1. Web Design
Fall 2011

2. What choices do you have for creating a website?
Using an online website builder
Wix, GoDaddy, Yahoo, Google, Microsoft Office 365
Using web design software
Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web
Writing the HTML code
HTML editor (Coffee Cup) or a text editor (TextEdit –Mac or Notepad – Windows)
Outsourcing to a professional web designer

3. Advantages - Disadvantages
Online Website Builder
Professional Website Builder
Advantages
Low cost – or free
Easy to learn/use/access
Typically includes web hosting
Disadvantages
Limited capabilities
Not appropriate for large projects
May lack a unique quality
Advantages
Professional product that is search- engine friendly
Technical support and website maintenance
Disadvantages
Expensive
Time consuming
Writing the HTML Code
Web Design Software
Advantages
Customized website
Save money
Disadvantages
Time consuming
High learning curve
Advantages
Professional product
Disadvantages
High learning curve
Can be expensive

4. Web Hosting
Definition: Making websites available to computers connected to the Internet.
The service will store all the pages of your website and publish it to the Internet.
Web hosting services are usually provided by ISPs or web hosting specialists.
Depending on the choices you made for creating your website, the cost will range from FREE to low cost for simple websites.
Complex sites (like big companies) are more costly to maintain

5. Advantages - Disadvantages
Free Hosting
Paid Hosting
Advantage
Free
Disadvantages
Advertising banners
No domain hosting—which means you typically can select your exact address
Limited features
Little to no technical support
Advantages
Technical support
Free statistics for evaluation purposes
Allows domain naming
Disadvantages
Costs money!
However, prices will vary and economical options are available
Yearly fee for domain name

6. Domain Name
Define domain name: the part of an Internet URL selected and registered by an individual, business or organization to represent their web presence.
The name will consist of at least two parts, separated by a period (dot). The last part is the top-level domain code.
Example: microsoft.com

7. Top-Level Domain Codes
These are the most common TLDs. The first three are available for use by individuals or businesses; the others require that you meet certain qualifications.
.com—commercial
.net—network service provider (can be used generically)
.org—usually nonprofit but can be generic
.edu—educational institution—(colleges or universities)
.gov—state or federal government
.mil—U.S. military
.mob—dedicated to delivering the Internet to mobile devices
.biz—business