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What is a Website?
One of the
first things to consider
is
"What is a website, and do I really need one?"
A few definitions:
Web Page: A web page is an electronic file that typically
presents information such as text, photographs, documents, and
graphics. It is viewed using a web browser.
Web Browser: A web browser is computer software used to
view web pages. Typical web browsers include Microsoft Internet
Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
Website, Home Page, and Sub Pages: A website is a
collection of web pages that go together. For example, when you
came to osuwebcat.com, the first web page was the home page. You
then have the option of clicking on any of the buttons across
the top of the screen to go four other pages: Rates, Portfolio, Why You Need A
Website, and OSU Football. Each time you click on one of the
buttons, you go to another web page on this site. The home page
plus those four other pages, referred to as sub pages, make up
the whole website. As a rule, the terms website and web page are
used interchangeably. Only web designers really care about the
distinction in these terms.
World Wide Web: This term refers to the collection of
websites available on the Internet. Since websites typically
link to other websites, the imaginary lines linking from one
website to another may be thought of as being similar to a
spider's web.
Internet: The Internet refers to the connection between
computers in remote locations. Connections to computers in the
same building are typically called a network. An Internet
connection is required in order to be able to view web pages and
to send and receive email.
Internet
Service Provider (ISP):
These terms refer to the company
one uses to connect to the Internet. Common Internet Service
Providers include Embarq, Comcast, AOL, and other
telephone and communications companies. Internet Access is not
the same thing as a website, website hosting, or email, although
Internet Service Providers may offer these services.
Email – The term "email" or "e-mail" is an abbreviation
for electronic mail. It refers to typed messages that can be
sent electronically. An email address will always include the @
symbol. For example,
meow@osuwebcat.com is an email
address because the @ in the middle gives it away. If the
address were only osuwebcat.com, that refers to a website
address. Website addresses may or may not include www. at the
beginning of it. These days, most (but not all) websites can be
reached without typing in the www. at the beginning of the
website address.
Do
I Really Need a Website?
Not every
company needs a website, consider the following reasons for
having a website...
Showcase Your Work: A professional
website can showcase your work and present an image that lets
people know you are serious about your work. Let people know who
you are, what you have to offer, and how and where to do
business with you.
Allow Customers and Potential Customers to Find You: More and more people
are using the Internet to find businesses they wish to
work with. If you want more customers, it's pretty important to
have a website.
Increase Productivity From Your Staff:
If your employees spend time faxing, emailing, or snail
mailing (regular postal mail) information to
clients, or repeating the same information on the phone, then
offering an informative website can save you time and money.
Allow customers or potential customers to find information about
you online. Documents and catalogs can be viewed online and
printed, too.
Am I Ready to Begin Planning a Website?
Get your thoughts,
ideas, physical documents together to prepare for the creation
of your website:
Click here for a checklist of items to assist you in planning
your website
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