The second script runs on the server where the clone of your blog will be located. This script installs the clone at that location.

I ran four tests on WPTwin to clone a blog from one domain on one webhost (“subject”) to four other domains on four other hosts (“targets”). Two worked perfectly, one required a minor adjustment but worked, and one failed entirely.

After looking over the documentation for the software, and for the target hosting services where the cloning didn’t work perfectly or failed, I’m convinced the fault is not with the software or scripts. I don’t believe the programmers could possibly have tested the software at every hosting service on the planet. I do think, though, that if they are made aware of the failures, they may be able to make adjustments.

The subject blog is hosted on Bluehost. The target hosts were Hostgator, Hostmonster, Lunarpages and Bullfrog. The failure involved Bullfrog, which uses security measures to prevent the running of certain types of scripts. The script’s error page did actually offer two possible solutions, one of which is a risky workaround and the other involving asking the hosting service to configure their servers to allow the script. I did not do either.

The cloning attempt at Lunarpages resulted in an initial error which I corrected, as suggested by the software itself, by creating a simple .htaccess file (the exact code was provided on the error report) and uploading it to the folder. It took all of 2 minutes, and the clone took perfectly.

Hostgator and Hostmonster presented no problems at all. The entire process took an average of about 20 minutes. Most of the time involved the downloading and uploading of the clone file from the subject host to the target host, and the few minutes it took to create a WordPress installation at the target host, which is required for everything to work.

It should be noted that the blog I cloned was not large or complex. The clone file that had to be downloaded and uploaded was about 25MB in size. A very large blog, with hundreds of posts, comments, categories, pages, plugins, video and audio files, etc. would be much larger, and it would therefore take much longer to complete the cloning.

The video below is a quick runthrough of the basic process using Hostgator as the target host for the clone. It was my second attempt at cloning, done on-the-fly after the first attempt failed at Bullfrog.

So far I’ve only tested these two WordPress Cloning Software products, and WPTwin is clearly the one I would recommend at this point. You can review it for yourself by visiting the WPTwin Website.

If your computer is loaded with all the necessary software to produce professional videos, and you have the wherewithal to do it, then this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re like many of us out here that often need some help, then this just might be the answer. Even if you do have all the capabilities to make smashing video presentations, occasionally you might need a quick way to make a teaser or lead-in.

Well, the video below demonstrates an online software site that can do the job. Animoto was created with just such people in mind. The first time I used it, I realized this could be a great time saving tool for almost any purpose, including marketing online, amazing your friends, captivating users on YouTube and many other things.

It’s simple and straightforward, with an easy-to-use interface and a myriad of options. You can upload images and short video clips and music from your computer, or choose from their vast selection of royalty-free pictures and audios. Mix and match, add text intros and outros and captions. A few clicks, and a few minutes of rendering time later, you have a really nice video presentation ready to share to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or through e-mail. There’s a feature to upload to YouTube or SmugMug directly from the site.

If you’d like to tweak it a bit, there’s a 0ne-click “remix” feature, which will re-render the entire video, producing a whole new creation; you can edit or delete it and start over, too. When you’re satisfied with your results, you can start sharing immediately (the site also serves as a video sharing service in its own right). You can download an .mp4 version to your computer. You can also opt for a Hi-Res version if you so choose. And you may order a DVD copy of your creations. When you’ve finished, you’ll get an e-mail with a link to your video.

The features are too numerous to mention, and the benefits will be obvious once you’ve given it a whirl. It’s a free service, with a few limitations, such as overall length limits (30 seconds) and fewer options when it comes to audio, video and image selection and manipulation. However, if your requirements don’t require more, upgrading is entirely optional. There’s no time constraint.

Watch the video below for a quick overview, and then go try it out for yourself. The link I hope you’ll use is immediately below the video.

Thank you, and your comments are always welcome!

Visit The Animoto Site Right Now and Create A Great Video! (Opens in a new window/tab)

Here is the actual video I made at Animoto, on YouTube.

In all honesty, I’ve used and recommended a couple of programs for a long time that I actually prefer. For cleaning and optimizing my computer, I’ve always trusted SpeedUpMyPC, and for anything having to do with cleaning my registry, I’ve always used RegistryBooster. Nothing I’ve found makes me feel better about getting the job done.

However, this free program has been gaining notice lately, and I’ve been testing it. It just might fit the needs of many out there, and I’m giving it some press.

Watch the video, and let me know what you think.

Download CCleaner Free By Clicking Here

There are, however, a couple of other pretty darn good, and free, disk defragmentation softwares available that would be remiss if I didn’t bring them to your attention. I have tried both of them, and it’s my opinion that any of the three can help significantly improve your computer’s speed and overall performance. All three are superior to the built-in Windows Defragmenter.

The first is called UltimateDefrag. This video gives a pretty good overview. It’s excellent for a no-cost program. This video actually demonstrates two different defragmenters. The second is one I have NOT tried. Since it involves installation of a screensaver, and works when the mouse is left idle for a period of time, it doesn’t seem like something I would use. But it is another choice, of course.

Optimizing Windows Quick Tips #1 – Defragmenting

Another very good defragmenter is by Auslogics. I have used it in the past. It does an admirable job, again for a no-cost program.

Auslogics Disk Defrag Video Tutorial

Download and install any one, or all three of these programs. Try them and see which best suits your needs. Anyway you look at it, though, defragmenting your hard drive is an essential habit to get into.

Free Downloads:

Diskeeper Lite: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1207
Diskeeper Pro: http://pcvaluware.com/defrag/
UltimateDefrag Free: http://www.freewaregeeks.com/?page=detail&get_id=176&category=53
Auslogics Defrag: http://www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag

In parts 1 and 2 I showed how to get it free, and how to customize the settings. Now, in part 3 you’ll see a little about how to use it — adding and deleting items and shortcuts, and touching on how to customize the icons.

I can already see that I’ll need to do a Part 4. There are a couple of things to watch out for when adding certain items from certain locations. Also, it might help some to know exactly how to add new icons to the program so you can make it unique to you and your requirements.

But for now, take a look at part 3 below: