New site first time php/mysql

**amiman** · 05-07-2007, 08:10 AM

my new site has just gone live
Its the first time I have used php/MySQL so may work may not

please review it
does it load quick
does it load right
is it easy to get round

not a lot on it at the moment as I say its just gone live

http://www.security4free.co.uk

thanks in advance

**jv16** · 05-07-2007, 09:28 AM

The site seems to be full of MySQL errors, such as:
Warning: mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: Access denied for user 'security4fuk'@'localhost'

Generally speaking the layout and navigation are good. But the header graphics looks rather cheap.

The heading of the front page's copy isn't very good in my opinion. I would suggest something like: "Why would you want to pay for computer security software if you can get the same for free?", or something similar. After that you could say that this site is your one stop site for all computer security software.

The front page looks official and you don't introduce yourself at any point, still you write as of "I" (e.g. "I think the worst place..."). You should either introduce yourself and make the website a bit more personal, or don't use any "I" forms.

I would recommend going with a bit more personal touch, there already are dozens of computer security related websites. How could you stand out? Being personal would be one way. "Hi! My name is .... welcome to my website:" as the pre-heading, and add your photo to front page. Then, you could spice up the copy by converting it to more personal, something like "I have used computers for xx years and I have always wanted to use free computer security software. Now I have found the programs I like and I would like to share this information with you." and so on.

**amiman** · 05-07-2007, 03:09 PM

Thanks for the review

Quote:

The site seems to be full of MySQL errors, such as:
Warning: mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: Access denied for user 'security4fuk' @ ' localhost'

It seems to be a problem with my hosting server this is twice now this has happened. Last time I just put it back in but thinking I had done something wrong somewhere while I was trying to get the search to work, this time ive left it so they can see it an engineer is looking at it. I cant even access the database when I am logged into my server control panel.
The site was working perfectly when I posted on here and I never did anything to it after the post.

Quote:

The heading of the front page's copy isn't very good in my opinion. I would suggest something like: "Why would you want to pay for computer security software if you can get the same for free?", or something similar. After that you could say that this site is your one stop site for all computer security software.

I struggled to think what to put on the front page, the site content was no problem security software, plenty out there, I also own a freeware site so I know that and where it is.
You have definately given me some ideas for the intro Thanks.

Quote:

But the header graphics looks rather cheap

my biggest let down is graphics, always has been but I agree, I just wanted something simple for now.

But as you have seen thats the least of my problems now.

Thanks again for your honest comments.

**jv16** · 05-07-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amiman

my biggest let down is graphics, always has been but I agree, I just wanted something simple for now.

If you want good graphics, just hire someone to do it for a few bucks. Such a header image doesn't really cost much. You can find good and affordable designers for example at: www.rentacoder.com

**loganeast** · 05-07-2007, 03:37 PM

I got the same MySQL errors. It looks like its just a permissions error. The username and password you're using in your PHP code connecting to the MySQL DB is probably incorrect. This is usually a separate password from your main server control panel password. You might need to set up a MySQL account on the server. Should be an easy fix.

As far as the graphics, I think if you just take out the blue wash over the computer & lock graphic you'd be much better off. Maybe add some kind of texture to the background behind your "logo".

I would suggest something more interesting on the logo itself. It could be as simple as a couple layer effects in Photoshop. A Drop Shadow and a little Bevel goes a long way. Kind of overplayed, but you're not looking for a cutting edge graphic, just something that looks better than flat text. If you want to do the reflection effect you started to build under Security, that would look pretty good. Just fade the reflection as it goes away from the source. Then do the same effect on the "4Free" to keep it consistent. That might look nice.

If you spend an hour fixing your MySQL error, and another hour on the graphics, I think you'd be in much better shape overall.

**xprmnt** · 05-07-2007, 04:37 PM

A very clean design, I like the header background images.
Other than the mysql warnings the site loaded right and fast.

**wmhome** · 05-07-2007, 06:28 PM

Loading speed is normal
There is a mysql error on left side navigation bar also in last 5 listings

**Andy_Wilson** · 05-07-2007, 08:32 PM

yeah same mysql errors.
The logo is good however your colour scheme is very basic. Reminds me of some 90's website or some quick up spammer website. Doesn't look very pro. I think a change in the colour scheme is needed perhaps yellow and blue; they remind me of PC security programs.

**amiman** · 05-08-2007, 11:42 AM

Site/database now back online it was a error at the hosting server.

Thanks for all your comments they have all been taken on board and now the database is running again I can start to make some changes.

**robo-cop** · 05-11-2007, 01:18 AM

nice site

**highanddry** · 05-11-2007, 04:04 AM

i really can't agree with the gray background. The colorscheme doesn't flow well. Visually I think the best way to improve the site is to change the blue on gray and do something with the banner, theres a lot of plain blue space in the banner that just seems wasted.
Good Luck

**amiman** · 05-14-2007, 04:04 PM

Made a few changes to banner and colours also cured mysql problems (fingers crossed , touch wood etc)

www.security4free.co.uk

**SticKer** · 05-14-2007, 04:51 PM

looks good, nice theme and it also gives the professional feeling

**gigitrix** · 05-14-2007, 05:03 PM

Just once little thing that you may want to change: The search box on the right (presumably in an iframe) is too long. You will need to set the length attribute shorter in html.

However everything else is much better than I could do

.