Web Tips for the Uninitiated

Domain Registration | Site Design | Hosting

It is an unfortunate fact that in any business you will find snake-oil salesmen. The website business is no different.

When it comes to your website, you should be in control. If control is to be in the hands of anyone else it should be as a result of an informed and deliberate decision by you. You should retain the option of revoking that control if things don't work out as you expect.

Not all web services companies work that way and it is all too easy for the organization who paid for a website to find that they have no control and no recourse when a problem arises.

This page is designed to provide the basic information anyone should know to avoid buying snake-oil.

The essential elements you need to know about are

• domain registration
• website development
• website hosting

Domain Registration - Your WWW address

To give your website its distinctive name, you must register a domain name and set the DNS settings that tell computers on the internet where to find the website that goes by that name. Domain name registration and DNS settings are done through the services of a Domain Name Registrar. The essential pieces of this process are;

• the Registrant  (that's you!)
• the account with the Registrar
• the Administrative Contact
• the Technical Contact

You may have someone handle these details for you, but make sure it is clear and documented that you must be told who the registrar is, that the account with the registrar is to be made in your organization's name and that you must be given the username and password to access that account. When the domain is registered you must be listed as the registrant and you will choose who the Administrative and Technical Contact are.

Web Site Design - Getting it built

Having a website made is more like commissioning a piece of artwork than buying a car. Expect to work closely with your web designers to get the results you want.

• Build it
• Maintain it

Site Hosting - Where your site lives

Proposals for creating your website will often include a line-item "Hosting ..... $n/month". That's like a restaurant menu reading "Food ..... $n/person". The price may be managable, but is it for porridge or lobster? Insist on seeing the whole menu!

• Who holds the keys?
• How much space do you need?
• Hosting basics
• Domain e-mail