Southpaw Consulting - Websites 101

September 03, 2010

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Websites 101

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The Three Entities Involved in a Website


	The Domain Host The Web Host The Developer

The Domain Host


	For starters, you may want to click here for a definition of the term domain name. In short, the domain name is what is used to identify and locate your site on the web. Once a domain name has been determined, you will need to check for its availability. If available, you will then purchase it for a period of time. GoDaddy is probably one of the most inexpensive and widely used businesses for domain name hosting. GoDaddy offers very competitive rates and a domain name can be purchased at a rate of about $10 per year. After you purchase a domain name, you will need to configure the primary and secondary domain name servers. This will point your domain to the server that is acting as your web host.


	The web host is the entity that hosts the physical hardware and software of the website. The cost of a hosting provider can range anywhere from $10 per month to $500 or more per month. It all depends on the type hosting environment that you need. Support is also a critical factor when choosing a web host and turnaround time should be weighed heavily in the decision process. Unless you are familiar with setting up a website, you will most likely want to have your developer set up and configure the host account.


	The third and final entity in the process is the developer. Depending on the level of customization needed for your particular website, the trend seems to be that developers are becoming less and less critical in the web development process. The advent and improvement of content management systems (CMS) has made the task of updating the website something that can be accomplished by the business owners. Developers may be needed to help configure your host accounts and provide you with some initial training on website administration and modifications, but you will find that many web host companies are providing these services. It really all depends on your business and or personal needs.

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