Robs Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to make a website?It was difficult once. With so many free website tools and applications available for building websites it has become very easy. By using an FTP program on your computer you can upload files to the server. Find a PHP/MySQL website platform to use, upload the files, set up the MySQL database information and run the installation file. Most web content management systems take less than 10 minutes to upload, install and run.
If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach you can learn HTML and write your own pages. Use a graphic design method to produce the HTML and upload your site. I dont recommend the use of Microsoft Word as a web page designer even though it does have an 'export to html' option. The quality of the result will be dissapointing.
What do I get from you with my website account?
I only offer the basic services that satisfy the needs of 99 percent of web users. This includes an FTP account for access to your website space, a mail server for your domain and a number of mail accounts with spam filtering, PHP web scripting with all common script extensions, MySQL server access with one or more databases and SquirrelMail Webmail for web browser email access.
If customers have needs other than these I can install most server applications.
I also offer domain name management if you prefer me to handle your domain purchasing.
What tools can I use to make a website?
One of my favorite web authoring tools is Nvu. Available both for Windows and Linux, Nvu gives the user a familiar WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) view of the website design. The program allows for drag-and-drop or cut-and-paste building of a site. Pick a background texture or color, place some text with font and color, create tables on the page to hold the content and click the publish button. The built-in FTP tool uploads your site to the server with a few easy steps.
If you prefer to use a ready-made option, there are some great free HTML templates available on Open Source Web Design where hundreds of designers have made their HTML designs available for download. With a few changes to artwork and by filling in the blanks you can have a great looking HTML web site. More advanced designers can use templates as the basis for themes on dynamic content sites like Blogs or Forums.
Take a look at building a site with a Content Manager.
Free products like Drupal or commercial products like Komodo can be the basis for online communities or business websites.
Mambo is a popular package
WordPress is considered to be one of the best Blog systems
SimpleMachines is a robust and versatile Web Forum
EggBlog is a simple Blog package with a forum and photo gallery