Tips, Problem Resolution

Here are some  tips and solutions to problems you may encounter.


Pages Not updating

When visiting any page on the Internet, keep in mind that most Internet browsers will 'cache' the page into memory, and show you the 'cached' version each time you revisit that page. That means that even if you have updated the page, your browser will be showing the older version of the page.  To see the updated page, press the 'Reload' or 'Refresh' button on your browser.


No Browser Button to select images

Some versions of Internet Explorer 4.0 and AOL 4.0 have bugs that don't allow file uploads, so you won't see the Browse button and won't be able to upload files.  These bugs were identified and fixed in later releases.  If you don't see the 'browse' button, get a later version of the browser you are using.


Image Won't Load

Generally if an image doesn't load it will be because:



Capturing Images to be used in product listings

We've found the quickest and easiest way to capture an image to be used on a product page, is to use a digital camera to record the image.

While images can be captured using a scanner, it can be a cumbersome process because after the image is captured, it usually has to be manipulated in an image processing program to make it web ready.  Most digital cameras can now do this when the photo is shot, greatly reducing the work on your part. (We like the Sony Mavica line of digital cameras - as they record photos to standard floppy disks -which can be used on any computer to upload to eShowcase.)


Uploading Images

Images to be used on the Internet need to be either .gif or .jpg format.  In most cases, .gif is best for everything except photos.  For photos, .jpg is usually the best format. (jpeg is also acceptable)


Image Load Speed

To insure that photos on your site load quickly when they are viewed by visitors, you should keep images under 320X240 in size (although there are no image size restrictions). Be careful that the images you use are not larger than the computer screens of your visitors!


Image File Size

For best results keep the file size of your images under 12k.  This can be done by using a image compression program such as Ulead Smart Saver.  In most cases, images of up to 1meg can be compressed down to 10k without losing any apparent resolution.  A 10k image will load 100 times faster than a 1 meg image.


Choosing the right fonts for pages

You can use any font you like, but generally you get best results using the times new roman or arial font.  Remember than any changes you make to fonts in the setting page, will not take effect until you rebuild the page(s) affected by using either the 'Edit Main Pages' option or the 'Edit Existing Listings' option.


Passwords

Never share your password with anyone, and never choose a password and username that are the same.  Also, don't choose passwords that would be easy for anyone who knows you to guess.  And change your password often.


Review Your Order Form

Before you begin taking orders, be sure to test your order form by creating a few orders using your own email name, and having them sent to you.  This will give you an idea of what your customers will see on screen and in their email, as well as give you a chance to correct any problems in the order text and email (see 'Changing Order Form Settings.').


HTML and Links

eShowcase allows you to enter html code right into the body text of any page or the text of any product description.  This allows you to create special effects, have links to graphics or pages elsewhere on the net, and do just about anything possible with html.  All you have to do is just paste the html right in the text field as you are working on it.


Useful Software tools

Since eShowcase does most of the work for you, you don't need many other tools to give your site the look and feel you want.  However, you may want the following: