In today’s webinar we talked about the operational aspects of choosing a domain name, where to register a domain name and whether or not to use private registration. We learned how to look up the owner of a domain name (http://www.whois.net/ is one web site), and talked about establishing a PO Box or mailbox at a mailing center as the contact point for domain registry, to avoid using our home addresses.

We also talked about web hosts; the different types of plans, and how many domains could be hosted on a single server. I had a short list of features to shop for when choosing a web hosting plan:

• Registration types and cost	• Windows vs Unix/Linux hosting
• Monthly and Yearly Plans	• Single vs Multiple Domain plans
• Email Support	• PHP and MySQL Support
• Amount of storage space (in GB)	• Blog and Podcast Support
• Number of user accounts and access level	• Bandwidth allowances
• Type of Tech Support (email, phone, 24/7?)	• SSL Certificates
• Reputation (Visit their user forums to find out)

Dispute resolution is an important issue; will the web host shut your site down first and ask questions later? Or will they attempt to notify you first? You want to be sure that you can get a hold of someone if something goes wrong. Visit the user forums for your web host to see what other users are saying. Be sure you understand their privacy policy and dispute resolution procedures before you commit time and effort to a site on their servers.

Finally, we talked about the issue of control over your web site. When you’re deciding where to host your site, be sure you can set up accounts that allow your web designer access but not complete control over the site. You’re the one paying for it; you should be in control of it. If your designer refuses, then get another site over which YOU have control. You may choose to get another designer too, but that’s a separate decision. We’ll talk more about working with web professionals in our March 26th webinar.

Webinar Date: February 20, 2008

In Wednesday’s webinar we covered the somewhat boring but incredibly necessary task of documenting your computer hardware and software. These items are business assets just as surely as your desk, chair, and filing cabinets are. There are a number of good reasons for tracking these assets:

• Amortization: the process of taking a tax deduction over time for these purchased items. I’m not a tax preparer — you should consult yours to find out what you can deduct and how much based on the structure of your company.
• Data recovery: when disaster strikes, do you know where your installation disks are? More than that, do you know where your license keys are?

In the webinar I enumerated the items you should track for both hardware and software, and those who attended received a copy of my sample asset tracking sheets.

We also talked about “box” software and downloadable software. Downloaded software should be stored in a central “Downloads” directory somewhere on your hard drive so that you can return to it easily. You should also back up these program downloads to a CD for safekeeping. I also like to store in a Notepad file a copy of the license key so that if I have to quickly reinstall, I have everything at my fingertips.

When it comes to storing your “box” software, I suggested that you throw away the outer box (except the flap with the version number and barcode), and store the documentation with the discs in some kind of container. I have tried 4 or 5 different containers for my box software, but have settled on storing the software in a file cabinet. I use a plastic envelope with a “landscape” orientation, and a top flap with a Velcro closure.

I also use my Dymo labelmaker to print a nice label that I affix along the top edge of the envelope. That lets me find the folder and open it without removing it from the file cabinet.

I found these plastic envelopes at Jam Paper (http://www.jampaper.com). They’re not cheap, but they wear well, and they are by far the best solution I’ve found. I also use multimedia storage drawers for CDs that don’t have any other paperwork with them. These drawers I found at OfficeDepot.com, also not inexpensive, but very durable.

P.S: There will be no webinars on February 6th or the 13th due to prior commitments. I’ll see you again on Feb. 20th.

Webinar Date: January 30, 2008