1. HTML5 & CSS3 standards are open so you don’t rely on the whims of one company.
2. Big websites like YouTube are already getting into the game (check out YouTube HTML5 Video Player) so you can bet the demand for HTML5 skills is going to rise.
3. You don’t need to buy a proprietary software so you can easily code HTML5 & CSS3 on your laptop, your roommate’s computer and your mum’s computer.
4. The iPad doesn’t support Flash. While you might disagree with Apple’s choice, this is the choice they made and the iPad is going to foster a new range of interactive websites – all those made with HTML5 and CSS3. Do you want in or do you want out?
5. The current big battle is Google vs Apple (Microsoft seems to have lost the race). They are both committed to HTML5 so even if one wins and the other one gets swallowed up, HTML5 will still be supported.
Disagree? Write a “Top 5 reasons to stick to Flash” and I’ll link to it here 
The HTML5 test tool was updated yesterday – check out how your browser fares!
Firefox 3.5.9 for Ubuntu scores 126 (out of 300) and 4 bonus points.
Google Chrome 6.0.408.1 Dev for Ubuntu scores 217 and 7 bonus points.
What’s your browser’s score?
If Google’s announcement about the Chrome Web App Store got you curious, you can check out the Chrome Dev channel (aka Chrome Unstable) for a sneak preview. Be warned, this will install the unstable version of Chrome on your computer so you will say goodbye to the reliability you currently have with the stable version of Chrome but if like me, you are impatient and can’t wait to see it, it’s worth it.
Check out the “loading installable web apps” section in the Developer’s Guide to find out how to install web apps (basically, using “extensions”). Also, to find out web apps to install, check out the Chromium Apps Discussion Group where developers post their apps for feedback (also, if you’re a developer, this is the group to join to keep up to date with this).
The basic principle behind this is to help users find the web apps they use. However, the apps are normal web apps and there is no need to redesign or redeploy an app for this, all the extra work for the developer is restricted to adding a meta data file + icon to make the app “installable”. The Chrome App Store will also offer an easy way for users to find the app that suits their needs, whether it is a free or a paid app.
I’m expecting this will drive even more web developers towards HTML5 and CSS3, two powerful and open source tools to develop complex and user-responsive web apps. As a user, I am excited at the prospect of having a place where to go to look for a new app (or simply browse through the apps to see what’s out there). As a developer, I am hoping this will open up new opportunities for innovation.
Choosing a web hosting package can be a bit of a headache so here’s a bunch of criteria to consider when making your decision: the location, Windows or Linux, shared or dedicated, free web host, blogging platform, and research.
The location
Many Europeans are tempted to get a web host in the USA where you can get some pretty good deals but as someone who’s had web hosting both abroad and in my own country, I can advise you to go with a web host located in your country. The customer experience you’ll get is much better, especially as their working hours will be daytime for you so you can raise an issue in the morning and have it solved within a few hours, instead of waiting for them to get in the office.
Linux or Windows?
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