What is a FAQ?

F.A.Q. stands for Frequently Asked Questions. (Didn't you read the title?) It has become a very popular way of addressing...well...frequently asked questions on web sites.

What is the difference between a web site and a home page?

There really is no difference. The use of the word 'page' is really a misnomer. In fact, a home page may actually consist of a collection of pages, or may even be one long page. The word 'site' seems to more accurately describe the actual collection of pages that one would usually see.

If I turn off my computer will people still be able to see my web page?

That depends. If your computer actually is your site's web server then the answer is no. But most web pages are 'hosted' on an off-site server for a monthly fee. This off-site or remote server should be on 24 hours a day 7 days a week and should only be used for serving to the Internet.

Does SecondWave offer an off-site hosting service?

Yes we do and most of our clients are using it. It should be mentioned, however, that SecondWave clients don't have to use SecondWave's hosting services. It is simply provided as a service to our clients.

How do people find my web site?

Each web site has its own 'address'. But going to a web site is really more like dialing a phone number than addressing a letter. A web site address looks like this: http://www.secondwave.com. This is our address. Other addresses may be longer or appear more complicated, but they all basically work the same way. It is, however, wise to make your address as easy to remember as possible.

What is a domain name and how do I get one?

Think of a domain name like an 800 number. It is, quite simply, what people will type to get to your web site on the Internet. The actual domain name is what follows http://www. Domain names are registered by Internic, a service of Network Solutions. Network solutions has been given the exclusive rights by the United States Government to register domain names. The fee is $70 per domain name for a two year period plus the company that hosts and/or designs your page will usually charge a fee for the search and filing service. After that, the name can be renewed for $35 per year. A SecondWave representative can help you search for and register your domain name.

What if no one knows my domain name?

Most companies who setup a site on the Internet add the web page address to all of their literature, business cards, etc., so that the people they already do business with will be able to find them. But if you want to attract new business through the Internet then you need to be listed in one or more of the Internet's search engines or directories. These are like the Yellow Pages of the Internet. It is, obviously, best to make sure that your site can be found in as many places as possible. And a listing is usually free. But because of the growing number of search engines and directories it is wise to consider in which your audience will be most likely to look.

What if I want to change my Internet service provider? Will I loose my domain name and email address?

If you register your own domain name (e.g. www.YourDomainName.com) then it is yours as long as you continue to renew it. You can host it on any server you wish and feel free to shop around for the price and service that meets your needs. A note of caution: Be sure that whomever you find to register your domain name for you actually registers it in your name. As a matter of practice, your service provider or consultant should provide you with a copy of the completed InterNic domain name request.

Do I have to have a domain name?

No. There are plenty of sites on the Internet that can be found in the sub directories of other sites. This means that your address would read: http://www.SomeoneElsesSite.com/YourSite. The main advantage of doing it this way is that you save the $70 domain name registration fee and generally sublet the space at a reduced cost. The disadvantages are that you are dependent on the domain name holder to stay in business, continue to renew the domain name, and maintain the web server. If you become dissatisfied and wish to move your site you will also have to change your site's address.

What is a link and do I need one?

A link is simply a means by which any web site can send or refer people to another. And you don't really need one, you need as many as you can get. Sometimes non-competing sites with similar demographic interest will exchange links with each other simply as a courtesy to their users. Other times high-traffic sites will sell links or advertising space on their pages. No matter what you should take advantage of the free links made available by the overwhelming number of search engines and directories on the Internet. With the millions of pages on the Internet, this is really how your site will be found.

Do I have to have Internet access in order to have a web site?

No. Many of our clients had never even seen the Internet prior to putting up their web sites. Like any new endeavor, however, it is advisable to learn as much about the medium before, during, and after putting up your own site. The Internet changes rapidly, but all it takes to monitor the change is a computer and a phone line.

How many people will be able to see my web page?

Once online, your site will be visible to anyone with a connection to the Internet, anywhere in the world.

Is SecondWave an ISP?

No. SecondWave is not a dial-up Internet Service Provider. We believe that a company can do only so many things, and can only do so many things right. Providing and maintaining dial-up service is a vastly different business than designing, hosting, and promoting an online extension of your business. It's sort of like hiring your local phone company to do your marketing and take orders. Just providing reliable phone service is tough enough.

So who will be my ISP?

Anyone can provide your dial-up service. And because your site is hosted on an independent server, you can change dial-up service providers as often as you see fit without having to change your email address or domain name. This means that if you become dissatisfied with your dial-up service (i.e. busy signals!), your ISP goes out of business, or you decide to move no one will ever notice. Your address will remain the same even if you move or travel out of the country!

Do you recommend or work with any one particular ISP?

Well... yes and no. Over the years we have worked with and become familiar with many ISP's. Some have even extended discounts to our clients and allowed us to setup their accounts ourselves. But overall we have found that the best advice has come from our own clients. They have let us know who is providing the best customer service, who has the fewest busy signals, and who's service is the most reliable. A SecondWave representative can share this information with you and help you find the best ISP in your area who will cater to your particular needs.