Have you ever got a script timeout error while backing up your MySQL database via phpMyAdmin? Well if you never did, you will most likely get this error in future when your database grows to something over 3-4 MB. It is very important to do a backup of your MySql database on regular basis. Backing up a small database via phpMyAdmin is as easy as 123 but with larger database e.g. 2GB can turn out to be a nightmare. Here is an easy way to get around this problem.

You will need Shell access (SSH) to your server. Ask your hosting provider to enable it for you if it is not enabled by default. Secondly, you will need an SSH client. I would suggest “PuTTy” that you can download for free.

Backing up the Database

Open Putty by double clicking it and enter your details to login. For most hosting companies, this will bring you into the FTP root folder. Enter the following command:

mysqldump --opt -Q -u database_username -p database_name > /path_to/your_root_folder/database_name.sql

replace “database_username” with name of your MySQL databse username and “database_name” with your database name. Similarly, replace “/path_to/your_root_folder/” with a complete physical path to your root folder. e.g. /home/username/public_html/ and “database_name.sql” with name of the backup database file e.g. my-database.sql

Hitting the enter button will backup your huge database to the path specified in a few seconds. You can also have the output in a compressed format e.g gzip. Just follow the same instruction using this command:

mysqldump --opt --user=database_username --password=database_password database_name | gzip > /path_to/your_root_folder/database_name.sql.gz

Restore MySQL Database

Follow the above steps untill you login to your website through SSH client and type in the following command:

mysql -u database_username -p database_name < /path/to/database_name.sql

You will be asked for a database password. Enter the database password and voila!…

As a graphics designer you will always find it difficult to decide which display to choose for graphics design work. The first question that may come to your mind is the type of monitor to go for. We have the new stylish LCD monitors available in the market at a reasonable price and on the other hand the big ugly conventional CRT monitors. Both have their pros and cons but if you are looking for a display screen that is good for graphics design then your first choice should be CRT monitor. I’m afraid that’s the best choice you are going to make. I am saying this from my personal experience.

I was using 17” inch Philips CRT monitor for the last two years and was happy with it until I felt a need of more workspace. I decided to buy a new 19 or 21” inch LCD flat panel and after some research, selected Viewsonic vx2025WM wide screen display. Unfortunately It was out of stock in the market. I asked my supplier to send me an alternative display and brought a new ViewSonic Vx922 LCD home. It was a big shock for a color sensitive guy like me when I ran photoshop CS2. The colors were absolutely no where nearer to the original colors used in one of the mockups I designed for my client. I tried to adjust the colors using the LCD color controls and I made it even worst. Initially I thought it has something to do with the monitor and may need replacement. I replaced it with 22” View Sonic VG2230WM and the result was same. Finally realized that I made the wrong choice. For graphics design you have to sacrifice your desk space for a big deep-freezer size CRT screen.

Update: Just came across Eizo LCD screens and I think they will go well because they are designed for graphics design. If you are willing to spend over 5 grand then Eizo ColorEdge CG221 is your best bet.