Web DesignFall 2011

What choices do you have for creating a website?•Using an online website builder

▫ Wix, GoDaddy, Yahoo, Google, Microsoft Office 365

•Using web design software▫ Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web

•Writing the HTML code▫ HTML editor (Coffee Cup) or a text editor

(TextEdit –Mac or Notepad – Windows)

•Outsourcing to a professional web designer

Advantages - Disadvantages

Web Design Software

Online Website Builder

AdvantagesProfessional product

DisadvantagesHigh learning curveCan be expensive

AdvantagesLow cost – or freeEasy to learn/use/accessTypically includes web hosting

DisadvantagesLimited capabilitiesNot appropriate for large projectsMay lack a unique quality

Writing the HTML Code

Professional Website Builder

AdvantagesCustomized websiteSave money

DisadvantagesTime consumingHigh learning curve

AdvantagesProfessional product that is search-engine friendlyTechnical support and website maintenance

DisadvantagesExpensiveTime consuming

Web Hosting

•Definition: Making websites available to computers connected to the Internet.▫ The service will store all the pages of your website

and publish it to the Internet.▫ Web hosting services are usually provided by ISPs

or web hosting specialists.▫ Depending on the choices you made for creating

your website, the cost will range from FREE to low cost for simple websites. Complex sites (like big companies) are more costly to maintain

Advantages - DisadvantagesFree Hosting

AdvantageFree

DisadvantagesAdvertising banners

No domain hosting—which means you typically can select your exact address

Limited features

Little to no technical support

Paid Hosting

AdvantagesTechnical support

Free statistics for evaluation purposes

Allows domain naming

DisadvantagesCosts money!

However, prices will vary and economical options are available

Yearly fee for domain name

Domain Name

•Define domain name: the part of an Internet URL selected and registered by an individual, business or organization to represent their web presence.

•The name will consist of at least two parts, separated by a period (dot). The last part is the top-level domain code. ▫ Example: microsoft.com

Top-Level Domain Codes

• These are the most common TLDs. The first three are available for use by individuals or businesses; the others require that you meet certain qualifications.▫ .com—commercial▫ .net—network service provider (can be used generically)▫ .org—usually nonprofit but can be generic▫ .edu—educational institution—(colleges or universities)▫ .gov—state or federal government▫ .mil—U.S. military ▫ .mob—dedicated to delivering the Internet to mobile

devices▫ .biz—business