Keyword Competitor is a very unique SEO tool.  I was contacted by Alexandra from Keywordcompetitor.com and asked to take a look at their website and software package. 

In the spirit of education and the mission of  TheTeachingBox I agreed to take a look and do a review.  I will approach this review by first looking at the website and then using the software through the free trial that Keywordcompetitor offers.

As a webmaster I am a part time student of Search Engine Optimization (see my blog PagerankToday where I study these concepts).  Initially I was not too excited about another tool that will help me with SEO because there are lots of them out there.  As I studied the Keywordcompetitor website I found out that this software is different.   First of all this software package performs Real time Keyword Research.   Second it allows you to Research AND monitor.  Third it produces detailed reports that you can download and study. 

The website provides informative videos that allowed me to understand exactly what this product is, and how it is different from traditional offerings.

The website is very professional looking and easy to use.  The Video Tutorials are well done, and they use a great flash based tool to present them to the user.  There is also an informative FAQ that answers basic questions.  I signed up for a free trial and within minutes was using the software. 

The first thing to say is this is a well designed Web 2.0 tool.  It runs totally within a web browser so you do not need to download anything to your local computer.  This allows you to access the software from anywhere.  Buttons allow the user to download data, and even e-mail it to an address.  The software works flawlessly within a Firefox browser, and I would guess IE as well.  I will have to test it on my Mac when there is time.  As I said earlier, this is True Web 2.0 software.  

I set up some searches and worked with the email and export buttons.  Everything is fully functional.  TheTeachingBox is a website that doesn't make any money, and I really haven't researched my competition, nevertheless  I am interested in getting more traffic to my Blog and this tool can help. 

The trial lets you monitor 1 domain and 2 keywords.  This is enough to allow you to use the tool understand its functionality.  One interesting aspect is the ability to research paid keywords.  This ability will help you understand what keywords are considered valuable enough for people to pay for.   The monitoring capability is useful.  The software will e-mail you daily reports on how your research is progressing.

I will continue to play with Keyword Competitor in order to understand more about how it works.  This is an in depth software package that has lots of potential for SEO research.  Until I report back, I encourage you to visit the site, give the trial a run and let me know what you think about this tool!

- Loren

GIMP is a great Freeware Graphics program.  I have purchased and here have made available a complete set of free tutorials on using GIMP. 

After you complete these tutorials you will know how to use the most powerful freeware graphics editor around.  You can go to the download site by clicking on the graphic to the right. 

This set of tutorials is for GIMP version 2.4.  The current version is 2.6, but don't worry as there are few differences between the versions and the things you learn in these videos work in the newer version.

GIMP is an amazing Open Source graphics program that is practically a direct clone of Adobe® Photoshop®. This incredible graphics program is FREE to download and use… and the quality of graphics that GIMP produces is superior to any program that costs $300, $500 or even $700 dollars!

It’s really no surprise that GIMP has become a favorite with seasoned experts and graphic newbies all over the globe. But there is one thing that really holds most people back from becoming a GIMP master… learning how to use it can be overwhelming… even for graphic designers who use these types of programs on a daily basis.

Just click on the title of the video and it will open in a new window.  Click on the play button in the center of the graphic to start the video.  These videos are all in flash and should play inside any web browser.

On to the tutorials!

The Gimp – Video 01 – How To Install The Gimp version 2.4
3:03 Minutes
Let me walk you through all the steps needed to successfully install your GIMP. You don’t have to worry if you’re doing it correctly because I cover all the bases. You will be the master of Gimp Installation after this video.

The Gimp – Video 02 – Getting Started
10:50 Minutes
In this video I just give you the basics. I reveal several aspects of the program and little-known tips to creating or manipulating your images. You will discover how to create a new canvas and the typical settings you might use.

The Gimp – Video 03 – An Introduction To The User Interface
6:01 Minutes
The Gimp program is very robust and can be somewhat of a daunting task to figure out the first time you use it. This video will de-mystify these options by giving you the insider’s tour. Discover how to set up your Gimp “Desktop” to be the most comfortable and useful for YOUR Needs.

The Gimp – Video 04 – How To Use The Rectangle Tool
9:08 Minutes
I don’t leave anything to your imagination. I divulge all the information about the first of 7 select tools and all of the option that you have with the Rectangle tool. Discover how to feather the edges of your image, create rounded corners, and much, much more.

The Gimp – Video 05 – How To Use The Freehand Tool
2:39 Minutes
Just like the Rectangle and Ellipse Tool, the Freehand Tool will select certain parts of your image and this video will reveal the uses and operations as well as introduce you to some of the additional modes that will impress everyone.

The Gimp – Video 06 – How To Use The Color & Fuzzy Select Tools
3:58 Minutes
The Fuzzy Select Tool aka the Magic Wand, as well as the Color Select Tool are some of the most powerful tools in this program. Discover the difference between the two and utilize them to design amazing graphics.

The Gimp – Video 07 – How To Use The Scissors Select Tool
5:37 Minutes
You can “magnetically” select shapes from an image and skyrocket your design abilities with this tool. Discover how to selecting an area or item within your image by selecting an area based on a series of left clicking around the item you wish to select. Pretty cool huh!

The Gimp – Video 08 – How To Use The Foreground Select Tool
7:23 Minutes
This one you really must see in action! Discover how to extract the foreground from the active layer. And watch a Zebra disappear from the grassy plains of Africa and end up in the Egyptian Desert staring at the Pyramids.

The Gimp – Video 09 – How To Use The Paths Tool
6:20 Minutes
Discover how to create some pretty complex object quickly and simply with The Paths Tool aka the Bezier (bez-ee-ay) Tool.

The Gimp – Video 10 – How To Use The Color Picker Tool
4:51 Minutes
Meet the Color Picker Tool and uncover how to select any color in any image opened on your screen as well as creating colors using various layers.

The Gimp – Video 11 – How To Use The Zoom Tool
1:51 Minutes
This is more than just simply zooming in and out. Let me show you the secrets behind this tool that hardly anyone knows!

The Gimp – Video 12 – How To Use The Measure Tool
2:10 Minutes
The Measure Tool is one of the most informative tools and I will show you exactly how to use it to make your graphics POP!

The Gimp – Video 13 – How To Use The Move Tool
2:53 Minutes
Short video – BIG information. You will quickly discover why this will be one of the most used tools in your “Gimp Arsenal” of Tools.

The Gimp – Video 14 – How To Use The Align Tool
2:55 Minutes
When you need to precisely move an image object to a certain location within your image, the align tool will do the job. Discover how to use this tool like the pros!

The Gimp – Video 15 – How To Use The Transform Tools
13:38 Minutes
Crop, Rotate, Scale, Shear, Perspective & Flip – This video is packed with details on the most used tools you will have at your disposal in the Gimp. This is a must see video!

The Gimp – Video 16 – How To Use The Text Tool
11:22 Minutes
After watching this video you will know how to add text to your images and work with the various options available when using your Text Tool. I also show you how to add to your Gimp Toolbox through the Preferences. This WILL come in very handy.

The Gimp – Video 17 – How To Use The Bucket Fill Tool
4:37 Minutes
Discover how to use the Bucket Fill Tool and the options that accompany this popular tool. After watching this video you will know how to add color and or patterns to certain parts of or entire images.

The Gimp – Video 18 – How To Use The Blend or Gradient Tool
7:28 Minutes
One of my favorite tools… the Blend or Gradient Tool as some call it. Let me reveal the various options you have and also show you how to add some awesome color schemes to your images that will add loads of the WOW Factor.

The Gimp – Video 19 – How To Use The Brush Tools
10:44 Minutes
Discover how to utilize the following 5 Brush Tools – the Pencil, Paintbrush, Airbrush, InkTool and the Eraser Tool and uncover the differences between these tools as well as how you can use them to make your images powerful.

The Gimp – Video 20 – How To Use The Last Of The Brush Tools (Clone, Heal, Perspective Clone, Blur/Sharpen, Smudge, Dodge/Burn)
15:47 Minutes
Utilize the last 6 Brush Tools and work more with your digital pictures like removing the “red eye” or touching up a mole on someone’s face. If you work with digital pictures then you will love this video and these tools.

The Gimp – Video 21 – How To Create And Install Your Own Brushes
8:45 Minutes
Most people have no idea that you can get additional brushes in various styles…all for FREE. You will also discover how to create your own brushes as well as install them. If you think a Gimp Paintbrush is just a stick with hairs on one end…you need to see this video.

The Gimp – Video 22 – An Introduction To The Layers
8:34 Minutes
Layers enhance an existing image or create new images with pizzazz. You will discover how to create, hide and move new layers and the importance of the layers location in the dialog box.

The Gimp – Video 23 – How To Edit PhotoShop Images
3:51 Minutes
Open, Edit & Save your PhotoShop (PSD) images using Gimp 2.4 and never spend $200 – $600 for Adobe PhotoShop.

The Gimp – Video 24 – How To Make Your Images Transparent
10:54 Minutes
This video is a must see! Create your own eCovers, Headers or most any type of Internet Marketing Graphics by removing backgrounds as well as other items from your image. Discover how to allow that image (transparency) to perfectly blend into your target image seamlessly. You are well on your way to becoming a Graphics Designer.

The Gimp – Video 25 – How To Use The Save Function
8:43 Minutes
It’s not as simple as it sounds. You will know that saving your work is not just a matter of choosing where and what to save. You will uncover the difference between various file extensions. Should you save it as a xcf or jpg or gif??? …watch this video and find out.

The Gimp – Video 26 – An Introduction To Script-FU (script-foo)
6:38 Minutes
Meet the various Scripts you can use in your Gimp 2.4 and where on the Internet you can get boatloads of FREE scripts and how to install them. Discover the limitless functionality you will enjoy while using your Gimp 2.4

The Gimp – Video 27 – How To Create Web 2.0 Graphics.
14:42 Minutes
Discover the secret to putting your knowledge you have gathered from the previous videos to create some awesome Graphics and Effects. After watching this video you will be comfortable with HAVING EARNED the title… GRAPHICS DESIGNER

The Gimp – Video 28 – Bonus How to Add Fonts.
8:33 Minutes
In this bonus video you will learn how to add fonts to your GIMP installation to enhance your text tool and font selcetions.

The Gimp – Video 29 – Bonus How To Create Gimp Badges.
12:23 Minutes
In this bonus video you will learn how to create cool web 2.0 badges and button graphics for your website or blog.

The Gimp – Video 30 – Bonus How to Create a Web 2.0 Header Template.
10:14 Minutes
In this bonus video you will learn how to create cool web 2.0 headers for your website or blog. 

I hope you have enjoyed these tutorials.  Feel free to share this link with your friends after you impress them with your new abilities to use the Amazing GIMP image editor.

-Loren

From Ferris Buehler one of my favorite clips of bad teaching.  Keeping students engaged and interactive is more difficult than people think.  Remember this video when you are preparing your next lecture or training session.

Enjoy!

-Loren

iDevBooks is a great site that has some unique educational tools.  These tools are in the form of Apps for your iPhone.

Esa Helttula contacted me through Twitter about reviewing these useful educational tools.  In the spirit of Education and Technology it is very fitting for TheTeachingBox to give Esa a quick review and send you back to his web site to check out these Cool Apps.

The best way to introduce Esa and his site is to use his own description:

This site is about my Math Apps for iPhone. It all started when I was looking for a Column Addition app for my daughter. I was surprised to find out that there were no apps that teach the basics like column addition, column subtraction, long division and long multiplication. I had experience about designing visualizing algorithms for computer science students. I decided to use that knowledge to make great teaching and learning apps for children and everybody who wants to study math. You will find my apps by choosing the my apps -link.

The apps are quite unique.  There is a total collection of 10 apps covering such topics as:

• Long Division
• Long Multiplication
• Column Addition
• Column Subtraction

Esa is easily accessible through email or you can follow him on Twitter.  Stop by his page and give the iPhone Math Apps a try.  You will not be disappointed.

-Loren

Everyone likes to know statistics about their website.  Here is the way to learn the Google Pagerank and tons of other information, not just about your own site, but any one you choose.

I have purchased and installed a program on my companion website PageRankToday called RankChecker. 

RankChecker is a great program written as a php script and is easily installed on a webserver.  It is hosted on a site called GetRank.org.  You can get to the website by clicking on the picture to the right.  The author has a great demo of the front page as well as the administrative area. 

This script gives a tremendous amount of information about any website you wish to explore.  Straight from the website, here are the tools and information it displays.

TOOLS:

• Domain Age
• Google Pagerank
• Alexa Rank
• Google Backlinks
• Yahoo Backlinks
• Alexa Backlinks
• Altavista Backlinks
• AllTheWeb Backlinks
• DMOZ Directory
• Yahoo Directory
• Google Indexed Pages
• Yahoo Indexed Pages
• Bing Indexed Pages
• ASK Indexed Pages
• Digg Links
• Delicious Links
• Google Bot Last Visit
• Site Value
• Pagerank Button

I am looking forward to having RankChecker as part of my SEO toolkit.  I have made it available on PageRankToday as one of my SEO Tools, but I would encourage you to purchase a copy for yourself if you would like to host it on your site.  The $10 cost is minimal. 

If you aren't really sure, there is a free version that doesn't have all of the features, but would give a good "test drive".  You can access the free version from the GetRank.org main page, or just click -> HERE.

I have only good things to say about this script and its author.  There were a couple of small issues with the script running on my hosting server, but they were quickly fixed.  I would rate the Script and Support outstanding.  

RankChecker is a great way to learn many details about any website, not just your own.

Enjoy!

-Loren