The “404″ or “Not Found” error message is an HTTP standard response code indicating that the client was able to communicate with the server but the server could not find what was requested (read more about the HTTP 404 error).

The motivation towards a custom 404 error page is to create a more (visually) appealing, usable and user-friendly page than the default (and dull) 404 error page of your Web server. The main reason to do it is to give the option to a user that landed on the error page to stick to the website. There’s nothing new about it but a lot of Web developers overlook or underestimate it.

There is a number of elements you can use in a custom 404 page:

• First, an image or some text to explain to the user what happened. If the website’s visitors don’t have a technical background, a “404 error” message won’t explain anything to them, so try to explain it without any technical details. You can also have a humorous message or image. After all, an amused visitor is always better than a frustrated one!
• A must have, is a link to the homepage so the user can have an alternative of closing the browser or re-typing a URL.
• Another good idea is to include a search box.
• You can also provide some links to popular or interesting content of your website.

Below is the image I’m using for my 404 error page:

Finally, some resources (external links) for 404 error pages:

• The Perfect 404 (@ A List Apart)
• 404 Error Pages, One More Time (@ Smashing Magazine)
• 50 Creative and Inspiring 404 Pages (@ Webdesigner Depot)

Of course, the web is full of creative and innovative 404 error pages. Feel free to post a link to your own!

All Web Developers/Designers need to test their Websites in several different versions of all the famous browsers to ensure compatibility with each one of them. Sometimes it’s almost impossible to have every version installed on your computer (e.g. multiple versions of Internet Explorer on Vista..).

A great solution to this problem came from Spoon. They created the Browser Sandbox, which allows you to run different versions of all the famous browsers in your computer, without having to install any of them. Only a tiny plugin needs to be installed and then you can run all the supported browsers without any other installation.

The list of browsers that are currently available:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
• Mozilla Firefox 3.5
• MozillaFirefox 3
• MozillaFirefox 2
• Apple Safari 4
• Apple Safari 3
• Google Chrome
• Opera 10
• Opera 9

The application is free, so why don’t you try it?

Although i once did it for a living (after a short ..MSc break, i’m doing it again), i initially decided not to build a custom template for my blog, but to use a pre-made wordpress template. My choice for now is was the minimalistic Hemingway. But is this the ‘right’ thing to do? Let me rephrase that: is there a ‘right’ thing to do?

In my case, i just wanted to start writting without many concerns about the website’s look and so i did. Now it’s the right time to build my very own (without any rush though). Although i knew it from the beginning that someday i was going to build my own template, i placed myself into the position of someone who had to pay for one.

From the developer’s point of view, the only disadvantage is the personal effort he has to put in. On the other hand, the buyer’s only concern is the price. The three main advantages of the custom over the pre-made templates are:

• Customization. You can place whatever you what, wherever you want and alter things easily.

• Maintenance. You’ve made it (or the person you paid to make it and possibly maintain it too), so you know where everything is and what to change when needed.

• Uniqueness is the key-word that is associated with branding, being memorable etc. How can someone remember your website when it’s the same like someone else’s?

Honestly, i couldn’t find any advantage other than the price to the pre-made templates, but bear in mind that “the more you pay, the better you get” is not true every time.

So, i advice you to spend some time/money to build/buy your own website template. Here and here, you can read other people’s thoughts on the subject. I’d be pleased to read your thoughts (especially those who disagree with me).