INTERNET SERVICES Today, the Internet is everywhere, and it seems that we all know how to use it. But there is still a lot of misunderstanding about how to actually get a website ON the Internet to let the world know about your business. We'll go over a few of the basics. Having a Website involves two basic parts: Site Design and Site Hosting Site Design Website design is just what it sounds like, the process of creating the various files and graphic images that make up your website. Usually this means files with the .htm or .html extensions we've all seen. These files contain the code that specify what the page will look like, the text and graphic images and so on. Many programs exist to help with or fully automate this process, like Microsoft's Front Page for example. It can get much more complex, with animation, video and sound on the pages, using programs like Macromedia Flash. The most important thing to remember: Don't try to show off your website, show off your BUSINESS! You do not have to use all the latest technology, like Flash animation and so on. A simple site that tell visitors about your business and is easy to navigate may be all you need. How many sites have you visited that looked great, but didn't really say very much? Site Hosting So, you've got your site all created on your home computer. How do you make it available to the World? To do this, those files must be placed on a Web Server computer. A Web Server is simply a powerful computer that has a direct connection to the internet. You might think that your computer has this, especially if you are using a cable or DSL connection, but this is not true. You have a connection to your local Internet Service Provider (ISP), and they have the direct Internet connection. Does this mean then that you have to give them the files? Yes, you can, most ISP also host websites, but you are not stuck with using them. Many companies exist that do not provide normal ISP connection services, but do provide Website hosting, including Bitstar, often at more competitive prices. Site Naming Another important consideration is picking the name of your site, and getting it registered. By name we mean the "address" you want to use, like "www.microsoft.com" as used by Microsoft, or "www.bitstar.net" as this site uses. If your business has a very unique name, like Joe's House of Fine Guitars for example, then "www.joeshouseoffineguitars.com" is probably available. But if your business has a common name, like ABC Carpets or similar, then "www.abccarpets.com" may not be. If you want to check for available names, please follow this link. The registration process makes it so no one else can claim it, and also makes it so that your site will be found when someone types in the address in their Internet browser. TechMate Services Bitstar can do it all for you. We will work with you to create a site that covers your business whether it is a simple single page site, or has multiple pages with online product catalogs, secure purchasing, photos, or whatever you require. Your site design can be consistent with any corporate design, logos or coloring you may already have, taken from existing brochures, or something completely new. Once completed, we can host the files on our Web Server, and register the name you want (based on availability). There would be nothing required of you once the initial site design consultation process is complete. Prices start at $300 for a simple site design of five pages or less. Site Hosting contracts from $20 per month. All sites include common features such as email boxes, email forwarding, FTP access and site statistics reporting. Shopping Cart pages for online purchase are also available. Contact us for a more details and an accurate estimate based on your personal requirements. An Example Site by Us Titan Support Sytems is a Texas USA company that manufactures and sells equipment used in the sport of Powerlifting. The site features is quite large, with lot of pages, including product descriptions and images, a Customer Forum, photos galleries, and a Secure Online Order Page. An excellent example of what Bitstar can do for you. Follow this link: http://www.titansupport.com