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Web Books
HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide |
© 2000 by David Karlins. All Rights Reserved.
In order to make your Web site accessible to the world - either the internal "world" of your organization's intranet, or the cyberworld of the World Wide Web, you need to publish your content to a Web server. You have two options in hooking up with a Web server - you can "do it yourself," a path generally reserved for those who's idea of fun is to build their own computer, or you can contract with a Web server provider.
To use an analogy to hardcopy production, your Web server provider is like your service bureau and your printer. All your hard and creative work goes down the drain if you don't have reliable connections that enable your content to get transformed into a printed publication.
Similarly, your relationship with your Web server provider is the lifeline of your Web site. When you have a good working relationship with a reliable Web server provider, your content moves smoothly between your computer and your Web site, and browsers easily access your Web site. A bad Web server provider can mean that your content doesn't get posted correctly to your Web site, your site isn't accessible to visitors. Yikes!
For a basic overview of how to shop for a Web server, start with my overview article Eight Steps to Implementing a Web Site Step 2: Rent Web Server Space in that article runs down the abc's of shopping for a Web server. That article includes a brief explanation of where to find server space, how to get a domain name, and even how you might find free server space for a "starter" Web site. In this article, I'll go into more detail about what to look for when contracting for server space.
When someone enters a URL (uniform resource locator - or Web site address) in their browser, the browser attempts to contact a Web site at that address. For example, you can type www.unleash.com, your browser connects with that Web address. A connection is set between your browser and that Web site through the Web server that hosts that site.
Is a server hardware or software? It's both. A server is a physical computer somewhere that stores the content of your Web site, and it is also software that enables your content to connect with Web browsers.
Here's where things get complicated. Not all servers have the same software. "Back in the day," when I first got into computer consulting, writing and training, they used to say, "shop for software first." Meaning, before you went out and bought a PC (or Mac), find out what software you'll be using for your applications. Then, buy a PC that supports that software.
Similarly, when shopping for a Web site host, you will want to make sure that the features you want on your site are supported by both the hardware and software at your Web server. Another way to look at this is to think about your Web server in terms of quantity and quality. Quantity meaning is your Server powerful enough to support the traffic you expect at your site, and the size of the files you want to post to your site. Quality meaning does your server support the kind of content you want to include at your site.
The basic requirement for a Server is one that allows you to post HTML pages and Web compatible graphics. However, other Web development tools allow you to greatly expand on what your Web site can do. CGI scripts allow visitors to interact with your site, by posting data and enabling your site to interact with posted data. CGI scripts are used to collect information from input forms, to make clickable "image map" graphic links work, and for other forms of interactivity. Encryption allows visitors to post data to a secure server where data is protected by complex encoding processes. Web development tools like Microsoft's FrontPage and ColdFusion require that your server have added files that allow the advanced features in these programs to work.
So, the first step in deciding what server options you need is to decide which tools and features you will use to create your site. Haven't decided on that yet? I'll present an overview of Web development tools and options in the next installment of this series, "Develop Your Web Strategy."
If you're doing your own CGI Scripting, make sure your potential Web server partner supports that. Ditto if you need an encrypted site.
If you're thinking about Web development tools that automate the process of CGI interactivity, the two most popular options are Allaire's ColdFusion or Microsoft's FrontPage. If you decide on one of these tools make sure your Web provider guarantees support for the latest version of FrontPage Extensions or ColdFusion.
You'll find a list of servers who host ColdFusion sites at http://www.hostindex.com/showcases/coldfusion/showcase.asp. If you're shopping for a FrontPage Web presence provider, start at http://www.microsoftwpp.com/wppsearch/.
Once you find a Web server provider who matches your site requirements, you need to decide how big a site you need. Site size includes both the amount of file space needed for your site, and the amount of bandwidth required to handle the traffic to your site.
The monthly cost of your site will be based on the combination of disc space and bandwidth you require. A small site for a small business or a personal Web site might require no more than 10 MB of disc space, and can probably accommodate all your visitors with 500 MB of bandwidth. Expect to pay about $35/month for a site this size. A medium sized online business might need 100 MB of disc space and 5 GB of bandwidth. A site with this capability will cost something around $200/month. Major Internet commerce sites require exponentially more disc space and bandwidth.
When you shop for a Web server, start by adding up the size of your Web content. Consult with the sales staff at the Web provider to get an idea how much bandwidth you'll need. In the case of both disc space and bandwidth, you can always beef up your site with more of either one.
Many Web server providers include additional features for their clients. And often these features are negotiable. For example, some will waive setup fees, while others charge large setup fees to start you out with your site.
Most Web server providers include a number of e-mail addresses. And most will help you register a custom Domain Name for your site.
There's nothing like the excitement of seeing your Web site go on-line. When you contract with a Web provider, they will give you detailed instructions on how to post content to your new Web site. Don't feel that you should know anything about FTPing (File Transfer Protocol).
Walking you through the process of publishing your content to your site is the responsibility of your site provider. Walk through this with your provider before you commit to them as your Web site host.
When I shop for a Web server provider for a site, the first thing I do is post a question at the provider's Web site, and ask them to call me. If I don't get a call back within 24 hours, I'm off to the next one on the list. There are many people out there competing to sell you Web server space. Find one who returns phone calls!
Web sites do go down - even those hosted by reliable providers. But a good site provider will communicate with you on any issues that arise. There is plenty of stress (as well as fun) involved in designing and maintaining a Web site. You don't want to add to your stress level by working with site providers who aren't professional, friendly and responsive.
Discuss the articles with David in the Graphics Unleashed Discussion Forums
Choosing a Web Authoring Tool · Eight Steps to Implementing a Web Site · Step 1: Grabbing a Domain Name · Step 2: Publishing Your Web Content - Finding a Web Server Provider · Step 3: Develop Your Web Strategy · Step 4: Design and Create Your Site · Step 5: Publish and Test Your Site · Step 6: Promoting Your Site · Part I: From CorelDRAW to the Web · Part II: Creating Web Page Background JPEG Files · Part III: Creating a Hover Button in CorelDRAW
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Flash 5 Tutorial 1: Create a Splash Screen
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