http://www.goldengecko.co.uk Web Design, Computer Advice and the General Ramblings of a Bearded Geek Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:14:22 +0000 en hourly 1 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/11/23/big-changes-to-the-site/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/11/23/big-changes-to-the-site/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:13:59 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/?p=474 Continue reading →]]> Having been snaffled up by a local ISP I have found myself in a rather odd and maybe not so unique position. I no longer find myself constantly searching for new and interesting projects in my self-employment for any reason than the joy of doing so. This being the case I decided that most of the stuff on this website is now fairly irrelevant.  Based upon these factors I have decided to make it into a sort of computer help site/showcase of my previous work/general blog of things that both amuse and excite me. In the coming weeks/months/years you can expect that I will be adding links, tutorials and general ramblings to the site, I hope that you enjoy them and I will give anyone reading the opportunity to post their thoughts and suggestions on my work. I cannot thank those that have helped me through my decade of self employment enough and I hope that my future entries on here will continue to bring the same degree of help to yourselves as I have striven to do in person for so long. If you are wondering quite what this means to my existing customers then the answer is fairly simple. I will never give up on you, my loyalty shall remain until either my lifespan or your need for my services expires, I am now only available out of office hours however so I may take a little longer to get round to you than in previous times. More than anything I am rather excited about being able to pick and choose what work I do in the future regarding the great gecko which can only mean that any future websites designed by myself will be that little bit more bespoke as it means that I have chosen to do it in my own free time (spare time is for those who prepared to waste the most finite resource we have). Luke Mellor.]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/11/23/big-changes-to-the-site/feed/ 2 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/05/01/ubuntu-11-04-natty-narwhal-released/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/05/01/ubuntu-11-04-natty-narwhal-released/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 11:23:36 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/?p=260 Continue reading →]]> The latest iteration of the Ubuntu desktop has been released, here at Golden Gecko we run nothing else.  Why? you may ask, well, here are just a few of the reasons that tipped us in the direction of the seemingly odd-titled OS. It’s Free! Yes, free. With it being an open source operating system with a global community that is made up of thousands of people who want to help build the best open-source operating system in the world. They share their time and skills to make sure that Ubuntu keeps getting better and better. From IBM to Google, Firefox to Wikipedia – some of today’s best software is based on an open-source model. Shared efforts. Shared principles. No cost. No Viruses. That is also correct, it doesn’t become infected with viruses and therefore doesn’t require an antivirus to keep it running in tip-top condition.  Because it has been built in a solid manner from the ground up you have no need to worry about the internet nasties breaking their way into your computer. It looks stunning, in comparison to the contenders (OSX and Windows 7) this thing really shines, a full 3d animated desktop at your disposal. It works on pretty much any old computer and you don’t even have to install it in order to give it a try. Get yourselves over to ubuntu.com today, download a copy and have a play, you might never look back. We certainly haven’t!]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/05/01/ubuntu-11-04-natty-narwhal-released/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/04/16/new-samaron-website-goes-live/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/04/16/new-samaron-website-goes-live/#comments Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:28:48 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/?p=234 Continue reading →]]> Another day, another website. The old Samaron site was beginning to look dated and so it was decided to bring it up to scratch with a major overhaul, these guys can literally print anything on anything… From bedroom mirrors in full colour to football pitch sized prints tiled on metal sheets to custom designed carpets, the only limit is your own imagination. Whether you are considering something a little different for your front room or redesigning the inside of a nightclub, Samaron should be your first port of call for all of your wild and wacky (but tasteful) ideas!]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/04/16/new-samaron-website-goes-live/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/03/23/firefox-4-released/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/03/23/firefox-4-released/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:42:26 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/?p=225 Continue reading →]]> Mozilla have today released version 4 of their browser which has gained some critical acclaim, click the image to be redirected to their site where you may download the software and enjoy the latest features that the web has to offer.]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/03/23/firefox-4-released/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/02/26/new-hallam-and-sutherns-site-goes-live/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/02/26/new-hallam-and-sutherns-site-goes-live/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:21:17 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/?p=175 Continue reading →]]> Yesterday the Hallam and Sutherns website went live, from here you can view their current list of cars for sale, get directions via google maps alongside all of the information you could require prior to visiting their showroom. Take a look around, you never know, you might just find your next vehicle.]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/02/26/new-hallam-and-sutherns-site-goes-live/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/mdc/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/mdc/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:57:10 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/lmellor/ggwp/?p=108 Continue reading →]]> “We have employed the services of Golden Gecko for quite a few years now, not only do we entrust them with our website work, they also produce our packaging labels, box fronts and printed catalogues alongside providing us with first class IT support whenever we need it. We have no idea where we’d be without them, any ideas that we have are quite simply brought to life with the minimum of input from us which leaves us to get on with our jobs. It’s a pleasure to work alongside them and we look forward to many more years of doing so” Chris, Bob & Jan]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/mdc/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/hallam-suthern-saab-specialists/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/hallam-suthern-saab-specialists/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:10:40 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/lmellor/ggwp/?p=93 Continue reading →]]> This was quite a fun job to do, the company deals primarily in SAAB cars and wanted an online showroom which would be easily updated by their staff of car salesmen. I always find that this is a particular piece of the puzzle to pay attention to  when choosing the platform for a new website. The people who were to eventually be operating it weren’t IT people like myself, they were good at selling cars and therefore didn’t need anything complicated in the CMS. The final design was a huge success with the staff and I am rather proud to have provided them with an easy solution to their needs at an affordable rate.]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/hallam-suthern-saab-specialists/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/samaron/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/samaron/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:53:31 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/lmellor/ggwp/?p=83 Continue reading →]]> “I have worked with Luke from Golden Gecko for a number of years, encompassing various projects, but mainly my website which he created and provides support and enhancements. What sets Luke apart from the competition is his vast knowledge and his attention to detail in getting you exactly what you want from your project, and more…” Paul @ Samaron]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/12/samaron/feed/ 0 http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/02/grey-matter-figures/ http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/02/grey-matter-figures/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:31:39 +0000 ljmellor http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/lmellor/ggwp/?p=8 Continue reading →]]> I had the pleasure of working alongside Grey Matter Figures from the very conception of the company. This allowed me the opportunity to fully shape the brand, especially since they were all so easy going. From the website to the initial box labels, I was given free roam over everything from an artistic perspective. For one of my earlier jobs, I think it was something to be quite proud of. This also allowed me the opportunity to bring in the help of some talented friends who were appreciative of the exposure of their work including a Mr. Danny Smart for his php based goodness and Miss Katie Walters for her photographic skills. It’s nice to be able to pass bits of work on to people and know that you can trust their judgement. I still have a new site in the works for these and I can’t wait to upload it as their main site once we’ve ironed out all of the creases.]]> http://www.goldengecko.co.uk/2011/01/02/grey-matter-figures/feed/ 0