I did not discover the power of Google Analytics, until the Google Analytics Master Class.

Previously, I use Google Analytics to tell me how many visitors I have, where are visitors came from, what are the traffic sources, what search engine keywords lead to my site…

Google Analytics is much powerful than that! From the Google Analytics Master Class, I learned some cool tips which would benefits me, as a blogger.

1. Set your GOAL

Do NOT check your site’s pageview or unique visitors! The 1st thing you wanna do is — “set a goal”!

Ask yourself about “what do you want to achieve with your site?” Is it more orders (ecommerce), more readers (blog), or anything else?

The site traffic data is meaningless if you don’t have a “GOAL”.

2. Track your visitors

Your every site visitor is unique. Use Google Analytics “segments” and “funnels” to track, compare and understand your visitors. Learn their behavior on your site against your GOAL.

3. Testing.. testing.. testing..

Use Google Optimizer to test your web designs to find out which design is the best for your GOAL. You can use a simple A/B test or the more complex Multivariate Experiment.

Here are example of Advanced Segments you can apply.

When picking a test page, pick the one has high traffic. Be bold to test different designs. Test big things that really make a different. Small changes are not worth to test at 1st stage.

4. The Google trend search tools

Find out what is the current hot topics related to your business using Google. All tools are free!

From the Google search, you can click “show options” to get the “Timeline” and “Wonder wheel” related to your searched keywords. Timeline, shows the “hotness” of the keyword. Wonder wheel, shows the related keywords.

For research, you can then use YouTube Insight (your own videos only) to find out the video statistics. (I never know that!)

Use Google Trends for Website to find out a website’s traffic and keywords. Google Insights, in the other hand, to dig further information about the keywords.

My two cents

After the Google Analytics Master Class, I learned that I could use GA and other Google tools to:

• monitor & improve ads clicks
• optimize blog design
• research for blog topicsx

Google Analytics Master Class is indeed the most meaningful event I attended!

P.S. Google Analytics Master Class slides are available here or you can direct download the all the slides here (thanks, @icednyior!)

Facebook, the world largest social networking site, is hiring software engineer in Malaysia.

Published on Facebook Software Engineering jobs, the position titled “Software Engineer, Growth – Malaysia (Contractor)”.

The Growth team is looking for experienced Software Engineers who can build and maintain services that are relied upon for growth-critical processes. This position is full-time and located in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

There are many job benefits to work in Facebook that make Malaysian IT staff jealous.

Apply jobs at Facebook

My two cents

It is interesting to see the Facebook development in Malaysia. Not sure if he/she is the 1st ever Facebook staff in Malaysia, though.

Currently, Malaysia has over 4 million (and growing) Facebook users, which is about 1% of Facebook active users.

Update: The new position could be working in the Facebook recently acquired 2 employees Malaysian company — Octazen. (thanks to everyone who tipped this!)

Hat Tip: Saad Kamal

Buy Office 2007 today and you can download Microsoft Office 2010 for FREE!

If you buy Office 2007 from March 5 till September 30, 2010, you can download Microsoft Office 2010 FULL version for FREE when it is released later this year.

You only need to install and activate your Office 2007 by September 30, 2010 to be qualified for the free office 2010 upgrade.

Once Office 2010 is available, simply go to www.office.com/techg to download it for free. You also have an option to purchase a DVD for a fee.

Office 2010’s release date will be June 2010.

Click here to buy MS Office Home and Student 2007 for only USD$109.49 (27% off).

There is a Cinderella in my home — the TMNet Streamyx broadband connection I have.

Recently, my Streamyx connection always disconnect in the midnight (my working hour). Once it is about midnight, the connection will disconnect, reconnect, disconnect, reconnect.. every minute or two.

A very frustrating experience.

It only disconnects in the midnight. The broadband connection is fine in the day time and after 1am. It sounds weird but true.

I have no idea why the Streamyx connection only disconnects in the middle of night. A Cinderella inside!?

IF anyone has any idea, please tell me in the comment below. Thank you.

In response to DiGi iPhone, Celcom Axiata is considering to sell iPhone in Malaysia too.

Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly said the company would study the viability of the plan carefully as it required a dedicated end-to-end system for the iPhone.

“Unlike normal GSM phone, the iPhone requires lots of after-sales service and a good support and customer service system,” he told reporters at a briefing of the company’s 2009 financial results.

– Bernama

My two cents

Still considering? Isn’t it a bit too late? Or, Celcom is afraid that their customer service is not good enough to handle iPhone users?

To myself, the statement of Celcom CEO sounds like jealousy, “We wish we got the iPhone deal too”.

What do you think?

For Malaysians & Singaporeans. Google will hold the annual Google Analytics Master Class in both Singapore (March 9, 2010) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (March 11, 2010).

You will get tips and insights from web analytics professionals and Google Analytics speakers in the afternoon event. It’s FREE!

Related book: Google Analytics, 3rd Edition

The Google Analytics Master Class in Singapore will be held on Tuesday, 9 March 2010, 1.30pm – 6.00pm, at Meritus Mandarin Orchard, Ballroom 1. Get the map, agenda, and registration form here.

As for Kuala Lumpur, the event will be held on Thursday, 11 March 2010, from 1:30pm to 6pm, at Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Register here instead.

Since I am using Google Analytics to track my websites, I think I will be there (KL venue) to learn more tips to understand my blog readers (you!).

Will you be there too?

Now you can track any website changes using Google Reader, even the website does not provide a RSS feed. I show you how.

1. Copy the web page address that you want to track (but do not provide a feed).
2. Goto Google Reader and click the “Add a subscription” button.
3. Paste the web page address which you copied earlier and click “Add” button.
4. Google Reader prompts that the web page does not provide a feed but it can create a feed for you. Click “Create a feed”.
5. Done.

The feature comes handy if you want to track changes of a page but it does not provide a feed.

Here is example of Google Reader’s auto generated feed:

The generated feed is very simple and contains no info on what has been changed/added/deleted. Personally, it is not up to my expectation.

To track web page changes, I use ChangeDetection.com. What’s your recommended tool to track web page changes?

I received a scam email appeared to be from Maybank Berhad, the largest bank group in Malaysia.

Tip: Click here to scan for Windows Registry Errors and Optimize PC performance

The message warned me that my online banking account will be terminated if do not “secure” it by following the link.

WE ARE IMPROVING OUR ACCOUNT SECURITY TO PROTECT AND SERVE YOU BETTER. ALL CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY SECURE THEIR ONLINE ACCOUNT BELOW AS UNSECURED ACCOUNTS WILL BE TERMINATED TILL FURTHER NOTICE. THIS PROCESS IS MANDATORY.

Of course, it is a scam.

How did I know it is a scam?

• The email is not sent from official site, in this case: Maybank2u.com
• Bank will NEVER send email to customer regarding account problem.
• The link is not official site.
• No contact information included in the message.

Most modern web browsers nowadays also automatically block suspicious website.

However, people might still get cheated if they happen to receive the scam email right after they done an online transaction. That’s quite tricky.

Always be alert.

Have you received similar email before? How did you deal with it?

Yesterday, I mentioned that many websites haven’t update their copyright year in the footer, including some world’s popular sites.

The official Google blogs are not getting the copyright year updated, too.

As far as I see, none of the blogs under Google Blog Directory has updated the copyright year. Some blogs even stay in 2008!

Come on, Google!

Have you downloaded free Microsoft Office 2010? Don’t know how to use the Office 2010? Worry not! Here is another freebie from Microsoft Press, the free book on Microsoft Office 2010!

Tip: Click here to scan for Windows Registry Errors and Optimize PC performance

The free Office 2010 book in PDF consists 14 chapters and 183 non-colored pages.

• Chapter 1: Welcome to Office 2010
• Chapter 2: Express Yourself Effectively and Efficiently
• Chapter 3: Collaborate in the Office and Around the World
• Chapter 4: Create and Share Compelling Documents with Word 2010
• Chapter 5: Create Smart Data Insights with Excel 2010
• Chapter 6: Manage Rich Communications with Outlook 2010
• Chapter 7: Produce Dynamic Presentations with PowerPoint 2010
• Chapter 8: Organize, Store, and Share Ideas with OneNote 2010
• Chapter 9: Collaborate Effectively with SharePoint Workspace 2010
• Chapter 10: Create Effective Marketing Materials with Publisher 2010
• Chapter 11: Make Sense of Your Data with Access 2010
• Chapter 12: Putting It All Together
• Chapter 13: Security in Office 2010
• Chapter 14: Training Made Easy

Click here to download the free Office 2010 book [PDF, 10.6 MB]

[via digital inspiration, hat tip: @liewzy]

For you who can’t wait for the breaking news being published few hours after the event, here are the list of sites that do LIVE coverage of Apple’s “latest creation” event:

1. AppleInsider
2. Engadget
3. Wired
4. MacWorld
5. MacNN
6. AppleTell
7. Ars Technica
8. SlashGear
9. Gizmodo

Enjoy!

Update: Added another 2 sites (SlashGear & Gizmodo). Thanks!

TechCrunch has been hacked, again. Not even 24 hour after the 1st hack.

Techcrunch hacked, again

Reported by TheNextWeb, TechCrunch has been hacked again and the hacker inserted the following text (no censor) in the site’s header:

“So Arrington, how much did all the media coverage yesterday brought you in trough the welcome.html ad you forced people to? What a fucking retarded move was that you twat. You should be thanking me and sucking on my fucking ballsack for not deleting everyone on the box and publishing the mysql, if that’s what you want O.K, I can do that. Also, you fucking dickwads from sites like Yahoo!, BBC and plenty more, where the FUCK do you see adult content on http://dupedb.com/ ???????? I mean honestly, are you fucktards also in just for the money?!?!?!”

My two cents

Apparently, the hacker is angry over the TechCrunch decision to put up the interstitial ad.

TechCrunch is back to normal, once again. Hope it will stable from now on. It is not a good idea to have the popular tech site hacked while Apple announce the Apple Tablet few hours later.

By the way, TechCrunch is running on WordPress blogging platform. Have you update your WordPress to the latest version?

(image by flyheaded)

Tip: Click here to scan for Windows Registry Errors and Optimize PC performance

My friend’s company in Singapore is hiring a software developer.

Job Responsibilities:

• Development of web-based applications to provide robust high availability online services.
• Involvement in full software development lifecycle – architecture design, requirement analysis, design, coding, testing and deployment.
• Opportunity to initiate or participate in wide-range of leading edge technologies, such as iPhone, Android platforms.
• Develop understanding and implementation current design patterns, best practices and coding standards.
• Bring forward technology ideas for continuous improvements to products and processes.
• Exposure to the techniques and processes in the maintenance of a live production system.
• Process/procedure design and documentation.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Interested? Click here for more details.

The popular tech blog, TechCrunch has been hacked!

The hacked TechCrunch site contains a text “what a fxxxing useless hack isn’t it. Bleh.” and a link to dupedb.com, illegal download site.

Here is the screenshot (taken on iPhone) of the hacked site.

Update: TechCrunch.com is back online as I’m writing this. No word about the hack yet.

Update 2: TechCrunch has confirmed the hack but yet be able to tell more about the hack.

Google Chrome 4.0 stable [Windows] has been released and supports extensions.

Google Chrome extensions

Tip: Click here to scan for Windows Registry Errors and Optimize PC performance

The extensions are little programs to add functionality to your web browser. The addons for Firefox is the same concept.

Visit Google Chrome extension gallery to find and install the ones that interest you.

Unlike Mozilla Firefox, install and uninstall Chrome extensions do not need to restart web browser. Great! You can view and manage the extensions settings by clicking on the “Tools” menu and select “Extensions”.The following video shows you how to install extension to Google Chrome:

The Google Chrome bookmark sync feature is also moved out from beta. It allows you to keep your bookmarks synchronized and up-to-date in between several computers.

On performance improvement, Google Chrome 4.0 stable is 42% faster than Chrome 3 stable in the Mozilla’s Dromaeo DOM Core Tests.

Download Google Chrome

Linux & Mac version?

Google Chrome for Linux is already support extensions on the beta version. Mac users can download the Dev Channel of Google Chrome to install extensions.

My two cents

I always like the speed and simplicity of Google Chrome. The reason which stop me from switching from Mozilla Firefox is the browser addons/extensions. The addon or extension helps to create your own version of powerful web browser. I can’t live without them.

I have been playing around Google Chrome extensions in the past few weeks. I love Google Chrome that install/uninstall extensions do not required to restart browser. It has been annoyed me pretty much on Firefox.

Maybe, I will switch to Google Chrome when the stable channel for Mac has been released. Sorry, Firefox.

By the way, one problem with Google Chrome extensions is that you cannot arrange the extension icons on tool bar, which is quite annoying.

Over to You

Have you try Google Chrome extensions? Do you like it? Have you switched to Google Chrome as your main web browser?

The world’s richest man, Bill Gates (@BillGates) has joined the world’s popular social networking and microblogging service, Twitter.

@BillGates is a verified account and Gates is tweeting personally via Twitter web interface. He also announce his new website “The Gates Notes” using Twitter.

At the time I am writing this, Gates has got over 250K followers and listed in more than 8,000 lists, all in only 1 day!

Now, everyone can drop a message directly to Bill Gates via Twitter. No guarantee Gates would read your messages though.. I think he has been flooded by Twitter @mentions by now

By the way, follow my twitter at @liewcf (I read every message you send to me, promised!)

(image credit: Andy Piper)

IT Helpdesk job vacancy available in Cyberjaya for fresh grads.

Position: IT Helpdesk
Location: Scope International, Bukit Jalil, & Anway IT Services, Cyberjaya
Salary: RM2000
Exp: Freshers (prefer Chinese who are able to speak mandarin and english)
Training: Provided for all (1 month)
Working Date: 5 days a week
Working Time: 8 hours a day (anytime as long as you work for 8 hours a day)
Work Description: Generally is dealing with client enquiries. Remote access the server + monitor the server and conduct troubleshoot when necessary.
Employment type: 12 months contract (after 12 months contract will be convert into the permanent status or extant contract. Depend on the candidates will)

Interested please contact Brianna Song.

Happy Thanksgiving! I got some free Google Wave invites for you.

How to get free Google Wave invite?

I do not need you to do anything in return for a Google Wave invite. Simply drop me an email to request for Google Wave invite. No more Google Wave invite.

That’s it!

Of course, I would really appreciate if you follow me (@liewcf) on Twitter and/or ReTweet (RT) any articles you like on this blog.

Google Wave invite left: 0

Note: Google Wave invite delivery could be delayed for weeks. Please wait for some time to receive yours.

Jaguar Cray XT5 is the current world’s fastest supercomputer with performance of 1,759 teraflops.

The fastest: Jaguar Cray XT5 supercomputer

Do you know that the World’s Top 1 supercomputer in 2004 “only” has a performance of 35.86 teraflops? Jaguar is 50 times faster!

The Jaguar supercomputer has 37,367 six-core AMD Opteron 2.6 GHz processos (not Intel), 300 terabyte of RAM, 10 petabyte of disc space. It runs on custom version of SUSE Linux.

The whole supercomputer setup takes up 409 m&sup2, which is larger than an NBA basketball court!

The computing power of the Jaguar is used by scientists to run simulations of climate changes and effects, supernovas, and a number of other compute-intensive applications.

[via Pingdom]

IF you have access to the world’s fastest supercomputer, what kind of task would you assign to it?

This is a guest post by Dwarka Rao from Review Unit, a blog where you can find Reviews and News about Gadgets, Software, Hardware and Web Apps. Please have a look at PC’s PLACE, which. is a blog with amazing tech related stuff, freebies and web apps.

Ensuring the security levels of your computer is the most basic and fundamental task for any computer user. There is an old saying in the Medical Fraternity that “Prevention is better than Cure.” The same applies while you are putting your efforts to protect your computer from malicious attacks. So keeping your computer shielded with a robust antivirus program is the very much necessary.

It has been few days but Windows 7 has already created a great buzz. People are very much in love with this brand new operating system from Microsoft because of its amazingly innovative features. Since Windows 7 is the newest operating system of the current date, users are skeptical about the antivirus programs which can be used to protect their computers powered by Windows 7.

Hackers release numerous viruses, Trojans, rootkits and other malicious program every year. It is nothing less than any unending process. So, computer security experts have already warned people about number of malicious programs which are designed to hamper the performance Windows 7.

I would like to list out the top 5 antivirus programs to protect your machines powered by Windows 7:

1. Kaspersky Antivirus

   
   Are there any users who have not heard about the brand KASPERSKY? I would be surprised and shocked if I find any. Being a huge fan of Kaspersky, I cannot stop myself boasting this incredible computer security company. Many of you would agree to the fact that Kaspersky Antivirus programs are some of the best and robust security programs you have ever come across.

   And the brands launched its new antivirus program compatible on Windows 7 on the very day, when Windows 7 was officially launched. They wanted to ensure that their product is the first one to be opted by the users of this brand new operating system.

   Below are some of the many wondrous features offered by Kaspersky:

   • It provides real time scanning of files, web pages and e-mails.
   • It is attuned to shield Windows 7
   • Protects your Windows 7 powered computer from all kind of dangerous viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and malicious products.
   • Amazing design and look with user friendly graphical user interface.
   • The brand new Kaspersky Toolbar for Internet browsers warns you about infected websites even before visiting them.

   Buy Kaspersky Antivirus now and get discount

2. AVG Antivirus for Windows 7

   AVG is the one of such antivirus programs which is popular among the newbies and advanced users. And the brand new antivirus program designed by AVG is completely compatible on Windows 7. And if you are an avid AVG fan, this is surely a reason to smile, Below are its features:

   • Integration of features like Link Scanner, Web Shield, and AVG Toolbar ensures your system’s protection.
   • The Link Checker feature is an innovative option offered to users which warn the Internet users to stay away from harmful web sites.
   • Does not hamper the computer’s performance while it is functioning in the background.
   • Intuitive graphical user interface, which makes AVG a complete treat.

   Buy AVG antivirus now and get discount

3. AVIRA Antivirus Software

   Like its logo (protective umbrella), the latest version of Avira antivirus program is very much competent to protect your computer running on Windows 7 operating system. It will surely impress you with its user interface, which brings all the options just a click away. Following are the amazing features offered by Avira:

   • It works on a completely updated virus database.
   • Automatically blocks you to visit the infected websites.
   • It offers its FREE version too. Can you ask for something better?
   • Hassle free operation and keeps your computer’s performance while it is operating in the background.

   Download Avira free antivirus

4. AVAST! Windows 7 Anti Virus

   Avast is not an unknown brand in the market of antivirus programs. With the release of Windows 7, Avast has also launched its brand new computer security package compatible for the computers run on Windows 7 operating system. Below are some of its features:

   • Robust protection against all the latest viruses, spywares, Trojans and other malicious programs.
   • Does not consume much of your computer’s resources.
   • User friendly graphical interface and is very easy to use.
   • You can tweak its display settings (for example, changing skins) to complement the ultimate visual effects of Windows 7.

   Buy Avast! antivirus now and get discount

5. Trend Micro Antivirus for Windows 7

   Trend Micro Antivirus is a Japanese computer security firm. And with in no time, they have managed to capture respectable market share in its genre. This inspired Trend Micro to launch their new antivirus program to protect Windows 7 operating systems. Below are its features:

   • A complete security against compute infections like worms, Trojans, viruses and other malicious programs
   • Blocks the infected emails to be viewed on the computer.
   • Its smooth operation allows you to work fluently while it is being operated in the background.

   Buy Trend Micro antivirus now and get discount

This is a guest post. If you would like to contribute too, please contact us.