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As you begin to build your web site
and ready yourself to tell the world about your company,
there are a few common building blocks you'll want
to know about. This basic understanding of the Internet,
and how it works, will allow you to make better business
decisions for your launch.
What is the Internet?
Simply put , the Internet consists
of two seperate components -- a web site(s) and e-mail.
Though they're often combined and discussed as a single
thing, each is an entity unto itself. The Internet,
which is a bunch of computers communicating to each
another, is the transportation vehicle you use to
pass the data back and forth through your computer.
When you launch Netscape, or Internet Explorer, you're
actually viewing someone else's files they've elected
to share from their computer/server.
You may also have heard the
term "World Wide Web." This too, is synomous
with Internet. The WWW, of course, speaks of the communication
between a global network of computers.
Getting on the Internet (Web)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
provide a number of Internet options for your company.
AOL, SBC, Earthlink, MSN are all ISPs you have heard
of before, and each is equipted with fullfilling your
needs when they arise.
- Hosting:
If you value reliability, managability, accountability
and security, it's best to have an ISP host your
web site. While others have turned their home computer
into a host, it's best to have someone much more
dependable oversee the files for you. The web site
files you create as you build your web site will
be copied onto one of their servers. They will in
turn point everyone who types your web site (domain)
name into their browser, to a specified directory
on their servers. This one-to-one mapping is registered
with Network Solutions, a global governing board
for domain names. (You'll pay a separate fee to
maintain your domain name and the rights to that
name either on a every other year basis, or for
the length of time you plan to have a web site.)
- E-mail:
Typically, when your site is hosted by an ISP, they'll
provide you with some sort of e-mail configuration.
Most hosting plans come with a the ability to have
a given number of e-mail accounts. Much like your
web site files, e-mail messages are saved on a specified
e-mail server until you download them directly to
your computer.
- Internet
Connectivity: You'll also want to pick an
ISP that allows you to have access from your home
or business. Both phone and cable companies offer
plans which will connect you, but keep in mind how
you are planning to use their services. AOL, the
worlds largest ISP, uses their own software and
unique, company specific, protocols, so you will
not be able to use your AOL account with such standard
e-mail software such as Outlook, Outlook Express
or Eudora. Cable companies have a shared bandwidth
amongst its users, so you're likely not going to
get the fast speeds you prefer as more people come
online. It's best to stick to your local telephone
company when considering your Internet connectivity.
They offer the most freedom (dial-up or DSL), and
their bandwidth isn't as limited as the cable companies.
As web development begins, you'll
often see a number of mock-up files which will lead
you to your desired look/feel for your site. After
the agreed upon design is met, these files are then
copied to your host. Using your Internet connection
from your home or office, you can then configure your
e-mail to begin sending and receiving e-mails with
your unique domain name.
If you're ready to get on the Internet,
OrchardWeb.com can help you. We specialize in web
site design, development and maintenance. Contact
us directly for a price quote or for more information.
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