Getting Connected & Hosting
We come across a few business who will not become involved with the Internet because of fears of Viruses, Worms and all the associated gremlins that lurk in the recesses of the Internet. As long as you follow correct procedures and update Virus checkers and Firewalls there is nothing to fear! You don't leave your office or shop without making sure everything is secure locked and alarms set, maintaining web security is just the same –follow safe procedures and you should have nothing to fear and everything to gain.
If you are a business, you'll understand the need to present a good image for your company. Professionally printed business cards, brochures and stationery are a must for any business hoping to survive and expand on a long-term basis. The same is true for your company's website too.
You can of course, simply design your site in FrontPage and then host your website with your dial-up provider. This would give you a web address most likely in the format http://www.mycompany.atmyisp.co.uk. There are a few obvious problems with this that you should consider:
The length of the address
People are less likely to be able to commit a long web address to memory easily.
Who are you promoting?
You are providing a free advert for your dial-up provider by incorporating their company name into your website address. Imagine placing your landlords' name next to your company name on the signage above your shop just because you are renting the space from them.
What if you change dial-up providers?
You have to change your web address which could mean expensive reprints of stationery etc.
You may be restricted in what you can do! Dial-up providers are providing a free hosting service so they may choose to restrict the type of web pages that you can include to simple, static pages.
You need full commercial website hosting not just once you want to expand your on-line activities, but from day one so you are fully prepared to present a professional image to your customers and potential customers. We can advise you on hosting companies to use.
In order to run your online business efficiently, you will need to use a high quality broadband connection. A good independent guide to broadband services can be found at http://www.adslguide.org.uk/