What is web “hosting”?
Web hosts provide space on a computer system (called a “server”) that has constant, fast access to the Internet. Unless you intend to house a web site on your computer (which requires leaving it on all the time to give people 24-hour access and has many security risks), this is the only way to make a web site available to the public.

There are many options for hosting ranging from free services which require you to allow ads on your site (not recommended) to hosting packages with tools that allow secure access, encryption, and other automated procedures.

What is a domain name?
A domain name is an Internet address or URL, such as www.foresitenow.com. All domain names must be registered with InterNIC, a government agency that controls uses of names and ensures that no two web sites try to use the same one. Registering a domain requires that the name be available and costs $35/yr. Most commercial businesses register “.com” domain names, whereas most non-profits choose the “.org” extension. As part of the construction cost, we will register a domain name for our clients, or use one they already have.

Another option is to have your site hosted as part of a larger site, one of the most famous being “geocities.” In this case, your domain name would be either “www.servername.com/yourname” or “yourname.servername.com.” For customers interested in this option, we offer space on our site under the NetVision Phase-In plan (domain name in this case would be: www.foresitenow.com/yourname).

What is a search engine?
Search engines are Internet sites and programs that allow users to submit a word or words relating to information they are seeking and get a list of web sites containing those words. The results are then sorted according to the number of times the words or phrases occurred. Choosing the right words to include on your site’s home page will help ensure that people interested in those subjects will find your site.

What is a POP Account?
Many web hosting companies offer POP e-mail accounts as part of their hosting packages. These are separate e-mail accounts with the same extension as your web site. Thus if you own the domain name www.coolname.com, you could get e-mail accounts of the format someone@coolname.com. POP accounts require an email program (such as MS Outlook or Qualcomm Eudora) in order to access the account.

What is a Megabyte (MB)?
MB, or megabyte is the most commonly used measurement of space on a computer or Internet hosting server. It is a unit of approximately 1000 kilobytes. Most text files, for example, are around 20 kilobytes (KB or k) so one MB can hold about 50 text files.

What is a link?
A link is a line of text or an Internet address which will quickly send the user to another site or page on a site when clicked on. These usually appear blue and/or underlined and turn the cursor into a finger when it is moved over a link. Links are great ways to connect other sites to yours and (if you request them) your site to other sites. They also allow you to make quick and easy ways for users to find things within your site. Chances are you’ve used many links to get to this point in our site.

What is the difference between a site and a page?
The simplest way to clarify this is by example. Our site, www.foresitenow.com has many pages of which this FAQ page is but one. When you scroll up and down, you are still on the same page, but if you click on an “internal” link (as described in the previous section above), you have gone to another page within the same site. If it is an “external” link, you have gone to another site (such as leaving www.foresitenow.com to go to www.notasgoodwebdesigncompany.com).

What are animations useful for?

Animations are simple, moving images. Usually they repeat in a cycle, portraying a simple action such as a door opening, or a button being pushed. Though animations are useful for drawing attention to a specific item, they are rarely used on professional sites and have become somewhat passe. A far better option for those interested in a strong and dynamic, visually stunning site is to include Flash animation.

What are “forms” and “auto-emails”?

Forms are input fields which allow visitors to enter information and submit it to the owner via email. Sometimes forms will be used to collect data to compile statistics, allow visitors to make an entry in a “guest book,” or fill out an order form to buy products. Keep in mind that any forms requesting sensitive information (such as credit card numbers) should be placed on a secure page.

“Auto-emails” can be used to have your site automatically send emails to select individuals or groups. These are often used to confirm that a request or order was received and that it will be processed as soon as possible, or to remind users of their password if your site has a secure login section.

What is a “secure login”?

Many sites have sections that can only be accessed by members or the site owners. This allows the owner to regulate who has access to what material. Secure logins can also be used to store visitor profiles so when they return to the site, they can simply login and pick up where they left off last time (shopping or browsing).

In many cases, a secure page is needed even if there is no login involved. For example, when a visitor has selected an item to order, they will need to be sent to a secure page to ensure that the credit card information they input won’t be viewed by a third party (i.e. a hacker).

What does the term “e-commerce” mean?

E-Commerce is the term given to shopping online. An e-commerce site is one where an online inventory can be browsed and items purchased with a credit card. This is a rapidly growing sector of the market and could be a very useful resource for many retail businesses.

What is “Flash”?

Flash is a program developed by a company called Macromedia. It allows for quick and easy download of complex objects and even multimedia presentations and animations. It requires that visitors have a plug-in to their browser that allows them to download objects, rather than pixels. For example, Flash will tell the visitor’s computer to draw a circle, rather than send data on every pixel in that circle and its location. Currently over 80% of people online have the plug-in installed and more and more professional sites are adding Flash material because of its ability to create high-impact visual effects. For examples of Flash, go to www.macromedia.com.