Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Important Things To Look For In A Domain Name Registration Service

If you're looking to register a domain name there are a few things you should be looking for in the company you use. First thing shouldn't be the price, but it's best to find one that's cheap as long as it has the important add ons you'll be needing..... And it's best to look well into this before hand because once you start registering domains with one company, you're not going to want to move them around later just for some extra features. So don't get stuck with the wrong registrar, do the research now.

First thing is that you should not be paying anymore than 10 bucks for a .com domain name registration. Many registrars are still charging between $25 and $35 per domain registration which is pretty much ridiculous. In my opinion, $10.00 is the limit. If their selling you a domain for anything more than that you're just plain ole' getting ripped off.

Second, many of these domain companies then sell you additional services which would be free with the cheaper registrars. Like http://domains.searchen.com/ for instance. Domain registrations for 1 year are just $8.95 and that includes a load of free features that you'll want to be able to use without additional cost. Now getting these free features added onto your domain account is important! Because other companies will really charge you for these features later when you better figure out what they are and that you even need them. But then it is too late, it just winds up being easier to pay. So look for these important free features BEFORE starting to register your domain(s).

FREE Features like:
  • Auto Renewal
  • Email Accounts
  • Domain Forwarding
  • Domain Locking
  • Domain Masking
  • DNS Control
  • Security Notifications

Another thing you'll want to look for in your domain name company is related services. You might want to make sure that the company does more than just domain registrations.. Other features like web hosting, site builders, and other domain related tools on hand are definitely a plus, so that you can keep most of your services under one roof (or account).

It may also be wise to choose a company which actually picks up the phone when you call. And not just on Mondays from 10-4.... Find a registration company with 24 hour 7 day a week support phones, because you never know when a problem will arise and an answering machine wont get you anywhere fast. So look for a company that has phone support and NOT just ticket support.... believe me, you'll be thanking me later.

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Web Site Builder Software

Web site builder programs are a great choice for people that want an easy to use format for creating their own webpages. Advanced web site builder software like Adobe's Dreamweaver runs on your computer and lets you create web pages offline, later publishing them on a webpage host of your choice provided that you already have your own web hosting account(s). Adobe offers tutorials on how to use Dreamweaver.

Dreamweaver and other software programs like it are the type of software usually aimed at professional website designers that create content for multiple clients. Software for web site design is usually a much better option than websites that offer site creating tools because the software runs better, does not require an internet connection, and is usually much more advanced. These off-line webpage builders often allow the user to manipulate and directly edit source code and CSS styling. Although they are usually expensive to buy, there is some web site builder software available to download for free.

Web site builder software became popular after the explosion of the internet that introduced people of all experience levels to the online world. Soon many people were using the internet, doing business, and wanting to create their own websites. A large percentage of these people had little to no technical knowledge, and thus web builders became popular and easy to use. Around this time web hosts also began offering their own web page builders as part of their hosting package. Today web site builder software is a popular way to create online content for professionals that sell web design as well as those with little experience wishing to make a personal website.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Creating an Easy-to-Design Website

Designing a web site does not have to be as difficult as it may seem, as long as the web site gives the user the following capabilities: blogging, linking, uploading photos, and copying and pasting HTML codes.

Certain web providers give designers templates to work in, and the designer can use the templates as a platform to add content, videos, and other vital information to. The web designer would probably find more customers if there were more than a few templates to choose from. Some templates can have minimal page links while others should have a larger amount for those who want multiple pages on a web site.

http://www.searchen.com/website-builder.html

Drag text boxes down to add bios and updated information. Copy and paste embed codes or other HTML codes to link videos of your company or yourself from outside video streamers like YouTube or Vimeo. Simple, inexpensive web design companies will give users the ability to easily add blogs by clicking “Add Blog” buttons. Blogs can be treated as text but with the option to add keywords so outside users can find the information.

Most Internet users are visual people, and a page filled with text will more than likely send them away. Simple web design gives users the option to add their own photos, maybe even a slideshow or too. And if the user can’t add a slideshow, she should be able to copy and paste slideshow links from sites like Photobucket to make the web site more exciting.

Domain names on simple web sites should be easy to pay for through the editable site. For those users who don’t keep a track record of when they paid for the domain, web designers should have some type of program to remind users when their domain name renewal is due to avoid the user losing his or her domain. A leeway period should be set up by web designers to give the user the opportunity to keep the domain instead of immediately selling it to someone else.

Web design can also include additional features like unique email addresses with the domain name at the end (example: such as webbuilder@searchen.com). The hosting size should be easily recognized, and for those who are less tech savvy, it may be a good idea for the designer to have some type of hidden account mechanism so the user can tell when he/she is reaching her size limit for pictures or videos on the site.

http://www.searchen.com/website-builder.html

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Saturday, April 04, 2009

CBS Video About the Conficker Worm / Virus

Norton / Symantic is hosting a good video from CBS about the Conficker worm and how your computer can be infected without you knowing. You can find the video here: http://www.symantec.com/norton/theme.jsp?themeid=conficker_worm

Reading the above page is a sign that your computer is probably not infected with Conficker as the worm blocks access to most security web sites.

Conficker was first spotted sometime in November of Last Year and what I believe prompted Microsoft to release that emergency update which they almost never do. They try to stick to their regular monthly updates to include new virus definitions, but this conficker worm was so dangerous that they released it immedietly.

Conficker targets all users of Windows XP and Windows Vista.

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Thursday, April 02, 2009

Purchasing A Domain Name And Hosting Services

Purchasing A Domain Name And Hosting Services

You need a domain name and hosting services to successfully run a web site. There are many resources available towards getting you started on your online venture. Even if it is for business, or a personal Blog or whatever else your website wants to become, a domain name is where you should start.

The Importance of a Domain

You will want to have a shorter, simple to remember domain name that fits the content of your future website. If you have a website in mind that features technology or electronics, you may want your web domain name to reflect something technologically based. This is a simple determining method that you should consider because you can surely get any domain you want that is not already taken. You will probably want to incorporate your name into the domain if you are creating a personal site such as a portfolio of artworks, a journal or blog, or simply just a website about yourself. This is all up to you and your imagination.

Purchasing a Domain

Make sure that you buy or park domains that you will need, as you never know when they might be taken. Using a specialized website for domain registration, you can purchase a domain and any extra services you may need to build your website. Many of these registration sites offer great plans and prices on domains, hosting, email accounts and more! Make sure to research what you will need to make your website become a reality. Often times creating blogs and other types of personal websites require specific types of hosting so make sure to look into it carefully.

Choosing a Hosting Plan

Often a domain registration site will allow you to purchase hosting services from them as well. This is especially useful when you wish to get started right away when building your personal and business websites. Make sure to note if you will be needing linux or windows based hosting and the amount of hosting you will need. Usually a personal site will not need a large plan but sites that showcase pictures, music, videos and other types of media may need much larger plans to keep within monthly limits!

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Website Building Programs

Website Building Programs May Be a Convenient Option for Novices

It seems as if everyone and their mother has their own website these days. Whether it is a blog, a professional website, or a general personal website, many people are beginning to embrace the freedom of creating and publishing their very own content. However, not everyone is able to command the necessary computing languages needed to create a professional looking website including HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and MySQL (Database driven technology). In fact, many folks who have created their own website may not have ever heard of these terms before.

There are options for novice web designers and creators, one of which are website building programs. Many of these programs are referred to as WYSIWYG editors, which stands for What you see is what you get. Essentially, these editors allow users to enter content and format that content any way that they desire without having to manipulate any of the computer code. These editors function much like a word processor, but they publish content into HTML and not a print document. There are several different levels of WYSIWYG editors that will be discussed in this article.

WYSIWYG editors below:






Dreamweaver - Dreamweaver is one the most popular WYSIWYG editors because it has been used by novice web designers for years. There are several advantages to using Dreamweaver including a dual code view. That is, you can view the WYSIWYG interface in one window and the actual code in another window. Dreamweaver, then, is meant for novice web designers, but has tools for more advanced designers as well. One major disadvantage of Dreamweaver is the fact that it does not include web hosting. Web hosting is a server that will host your web content and display it to the internet. You can think of it like a newspaper or other publication. Dreamweaver will help you create the article for the newspaper, but it will not host the article for you. Therefore, if you decide to use Dreamweaver, you will have to find your own web host.


Dreamweaver split screen preview below:






Blogging Software - Another option for novice web designers is using blogging software like Wordpress. With wordpress, you can manage all of your content and design all of your webpages just as easily as writing a regular document. One advantage of blogging software is that you can pair this software with a web host. For example, a novice can set up an account at a web hosting company. Most web hosting companies provide free access to blogging applications like Wordpress. Therefore, you sign up for an account at a web hosting company for a monthly subscription and you are provided with your very space on the web to host your content. After purchasing a Domain Name (term refers to a "www" web address) you can point your domain name at your hosting space and display your content online. Your blogging software will allow you to create and edit web content very easily. Finally, most blogging software is managed via a content manager. This means you can easily log in to your website, make changes to the site, and see those changes within seconds. Again, as with Dreamweaver, one major disadvantage of WordPress is the fact that it does not include web hosting.

Wordpress Bloggers Dashboard Interface below:



Website Builder Programs

Quite possibly the best option for a novice is to purchase a Website Building Program which includes the web site hosting account as well as the content management system all within one interface. Using a good web site builder program you can own a limited use license to run, edit, and manage your software and content as well as your domain name.

Website Building Programs provide several options for novice web designers who do not know any computing languages. These programs are becoming more sophisticated and can allow even the most novice of users the ability to create and maintain professional quality websites through both click and drag/drop features. The user can then simply push a button, and publish to the internet site.

Website Built with Website Builder Software Below:



To get started with a All-In-One Solution Provider with easy to use web site builder programs visit: http://www.searchen.com/website-builder.html

Article Recap:

Website Hosting (Space for Web Site): http://hosting.searchen.com
Domain Names (www. Web Addresses) http://domains.searchen.com
Software (Click 'n Build) http://www.searchen.com/website-builder.html

All-In-One

Website Builder Software Includes Web Hosting Service as well as a domain name for $1.99 (web address).

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Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Virtual Dedicated Hosting Versus Dedicated Hosting

There are two very different options in web hosting. The virtual dedicated host and the dedicated host.

The real dedicated host is an entire server dedicated to one customer. This server is similar to a prime piece of real estate that is “rented” out to the website housed on the server. A dedicated server can cost anywhere from $100 up and this cost, plus the cost of server maintenance will need to be covered by the business “renting” out the real dedicated hosting. When real dedicated hosting is chosen, the entire cost of the server is usually paid for by one client.

The virtual dedicated host provides a similar amount of space as the real dedicated host without some of the control and the upkeep costs of a dedicated machine. The virtual dedicated hosting is hosting space on a physical server that has been partitioned into separate spaces. The virtual dedicated hosting can be as large as the company needs and as small as they require. The virtual dedicated hosting is not a new concept. Mainframe computers have been partitioning the space on servers for many years.

There are pros and cons to each of the styles of dedicated hosting. If price is an issue, the virtual dedicated hosting plan may be the best option. If complete control of a server is needed real dedicated hosting offers such control.

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