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FAQ

Getting Started

Getting started may seem like a daunting task. Here are a few steps to help you out:
  1. Register your domain name. (A domain name is your ".com" address)
    • Domain Registrar: I prefer GoDaddy but there are several "Domain Registrars" available. It is easier to maintain your site if your domain registrar is also your hosting provider so choose a registrar that also offers hosting. It's more common these days but make sure your registrar also offers "Full DNS Control".
    • Pick out a meaningful domain name that hasn't already been taken. I wouldn't recommend hyphens or domain names that aren't similar to your company name.
    • Domain names are cheap (currently around $12/year) so buy several configurations. Some people even purchase misspelled domain names so that even fat-fingered people can find their site.
  2. Design/Develop your website. After you have secured your domain name you are ready to start designing and developing your content. Whether you already have a design in mind or need help from start to finish AK Web Apps can give you the help you need. Visit the Services page for more information.
  3. Sign up for web hosting. Once you are finished designing and developing your site it is time to find a hosting provider who will store all of your web files on a publicly accessible server. Again, I recommend going with your domain registrar and prefer GoDaddy but there are thousands of options out there. Web Hosting is a reoccurring monthly cost that can range anywhere from $5 for the basics on up depending on the services you select.
  4. Point domain name to your hosting company.
    • If you went with the same host as your registrar then pointing your domain to your host account should be pretty simple. Consult the support section for details.
    • If you did not choose to go with the same company for a registrar and hosting provider you will need to update your DNS records to point to your hosting companies web server. Hopefully your registrar has a support section that can get you to the right place. You will need to add an "A" record that points to the IP address of your hosting server.
  5. Launch your web files. Your hosting company will provide you with FTP information in order to launch your web files to their server. Once you have uploaded all of your files they are immediately accessible to the public through your domain name.
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Finding a Web Hosting Provider

When looking for a hosting provider you need to think in long term solutions. Moving your website from one host to another can become a pain since you will also have to change your DNS records with your domain registrar. Here are a few tips:
  1. Operating systems. With every server comes an operating system such as Windows or Linux. Each of these operating systems offer different types of support. If your website is built using HTM or HTML file extensions then you could go with any of these solutions. However if your pages are programmed in other languages you need to make sure to choose a compatible OS.
    Operating SystemSupported File TypesSupported Databases
    WindowsASP, PHP, ASP.NET v1.1 or v2.0MySQL, MS Access, SQL Server
    LinuxPHP, Perl, Java, PythonMySQL
    Note: AK Web Apps codes website templates using ASP file extensions and server side includes.
  2. Installed applications. A lot of hosting providers install commonly used applications and services on their servers for all to use. Some of these applications might allow you to upload images or send email through web forms. Hosting providers do not allow you to install third party software on their servers so it is important to make sure they have all of the functionality that you may need for your website.
  3. Databases. You may not need a database now but in the future you may want to collect some user data through a web form or even add one of AK Web Apps's Web Tools to your site. All of these dynamic capabilities rely on a database back-end. I usually recommend a simple Microsoft Access database to start with since the databases are easy to work with on any personal computer without having to buy a lot of software (if any). If you plan to have a robust application which will have a lot of traffic you might need to consider a MS SQL database instead.
  4. Server Control Panel. Hosting providers sometimes offer a "Control Panel" which gives you full access to your website controls such as folder permissions, custom error page setup, and web statistics settings. The more control your hosting company provides the easier it is for you to manage your website without their help.
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Maintaining Your Website

See Project Process > Content
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