Computer Bytes - No. 25 With the New Year here, your thoughts may be turning to the Internet regarding expanding your current business or maybe opening a whole new business venture on line. If Internet commerce is in your future, I would like to offer some points to consider as well as some cautions you should be aware of. What's in a name? Your .com name is of utmost importance and to search for a .com name - be it your existing business name or a new name - you will need to check on its availability through one of the companies on line that register .coms. The two web sites that come to mind are Network Solutions and Go Daddy. Each of these offer similar services, however, there is a significant cost differential. To check on name availability, simply type in the name you want, select either the .com, .net, .org extension, and hit 'search'. This search will let you know if that name and extension are available. If not, alternate names and/or extensions may be recommended. Something to consider should the name you want not be available is to add in a dash or underline symbol to separate the words. For example, www.thepottingshed.com becomes www.the_potting_shed.com. Caution: When getting your .com name, be sure it is registered under your name with your information as the contact point. This is very important for possible future actions such as renewing the .com, making changes to server information and moving the .com. If you are having someone do this for you, make sure they are willing to register the .com in your name and insist they turn over to you all of the information associated with your .com including username, passwords, pin numbers, and anything else necessary to access your account or make changes. Once you have a .com name you will need a hosting company. A hosting company is nothing more than 'renting' space on the Internet through a company that will provide server space. There any many hosting services available and you should shop around for the best value - always be sure you can upgrade without penalty or extra charge. Some things to consider when looking for a hosting company are how much space your web site will need, will the site require forms and CGI, do you need a shopping basket, as your business grows will you need a sub-domain, how many email addresses are required….the variables to consider are numerous so do your homework. Caution: If you have an outside company build your site, make sure they agree beforehand to give you the IP address, usernames, passwords, along with a complete copy of your web site either on a CD or floppy for your records. If they will not agree, not look for another company. You do not want to get in what is comparable to a hostage situation. For those without the knowledge to put together their own site, always get information up front regarding who will be the registered owner of the .com name and who will have control of the hosting server. If you are paying for the service, you should have all files and information relevant to the transaction and web site. Having a web site on the Internet means unlimited business possibilities, however, in your eagerness to go 'global' don't overlook the details that keep you in control. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.