64. Reward your best customers: Try out these ideas from Starbucks customer Ron Lieber, who suggests throwing members-only parties and offering free coffee.
65. Customized gifts: Don’t limit yourself to creating promotional products for your business only. With a program like Qoop, you can create stickers, posters, keychains, calendars and more for your customers, featuring their business logo or photos from company events and fundraisers.
66. Free upgrades: Whether or not it’s a special occasion, periodically reward special clients with free upgrades, like same day shipping or including bonus products.
67. Offer reduced cost shipping: Give your frequent customers a break when it comes to shipping prices. E-mail them a members only code to enter into the online shopping register at checkout.
68. Free samples: Free samples not only make your customers feel spoiled, they also promote a new product.

Hassle-Free Services

Making things easy for your customers will keep them coming back for more. From interactive calendars to quick and easy accounting software, these tools will make your business transactions run more smoothly.

69. MOO: MOO lets you design promotional items and print images that will come in handy when you want to advertise a new product or send a greeting card.
70. Harvest: This time tracking tool will help ensure that you don’t overcharge clients.
71. Escrow: If you sell products from your website, use this program to protect yourself and your clients from fraud.
72. Box: Keep all of your customers’ files safe by working with this Web-based file sharing system. You won’t have to worry about misplacing important documents or losing contracts anymore.
73. BillMyClients.com: This user-friendly bill pay system sends invoices through e-mail or the USPS quickly and securely.
74. FreshBooks: This popular online invoicing and time tracking system will help you manage your finances more accurately.
75. Spongecell Calendar: Create and share a Web-based calendar so that you customers have easy access to your schedule.
76. LogMeIn: Business owners can stay connected to their work and their customers by managing files, conducting online meetings and more with LogMeIn.
77. PunchyTime: This time tracker offers an easy, fun way to keep track of your employee’s time as they network with clients, work on projects and even do business after hours.
78. Breeze: Another way to keep in touch is to update your clients with e-mail campaigns designed with Breeze.
79. Dimewise: This economical, remote access financial solution will allow you to organize invoices and reports securely and accurately.
80. Veetro Help Desk Software: Set up your own help desk to assist customers with technical problems.
81. Backpack: Backpack helps you “organize your business and share information with your team,” including anxious customers who want up-to-date info. on their latest projects.
82. Vstore: This free software gives business owners the tools they need to set up shop online. You can customize different designs to reflect your website’s theme and online store.
83. Veetro Management Reports: This smart software program helps business owners create reports with “real-time statistical reporting on all aspects of…business performance.” Your customers will love being able to access organized, accurate information about their accounts and your company.
84. Google Alerts: Set up Google Alerts so that you’ll be notified whenever one of your customers is featured in a story online. You can send them the link or congratulate them on the new press.

Effective, Convenient Communication

Keep your customers engaged by promoting effective, convenient communication. This list features Web conferencing tools, project management software and more.

85. TokBox: Use this live video chat application to talk to your customers in real-time without having to drive to meetings.
86. HyperOffice: Share files and receive customer input on special projects when you work with HyperOffice.
87. activeCollab: This program helps you “eliminate stress” and “manage success.” You’ll be able to involve your customers in whatever project you’re working on through customizable design options, website integration and more.
88. ShareItNow 4.9.02: Use ShareItNow to share items on your desktop with clients for easy project management and collaboration.
89. Zoho Web Conferencing: Instead of zooming all over town for different meetings, encourage your customers to use this simple Web conferencing solution.
90. Campfire: Campfire is an application that features Web-based group chats, fire sharing and image sharing, so that you can work with customers online anytime.
91. EyeOS: This open source tool goes beyond project management. Open up your operating system to customers and vendors, so that you can conduct meetings, design presentations and access all your files from any computer with an Internet connection.
92. Skype: This popular online voice messaging service is great for quick communiques with customers.
93. Meebo: Meebo combines your buddy lists from instant messaging services like AIM, Yahoo, Google Talk and others. You can log onto your account anywhere, not just your home computer.
94. Basecamp: This popular application organizes all kinds of information and communication histories within your company and client list. It’s password protected, ensuring a secure system.
95. Wikis: Set up a community portal for information sharing and open communication by creating wikis on your company website.
96. Userplane: This collection of online communication applications includes a Webchat services, Mediaplayer and more, allowing you to chat via text, voice or video.
97. Google Talk: This very simple instant communications solution is a popular Google app that has file transfer capabilities, Gmail notifications and more.
98. Communication tips for the technology age: Review this post titled “Is it Time to Consider New Ways to Communicate?” to come up with cutting edge communication techniques for savvy customers.
99. Don’t disappear on the weekends: If you’re the owner of a business, customers expect you to put in more time than your regular employees. Freelance Switch encourages you to “communicate promptly, even on the weekend.”
100. Brush up on e-mail etiquette: E-mail is becoming the official way to communicate in professional circles, and even if you think you have perfect grammar and plenty of tech savvy, your e-mail etiquette could need a makeover. Check here for tips.

By Heather Johnson

Telecommuting is a beautiful thing, what with skipping traffic and wearing fuzzy slippers to work. However, working from home doesn’t come without its trials. If you’re not prepared for them, you may find yourself experiencing a serious drop in productivity and motivation. Not to worry though, here are some tips that will have you on the path to telecommuting success with just at little effort and preparation.

1. Stick to a ritual. Make sure your work and home life don’t become too blurred. Create a ritual to transition from one to the other in the morning so you’ll be prepared mentally to get to work.
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