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Windows Hosting versus Linux Hosting – Which is right for you?
There are literally hundreds of thousands of web hosting companies out there. Many of these companies offer both Windows hosting and Linux hosting plans. Windows plans usually cost more because of the license costs imposed by Microsoft. Knowing this, how can you know when you need Windows hosting and when Linux hosting will work just as well or better? Keep reading to find out.
Windows operating systems are found on something like 95% of all personal computers in the world. With such a total dominance, Microsoft Windows is top of mind to most new people looking for web hosting.
In the web server world though, Windows based servers are behind less than 20% of all websites on the internet. This is according to the latest web server survey from securityspace.com. By choosing a Linux hosting plan, you will find yourself in good company.
When do you have to use Windows Hosting?
1. .NET technologies including ASP.net are not available on Linux platforms. If you have a website built with Microsoft .NET technologies you will have to choose a Windows hosting plan. In fact, if you need ASP without .NET features, most Linux hosting plans do not offer support for it.
2. Access Databases are only available with a Windows hosting plan. Access runs on a Microsoft Windows platform and cannot run on a Linux Operating system.
3. MSSQL is an enterprise class database put out by Microsoft. If you need an enterprise class database there are some alternatives that run on a Linux platform but if you need Microsoft’s MSSQL database, a Windows hosting plan will have to be your choice.
4. If you are using Microsoft’s Sharepoint services like some of the Sharepoint features found in Frontpage 2003, a Windows Hosting plan is your only choice.
What is the advantage to choosing Linux Hosting?
All the major services you need to run an enterprise class website are available on Linux based systems for free. Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP are being used together to provide the infrastructure behind some of the most traffic intensive sites on the internet.
PHP runs better on a Linux server than on a Windows server. Having said that, unless you are putting a heavy load on your PHP scripts, this will not be noticable.
In general, Linux hosting plans are at least 20% cheaper than Windows hosting plans. If you don’t need any of the features mentioned above, Linux hosting is a fine choice for your needs.
For Microsoft specific technologies, Windows hosting plans are usually your best bet. For everthing else, Linux hosting plans will usually do quite well. With the cost savings usually found with Linux hosting plans, Linux hosting is usually the right choice for you.
Best Website Building Software – Making Professional Websites is Finally Simple!
Building a website does not have to be difficult. The problem with web design is that it takes a massive learning curve to design the kind of sites which you typically want rather than a few simple tables with varying fonts. You need a vast knowledge of HTML but also CSS and sometimes PHP and other skills to make the most attractive websites which people will enjoy and enjoy browsing and visiting, thus encouraging the likelihood that they’ll become a customer of your business.
Even supposedly simple programs like DreamWeaver are not without their learning curves and though you can do amazing things with this kind of software, there is a massive learning curve associated with the program until you can get to the point in which you can do what you want to do. All that’s about to change, however, with a look at the best website building software which is finally now available.
AtomicShops is fresh on the market but is the best website building software for a number of reasons. One, it requires absolutely no knowledge of any of the skills which I mentioned above. No HTML, no CSS, nothing. Using AtomicShops you can focus 100% on the aesthetic qualities of your web pages. There are thousands of basic templates to choose from, you browse through them until you find what you like, then after selecting the basic layout you can customize every microscopic aspect of the site with a few simple clicks.
If you’re looking to make some affiliate money from your site you can easily integrate products of your choice with a few clicks, as well.
It’s also the best website building software in terms of being an analytics fan’s dream because you get full access to analytics so that you can track clearly the visitors to your website and better customize it accordingly to optimize your traffic and conversions.
Free Website Templates Are Really All You Need!
Free website templates, are a fast and easy solution for those who want to build a website, without all the hassles of designing a website from the ground up. The Free web templates available online look great, with nice design elements and layouts. When you see how attractive and smart they are, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for a template or theme in the first place! There are “ready to go.” Just replace existing content, images, and logo with your own, and you are in business!
The variations of available free website templates are staggering. There are many different styles and designs available, you’ll have plenty to choose from. You will almost certainly find something that appeals to you. And, they are all available to you at no cost. Depending on how you want your pages to look, you can usually find a one, two, or three column web template, for the type of design layout that works for you. You can also select a template that has its sidebar on the left, or instead, on the right side, to provide the functionality you want and need. Themes are often grouped by industry or field, so you can find those that are more geared for your field or area of specialty.
If you are adding AdSense to your website, it’s as easy as just dropping in your AdSense code, and you’re ready to go. There are also locations set up on the template so that you can place your advertisement’s or banner’s in existing placeholders, set up specifically for this purpose. They offer existing navigation menu’s that are generally fairly functional, and allows you to tailor your pages and posts to meet your needs. You also have your “about” and “contact” pages. So, in a sense, free web templates are comprehensive in nature and design, and are just waiting to be personalized.
Are there any negatives? Since the structure of the template is already constructed, you can’t alter it, unless you have advanced knowledge of coding. Some may consider “coding” complex, and most would agree that is true, however, to learn the things you need to understand to be able to make mild adjustments to your website, many of those elements can be learned within a few minutes. They can allow you to alter and adjust such things as color, or size of various template elements, or adding an email capture. The author of the template may have it copyrighted, and may require that you leave their link intact in the footer of the template. That’s a small price to pay for the benefit of using a free beautifully designed template. In some instances, you may be required to provide an email address to access a download option for your template.
Premium templates are also available online for a price. You are charged a predetermined fee to buy their templates. They can range from $10.00 to $50.00, and go up from there. Some use advanced design elements and can be worth the money, especially if you have a business or service that is complex in nature, or the structure of your website requires controls outside of standard website design. They can be very attractive as well. On the other hand, free web templates are generally considered wholly adequate for most websites and marketers.
“Customer built websites,” are designed specifically to suit your exact needs. They are suggested if you need a website to look exactly the way you want, and/or, you require very specific functionality out of your website. The costs can range from several hundred dollars, all the way up to thousands of dollars. You get what you pay for, so don’t expect a tremendous amount of functionality on the low end, as you’re paying for the designer’s time to build your website from the ground up. Many web marketers see it as an unnecessary expense for your online business, and feel that free website templates are all you need.
Finally a Free Website Builder For Kids
In today’s society, the internet is an important part of every day life. For the inquisitive minds of children, it not only offers a vast source of knowledge, but also a platform to let their voices be heard.
WordPress is a free website builder for kids, which allows them to create their own blog or website, form online communities with their friends, and project their thoughts and feelings onto the web. WordPress is an ideal choice for a number of reasons.
1. Technology
The technology available through WordPress is so easy to use, that kids will need very little help from their parents. They can create a simple blog in just a few minutes, and can create a fully functioning website by following some basic download instructions.
Through building their own sites, children can learn the basics of internet use, and the numerous plug-ins available will teach them the extent to which a website can be manipulated and customized to do exactly what they want.
2. Themes
WordPress has thousands of themes available that allow each site to demonstrate the creativity and individuality of the blogger. A simple internet search will reveal how many of these themes are designed with children in mind, and they range from Disney themes, to the latest movie craze.
These themes can be uploaded and changed easily, which means that children can alter the visual effects of their website as quickly as their interests, grow and change.
3. Security
Security is an important consideration for parents when the internet and children are involved. With WordPress, the blogs and websites that are created with this free website builder for kids, can be made as public or as private as the children and parents want. Additionally, if your child decides to leave WordPress, the content of their blog is not locked-in, and can be easily exported.
4. Plug-ins
There are a number of WordPress plug-ins available, many of which will appeal to children and teenagers alike. Link To This Page, for example, will allow children to link their pages and posts, to the websites of their friends, as well as the websites and MySpace pages of their favorite bands, TV shows, movies and celebrities.
Also, the Interactive Video Plug-in, will provide children with a player on which they can post, record and edit their favorite video clips and share them with their friends.
WordPress is the perfect free website builder for kids. It is easy to use and has the capabilities to protect children from any danger the internet may hold. It is also a great way for kids to learn the basics of web design, and can be changed and updated as quickly as their moods change.
Top 3 Website Design Software Programs
Having your own website is crucial when you have a business. When it comes to building your own site, you must have good website design software. It is a great way to reach your target market and increase your sales. You want to have a site that people are drawn to. Think about the sites you enjoy visiting and what draws you to stay and search. It is the design. You have a lot of options for different software programs to help you, but the following three are reputable.
Coffee Cup Visual Site Designer is known for its ease of use. This is a must. You do not have to be an experienced code writer to use this software. The manual is very easy to understand and follow. You can build a site from the ground up or use templates to get started. It also includes an FTP client. This will help you to make changes directly to your site.
Web Plus is another good one. This one is also relatively easy to use. It has lots of media tools such as Flash and You Tube. There are helpful tutorials, also. Free hosting is included. Nowadays, hosting is usually pretty low, but that is definitely a benefit to this software. They also have templates, but they are not very eye appealing. If you do not know about HTML, you may feel limited.
Web Easy Professional is the best option for people who are new to building a site. It is known for being very simply and user friendly for anyone. This software features iPhone and Smartphone templates so that your site can be viewed from anywhere. This is a great feature that the other two mentioned do not have. This program has newer templates and other helpful tools to get you through the process of creating your site.
All three of these are going to be very useful in providing you with your needs to build your own site. Their costs are not excessive. They are all under one hundred dollars. When you are making your decision research each software program, first. Make sure that your needs will be met. If you are a novice do not buy software that requires you to be an expert, for example. You want to create a site that people are going to want to look at and explore what you offer. Something that is professional and organized.
Mac Website – Great Place For Finding Anything
The MAC internet site is a fantastic source of information. Unlike most other sites, it contains a great deal of information and applications that you will be able to use. If you need MAC information, it is best to go to the source!
Another great thing about the MAC website is that all of the different products they offer are available on the site. You can get specific information about any product you are interested in. You can also choose multiple items and compare them with just a click of the mouse. MAC products can be found at other websites also, but there is no way to be sure you will get the best quality products from those sites.
Another great feature of the site is that you can look at things sorted by several different factors. For example, if you wanted to see what the newest products available are, you would be able to search based on ‘newest product’. You could also sort your search based on top sellers. This allows you to see what other savvy buyers are looking at and purchasing.
You may also find great accessories on the MAC site. Tons of them are available for various kinds of products you’ve already got. At the official site, however, you may look for accessories which are specifically made for the product(s) you’ve got. This guarantees that anything you purchase will be compatible.
The official site also gives you excellent gift packaging, so that is another reason to purchase the products from there. This gift packaging is unavailable from anywhere else. When purchasing a gift for someone, you will be able to let them know that the product was purchased from a reputable site simply by the way the gift was packaged.
In our modern era, a shopper is able to visit multiple sites in only a few seconds, accessing a wide variety of data and product information. Unfortunately, with the increased choice comes the problem of knowing which retailers to trust. Luckily, there’s a simple solution. If you purchase products from the official MAC website, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that you’re using a safe interface from a company that’s reliable.
Website Design – 2011 Website Design Trends
The fast technological and technical advancement produces fast changing trends in website design. 2011 is going to be nothing like 2010 and the past decade in general, according to experts. In the new year, functionality is going to take over looks and the design work is going to merge more effectively with development work. This is the main 2011 website design trend that determines all the rest.
What do you have to do the make a functional web site this year? As a start, you should make your pages compatible with portable multimedia devices with browsing capabilities. You should enable visitors to access your site through their mobile phones, portable media players and tablets.
You should reduce the amount of clicking visitors have to do. Similarly, you have to allow them to scan though your pages rather than to spend time trying to look for something that is not there. According to gurus, one of the trendiest ways to achieve all this is to make your web pages compatible with thumbnail browsing.
If you want to keep up with the 2011 website design trends, you should look for functionality in communication as well. It is a must for a functional web site to have a blog. However, just a couple of pages with articles are no longer sufficient. Linking to the social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter is a must. You should definitely use innovative features such as Twitter live feeds on your site as well.
The 2011 website design trends require you to have a deeper design with a number of layers creating a 3D view. Depth is easily accomplished by making some elements larger than others and by placing pictures and background with 3d images.
If you think 3D images may make your pages a bit too crowded, you may want to rely on another hot trend – using photos as background. The so called photographic backgrounds are stylish, elegant and attractive. They can send a powerful message, no matter whether they are used for personal, fashion or cooking sites.
The trendiest website colors in 2011 are the natural ones. Yellow, green and blue are by far the most popular. The idea is to use a combination of two or three colors with different undertones to create a harmonious and relaxing backdrop. Basically, you need to make the visitor feel at home.
Follow the 2011 website design trends to make your web site more functional and attractive in the new decade.
Mac Website Builder – Software For the Web Designer
No longer does one software company have a virtually monopoly when it comes to web browsers. These days there are alternatives, including browsers with tabs. The appearance of a site is not created by the browser that accesses it, although it does take on some of that browser’s highly individual characteristics. Each site is created with certain browsers in mind to make it look its best at first sight. A mac website builder helps you develop the ideal website for a mac browser.
You may be wondering how mac site builder proves useful to web designers. Actually, the number of user using this browser has considerably increased. As such, the traffic coming to the websites from this browser has attained critical proportions. It would be pure foolishness to ignore such a large section of internet users for any web entrepreneur.
As the Internet advanced, and the graphical browser replaced the text-only version, layout and design became much larger issues for everybody. People needed mac compatible site builder software to ensure their pages would look good across all platforms. Unfortunately, such programs have only recently become available to the web design community.
If you are a web designer and want an easy way to verify compatibility for a website originally designed for other browsers, then you will want to use mac website builder software. This software not only conducts automated testing of website compatibility it also provides suggestions on how to optimize a website for mac browser.
Any website that you want to be viewable worldwide should be compatible with all of today’s most widely viewed browsers. The amount of content on your pages should be formatted so that no matter how a user views it on the internet, the look should come up as you designed it. When using the mac site builder, the program runs compatibility checks to make sure that the site will load in most browsers as it is designed.
And here’s the best part: not only is mac website builder easy to use, but it even comes with free tutorial videos. These will give you all the information you need to design and customize your very own website. Not only that, the software is available for free.
Website Design – What You Need to Know
This article talks about website design and what you need to know in order to design your own website. It also gives some tips which may come in handy to you, while designing your website.
A fascinating website with a superior quality design acts as an avenue of success for your business. With the advent of the Internet age, the road map to earning revenue in your commercial interests can be achieved by creating a grand Website Design. A great Website will provide you with a high return for your investment in your business. In the modern scenario of heavy competition, a high quality Website Design can provide you with the desired results as you need to create an immediate impression on the minds of your target audience.
According to a recent survey conducted in the United States, when a visitor reaches your site by browsing the Internet, the individual tends to spend just a few seconds. It all starts with the anchor page of your website which the visitor sees first and if it is a shabby Website Design, then it will surely fail to impress the visitor. Your Website-Design needs to be absolutely up to the mark and you need to design the website keeping all the technical details in your mind. While designing your website, you should remember that branding is important and you should create a visual image of the portal in such a way that your customers can identify it with what you want to sell.
If you wish to design your own website just ask yourself whether you possess the right skill sets to handle the project. If you do not, then do not take a chance. You can obviously hire professional website-designers who can create a brand new and attractive website for you. You just need to brief your designer on the theme of your brand, how you want to project it in the market and what exactly you want from your customers.
The layout of your page and the content which you put in the website will definitely have an impact on your Website-Design. There should be a good balance between the content and design of your website; and it should obviously be scripted properly. While creating the design also keep in mind that the navigation of the website should be simple and easy.
When you want to design your website, you can choose from a wide range of Website Design templates available on the Internet or you can even find professional website designers on the Internet, who are quite well equipped to handle such projects. The choice is yours.
Mac Site Builder – Absolutely Flexible
Mac site builder is the easiest and most affordable way to get your business online. One can utilize all the design fundamentals to form an amazing-looking site with all the features one might require to make profits online using Mac compatible website builder.
The ideal website organization needs are completely met with the Mac compatible website builder. It utilizes all of the crucial tools necessary to create a unique e-commerce website. You choose if you want to use it for online sales, advertising, or finding new leads. The Mac website builder will be able to fulfill all of your needs.
The Mac website builder is a tool to build a customizable website. With easy to use templates, it allows you to generate shopping carts, catalogs, comment forms, email addresses, domain names and many other features. It also has a built in editor. With the Mac website builder, you are able to quickly create a site and generate sales, while getting tremendous discounts on products and services you need to run a profitable business.
Mac site builder is a user friendly and easy program to work with. When you build your site through them, you are assured a solid, well built site that will collect data on all of the computers of your clients, despite which browser they have chosen to use.
Using this, you can make your own website with all you need to get your big business, store, club, team, or non-profit organization online. It is one of the main influential ways to generate a specialized website. It also comes with customer order database.
It is a complete mechanism which lends you a helping hand in constructing web sites without any previous experience or technology skills needed. You may choose from a wide variety of patterns and employ a site promotion tool to advertise your site. In addition, it includes a virus detection tool and spam blocker. It is very simple to operate and to install. Anyone can develop a website nowadays. It is not difficult, but with Mac site builder you can build it in only five minutes.
Unlike other site builders, Mac site builder offers a lot of flexibility. Even beginners to web site building will find it easy to build their very own website for the first time using Mac site builder.