Introduction to Interactive Media 05: How the Web Works: Domain names, Hosting and Fundamentals of HTML.

Introduction to Interactive Media The Web is a Client / Server Model Your computer is the client. The server (where the site exists) is the server. When you type an address in the browser you are making a request to the server - means hypertext transfer protocol. This is how you make a request and the http is the form you want it delivered.

Introduction to Interactive Media Preliminary Steps for Making a Web Site Choosing and Registering a Domain Name Choosing a Web Host and Picking a Hosting Plan

Introduction to Interactive Media What is a domain name? An easily recognizable and memorizable name to numerically addressed Internet resources (I.P. address) –Easier to remember than www.yahoo.com Common domains are: GOV, EDU, COM, MIL, ORG, NET.GOVEDUCOM MILORGNET There are also many domains are country specific, e.g..US,.FR,.MX

Introduction to Interactive Media What does it mean to register a domain name? The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding host computers DNS Servers - resolve the name of the Web site typed into the location field of the browser with the IP address of the server that will send the requested information from that Web site.

Introduction to Interactive Media Registering a Domain Name When you register a domain name - you become the owner of the domain. Curious about who owns a particular domain? –

Introduction to Interactive Media Where to register a domain? Many companies will allow you to register a domain. – – – Price has gotten less expensive. Often people register domains to just hold the name thinking it might become valuable. It is a good idea to register the domain when you purchase the hosting (if possible). Introduction to Interactive Media

How do you choose a domain name? Branding Future Directions Name length and spellings Domain ending Possibility of securing multiple domains Opinions of Others Previously Used Domain

Introduction to Interactive Media How to tell if your domain is available? Most host company web sites allow you to see if your domain is available. Whois lookups show who owns the domain. In many cases a domain could be owned but no site resides at the domain.

Introduction to Interactive Media What is a web host? Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server they own or lease for use by their clients as well as providing Internet connectivityserverInternet When you purchase hosting you are essentially leasing space on a server computer.

Introduction to Interactive Media What you need to consider when choosing a web host? Free hosting Paid hosting

Introduction to Interactive Media Consider When Choosing Free Hosting A free hosting service has limitations. –Advertising –Amount of Space –FTP access –File type and size limitations –Reliability and speed of access –Perl and PHP –Bandwidth allotment Reference:

Introduction to Interactive Media Consider When Choosing a Commercial Web Host Not all hosting services are created equal. –Reliability and speed of access –How much data transfer –Amount of Disk Space –Technical Support –Server Type and language support: PHP, Perl, MySQL –SSL, Shopping Cart – , Autoresponders –Management Tools –Multiple Domain Hosting and Subdomains –Price, Payment Plans –Others’ Reviews