1.  Choose a website (domain) name which represents your organization.

a.  You can verify whether or not the name is already in use by checking for it on several registration sites such as: www.register.com

b.  Be sure the name is not too long.

c.  The name should be easily identifiable with your organization.

d.  The name shouldn't be too complicated and be easy to remember.

3.  Select a host for your website - A website host is a public server which allows you to use its hardware, software and telecommunications services to make your website accessible by other Internet users.

a.  You will be given when is commonly called an IP Address. this is the "location" on the host server where your website is stored.  It will commonly be in the form: 123.123.123.323

b. The IP Address will correspond to your domain name as an easily accessible link to your website.

4.  Once you've selected a host and paid for hosting services, you will be given several pieces of information-

a.  Your Host Name: This is your IP Address

b.  Administrative User Id:  This is a unique user name that identifies you to your server and will be used for Administrative management of your website.

c.  Administrative Password:  You will be given a password to be used in conjunction with your User Id for Administrative management of your website.

d. Remote directory path: This is where your files are to be located on the host server.  

e.  File Transfer User Id and Password: Often you will be given a unique User ID and password to be used specifically for loading your site up to the host server. 

a.  You can develop your website yourself - There are many tools and tutorials to assist in your efforts such as: MS FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and Visual InterDev.

Advantage - You can learn new technology and change your website whenever you desire.

Disadvantage - It's time consuming  and, for some, not an easy task.

 

b.  You can purchase a canned website and enter your information.

Advantage - It's quick. You're online in minutes.

Disadvantage - There is no personalized service; your website's functionality is often limited; and is often not unique to your company.

 

c.  You can hire a website consulting company to develop your website for you!

Advantage - A web development expert will work with you to determine how to best meet your company's website objectives.  You will be able to specifically select your animations, pages, pictures, and functionality. 

Disadvantage - This takes time, possibly longer than if you were to do your own web development. However, the time invested up front will ensure that your site accurately and uniquely represents your business.

6.  Once your website is developed, it will be loaded up to the Host server...and there you go!

a.  This is done using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) functionality and the File Transfer user id and password given by the web host.

b.  This process provides secured access to a certain area on the host server and allows copying of your website files to the area for access by other web users.