Tagged: Tips RSS

• tmsconsulting 6:09 pm on November 15, 2010
  Tags: Tech ( 4 ), Tips   

  URL Shortening 

  Have you ever been curious about what short links  are or why they are used? Some examples include bit.ly, j.mp, t.co, and fb.me … If the answer is yes then read on.

  These URLs redirect the user to a URL that is much longer. Here is an example:

  - Full URL – http://www.tms-c.com/security-tech-tip-2-passwords/

  - Shortened URL – http://j.mp/cA4rT2

  If you clicked on both of the example links above you will notice that they both get you to same content located at the full URL. URL shortening is typically used when sharing links via text messages, twitter, or facebook. The short link allows the user to get to the shared location while retaining the readability of your post or message. I have personally used the j.mp service (which is very easy to use) to send links to various kinds of content on the internet. For the most part I think shortened URLs are great because they get keep things short and sweet. A down side of shortened URLs is that it creates a blind spot because the user does not know where they will end up. This can cause a security issue for the user. In order to help with this potential security threats make sure that you are only clicking on shortened URLs from content providers that you trust. Overall I like  the benefits of using shortened URLs and plan to continue using them in the sho.rt/T3Rm.

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