When it comes to the design of web sites specifically tailored for commerce (meaning not blogs), the clock appears to have stood still for some major retail outlets. Once such example of a really old design is Costco:This design has been used at Costco since 2006 and has barely changed since that point. Here are the things you immediately notice about...

Many of you shop NewEgg or other like online retail web site to buy things. One of the items they sell is Microsoft Windows 7. For single-license versions of the OS, there are three types you can buy:Upgrade OEM System Builder Full RetailUpgrade is easy enough to understand. In order to install the OS you need a qualifying product such as Windows XP or...

This article is not about the things we buy online but rather the traditional stores we use to buy our electronic stuff. With electronics items, you can either go to a store that’s specifically deals in electronics, an office supply store, or a department store. In the United States, these are the choices we have (this is not a complete list but covers...

It’s most likely true you study the electronics products you intend to purchase before you buy them. You read web site reviews, watch a demonstration video of it if available, and maybe even print out a sheet with some notes before heading to the store. You expect, as you should, the employee you encounter who will sell you the item to know the product...

In the world of business there are many corporations that do not follow the calendar year (i.e. year begins on January 1) but rather the fiscal year. While it’s true that a fiscal year can start anytime depending on the business, most of them will use September. As an example, high schools in the United States traditionally use September as the beginning...

I picked up a new USB 2.0 hub at Best Buy. And, as usual, it was packaged in that really tough plastic packaging that, I swear, was designed by Nazis.I understand that they do this to alleviate shoplifting, but come...

In a move that’s seemingly insignificant but actually very significant, Ubuntu Linux is now available for purchase off-the-shelf from Best Buy. Reasons why this is important: When a software product “graduates” from the internet to being an actual in-store item, this means that non-nerds see it and will probably buy it. Why? Because it’s...