| ajor difference of web application use from | | | | the pages, but it does not mean that the current |
| traditional application use is the inherent delays in | | | | state of the application is being reversed. |
| navigating from one web application page to | | | | Likewise, clicking the Forward button is also not |
| another. These delays are typically caused by | | | | the same with having to do a Redo command on |
| network traffic and computation. It takes more | | | | the application. Hence, users must be provided |
| time to serve the pages to the browser if the | | | | with links or toolbars and menus within the |
| web server is on a distant network and | | | | application to allow them to easily navigate |
| computing data (calculations, data-sorting, etc.) | | | | according to the task they need to perform. |
| also prolongs the waiting time for web application | | | | Nothing beats a customized home page uniquely |
| users. Fortunately, there are some ways through | | | | arranged to include everything that one wants to |
| which users can lessen the delays which | | | | immediately see once they log in. A customized |
| specifically result from working on a public | | | | home page makes you feel like everything you |
| network: | | | | need to see right away is easily accessible with |
| • Control the infrastructure by making an | | | | just one click. Using Netvibes as your startpage, |
| intranet rather than using the public internet. | | | | you can now customize your homepage to include |
| • Using smaller graphics and lesser pages can | | | | Atom/RSS feeds, multiple search engines, to-do |
| minimize page loading time. | | | | notes, email, local weather forecasts, a calendar, a |
| • Reduces errors and overall task time by | | | | word processor and many more. You can also |
| making navigation easier and clearer. | | | | choose the way your Netvibes page looks like by |
| Staying connected with people is one distinctive | | | | uploading your own design or by choosing from |
| characteristic of this generation. With mobile | | | | available themes. Since its launch on September |
| phones and computers everywhere, | | | | 15, 2005, Netvibes has become one of the most |
| there’s no reason for someone to not get | | | | popular personalized homepage, being translated in |
| involved in other people’s lives. And this is | | | | different languages. |
| where instant messaging comes in, people wanting | | | | Web applications are normally more complicated |
| to be constantly connected with each other. | | | | than desktop applications and users can easily get |
| Hence, it’s no wonder that Meebo became | | | | lost in the huge amount of information displayed |
| such a huge hit by offering instant messaging | | | | to them. Luckily, there are ways in which web |
| service to users through multiple instant | | | | applications can be structured to help easy |
| messaging platforms. Whether you’re using | | | | navigation: |
| a public computer or your mobile phone, you can | | | | • Arrange information - Try linking all pages |
| now access AOL’s AIM, Google Talk, | | | | on the site to each other and provide links to |
| Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger through | | | | important information on your site. |
| The good thing with Meebo is that it automatically | | | | • Use navigational aids - A clear and |
| saves your message history so that you can still | | | | consistent page design can help users track |
| check your previous conversations. Overall, Meebo | | | | where they are and where they can go from |
| is an easy way to keep updated with the latest | | | | their current location. |
| news on your buddies. | | | | • Create a unique URL for each page - A |
| Knowing the difference between the application | | | | unique URL for each page lessens the hassle of |
| and the browser can greatly aid users in easy | | | | losing unsaved data caused by reloading pages. |
| Web navigation. Always remember that the | | | | • Use hypertext indexes and help systems - |
| browser is the one which displays the data on | | | | This can help users manage tasks by giving them |
| each page and that a back button is normally | | | | quick access to information and help guides. |
| found in it. This button, when clicked, re-displays | | | | |