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What's Involved in Launching a Website?
An Introductory Technical White Paper by webpointmorpheus
Intro
Domain Name
Site Construction
Web Hosting & Launch
Document Links
©2005 - material compiled by Bob Carnaghi, www.webpointmorpheus.com
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- Introduction Top
of Page
- Typically, there are three phases to setting up a website for presentation on the World Wide Web. Each of the phases are independent, yet are inter-related. In other words, one can have one or more organizations or entities perform any one or more of each of the steps. There can be many details to each of the individual steps; however, in the overall process, the three basic steps remain the same.
- Domain Name Top of Page
- Domain names are somewhat similar to copyrights & trademarks, and are governed by by an internet authority ICANN: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers. This entity establishes guidelines for Domain Name Resellers, from whom you may purchase your domain name. The Domain Name serves to direct any request on the web to your particular website, and without Domain Names, we'd all be stuck with IP addresses, like xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. When purchasing a Domain Name, it's best to make sure that the Reseller is accredited. The following links provide information about the process and a list of accredited resellers. www.internic.org - www.iana.org - www.icann.org. One can also query the 'Who Is' database (www.internic.net/whois.html) for the availability of a domain name. Typically, domain names sell by contract for a year or multiples of years, from about $25 per year. webpointmorpheus uses the accredited name reseller Name Registrars for domain name registration.
- For more on Domain Names, see the webpointmorpheus Technical Paper 'DNS Stands for Domain Name Services'.
- Site Construction Top of Page
- Essentially, a website is no more than a set of files that are constructed, formatted, and programmed to be served through a web server on the World Wide Web. Construction of the site is the assembly of these files. The elements involved are usually, but not limited to, graphical elements, HTML formatting, programming of different types, database applications, animation, etc. The cost of constructing a site can be anywhere from free (or barter with a friend) to thousands of dollars. The adage 'you get what you pay for' is very appropriate here. There are many 'template sites' available that use lots of clip art and stock graphics. These tend to be cheaper, and are not typically unique or reflective of the true nature of the client or their services. The webpointmorpheus approach favors custom design and personal interaction with the client. This makes your site unique, and it will reflect the qualities of who you are, as well as what you do.
- Web Hosting & Launch Site Top of Page
- Once one has the domain name and the files that compose the website, they are uploaded to a web server. The web server is what's referred to as Web Hosting. The Web Host is the entity that takes responsibility for maintaining the server in a working order (no down time,) and in a secure state (no hacking or viruses). Domain hosting is available from many companies, and usually starts about $10 per month and up. The statement by webpointmorpheus 'total solution web design' means that webpointmorpheus offers all of the above services: Domain Name Services, Site Construction, and Web Hosting. Additionally, webpointmorpheus offers graphic design and programming of databases and forms for the capture of data from the web.
- See the Services page for more details about webpointmorpheus' comprehensive Web and Internet Services.
- Additional Top of Page
- The website process, the way the web works, Search Engines, and other web & internet concepts are often very confusing, especially for the non-technical person. webpointmorpheus has assembled several documents hoping to simplify these topics. This series of documents are the result of a consistent set of questions posed by current, past, and potential webpointmorpheus clientele. The documents are listed below, and are available in printable/downloadable .pdf form.
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Technical Documents avaliable from webpointmorpheus: Top of Page
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