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

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