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Creating and maintaining a web page is easy and straightforward. There
are several useful tools to help you get started, many of which eliminate
or reduce the learning curve associated with placing a new site on the Internet.
This guide is intended to acquaint you with "the basics." Armed
with this information, you'll be able to select a web presence provider,
create content, and manage your new website effectively.
So, how does this all work?
Before delving into creating the content for your new website, you should
understand the basics of how the Internet works. To many, the Internet is
a fuzzy conglomeration of Netscape Navigator, Yahoo, and an email program.
Here's what's actually going on:
The Internet is a communications network similar to the network used to
carry telephone conversations between two points in the world. Hundreds
of thousands of miles of fiber optic cable and telephone lines, along with
satellite dishes and communication satellites, make up this "backbone"
which we call the Internet.
Enter the web presence provider (WPP). These providers maintain high-performance
servers, and large amounts of storage, and have fast, high-capacity links
to the Internet backbone. These WPPs typically host thousands of websites
on their equipment. Because they buy in bulk, WPPs are able to sell personal
and business web hosting accounts for as little as $10 or $20 per month.
World Wide Web Express is one such web presence
provider.
So where do your computer and modem fit in? You are one of the millions
of people, businesses, and organizations which connect to the Internet on
a daily basis. Typically, you'll be connecting to the Internet with a modem
(through a dial-up provider ISP), or through your school or place of work.
When you visit a site (for example, Australian Tourism Net),
your request is transmitted by your dial-up provider, across the Internet,
to a WPP like World Wide Web Express. This web presence provider then returns the information
requested, which might be a web page, a sound, or a piece of email.
So, what do I need to get started?
First, you'll need an idea for your content. If you're reading this page,
you've probably got a great idea, and are looking for a way to put it into
motion.
Second, you'll most likely want some type of web authoring software. Several
software packages are available to assist you in creating web pages. Many
offer intuitive, graphical interfaces which mimic your word processor. Their
prices range from free (Netscape Navigator
Gold, Net-It Now!) to around $100
(Microsoft FrontPage,
Adobe Pagemill). Alternatively, you
can try your hand at creating HTML from scratch. Or if you do not have the time available to construct a web site, you could pass it on to professional web development specialists like World Wide Web Express Design
Third, you'll need to select a web presence provider (WPP) which will house
and host your web page. World Wide Web Express
has several hosting packages to get you started, plus custom plans once
you become more advanced and begin to require specialised services.
So, how should I select a WPP?
There are several web presence providers to choose from. You'll probably
want to consider the following factors:
- Price - Prices vary widely. Don't necessarily go for the lowest
price, but select a package which meets your budget.
- Performance - Although a web page can be slow for any number
of reasons, it's probably best to select a web presence provider whose
pages load at a reasonable speed.
- Space and transfer restrictions - If you're new to the world
of web hosting, you won't want to have to worry about artificial storage
and hit limitations. Some providers offer hosting packages with no pre defined
limits on storage and hits.
- Support - Send a message to their sales or support department.
Is the response time measured in hours, or is it in measured in days?
- Customer satisfaction - Most WPPs have customer directories.
Send a message to a few of their customers and see how they like their
support.
So, how do I start?
World Wide Web Express have an online sign up form, and can start hosting your site on your own virtual server within 24 hours of signing up.
Of course, you'll want to pick a URL which people will use to visit your
site. You'll be able to choose between a domain name (i.e. http://www.yourname.com.au/
or http://www.yourname.net.au/ or http://www.yourname.org/),
or a basic name (i.e. http://yourname.yourprovider.com.au/). Many WPPs
now support international domains (i.e. http://www.yourname.com/) as we do at World Wide Web Express, for those
who qualify.
Once you sign up, you'll receive instructions on how to update your site,
manage site content, and perform other administrative functions. It's then
up to you to create the site content and attract visitors to your site or you can leave it all to the professionals at World Wide Web Express, so you can concentrate on your business.
How would I upload or update my site?
Many people think that you have to dial directly into your WPP in order
to update your site. This is not the case. The versatility of the Internet
allows you to upload your site simply by connecting normally to the Internet
using your own ISP from home, school, or the workplace.
What then? This largely depends on your choice of web authoring tools. Almost
all authoring tools, including the four listed above, allow you to type
in your server's URL, your user name, and password. Once you've created a
page, the software will automatically upload and update it onto your WPP,
which makes the content appear to the world. If you've chosen to create
the HTML from scratch, you'll need to follow specific instructions provided
by your WPP once you sign up.
In summary...
Many people are confused by the two different types of "providers"
which are available. Internet service providers (ISPs), and web presence
providers (WPPs) have two distinct functions on the Internet.
An ISP provides you with a personal connection to the Internet. Typical
ISPs provide dial-in telephone numbers which you call with your modem. Once
connected, you can "surf," use Netscape or other browser software,
check your email, etc.
On the other hand, a web presence provider offers space for you to maintain
a web page. The web page is hosted on a permanent connection, as
opposed to a dial-in connection which would be temporary. Typical WPPs do
not have modems, nor do they have "dial-in" lines. They usually
have a high-bandwidth connection to major Internet backbones.
If you're interested in creating a new website, you'll need an idea, web
authoring software, and a web presence provider. After selecting a WPP,
following a simple sign up process, and choosing your domain name, you'll
receive instructions on configuring your authoring software to upload your
site.
After sign up, it's up to you to create the content for your new site, and
to attract visitors. World Wide Web Express would be only to happy to assist in this area to ensure your site is a prosperous venture.
Do you have specific questions about placing your business or personal site
online?. Contact a World Wide Web Express sales representative,
and we'll be happy to assist!
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