I have some questions about creating a website

[rjx]

I see places like Dell selling servers. Could I purchase a server from a place like Dell to host my Internet site from home instead of paying high monthly fee from a hosting company? Or are these just servers to use within a small business?

The website I am thinking of creating will have hundreds of paragraphs of text. I have a small understanding of HTML since I have been using basic tags in blogs, and I have a book called Creative HTML Design. So if I can at least format the text myself, that could save me alot of money right?

I had a few other questions, but i can't remeber what they were. I should remember soon.

Thanks for any help.

[Kire]

1. I'm bookmarking this thread,

cuz I want to know too.

But, in the meantime, check out this link:

http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/

[democracyindanger]

2. Try the DU website development group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=288

[Merlot]

3. I think it would take a long time to break even

purchasing a server. If your website is all text and no (or few) graphics, it will not take up much space at all. You can get hosting for around $4-10 per month. Goes up depending on the number of visitors. But if you are just starting your website, it would be simpler and quicker than purchasing a server. Later you can purchase the server if you feel that it's worth it.

[Orangepeel]

4. well, I won't be of much help, but here are my two cents

I am strictly a self taught amateur, so maybe my experience will be relevant to you.

I've developed several sites, but I use a hosting company rather than my own server. The company I use is www.tigertech.net -- they are cheap, have very helpful customer service, and I've never had problems with downtime.

As someone who doesn't know anything about the technical issues, I'd have serious concerns about security if I were using my own server.

My two cents about web design are that you should get a program like Microsoft Frontpage. It works just like Word or Powerpoint, so it is easy for someone with only a limited understanding of html and you can do pretty creative stuff.

FWIW.

[Merlot]

5. Agreed on the Frontpage

Makes things much quicker. I love Dreamweaver, but it's more complicated than most people need for simple text websites. But any HTML editor will make things much easier and quicker for you. Then you can focus on content.

Another thing is using a hosting company with good customer service. The one I use is www.zipa.com. They are very helpful and quick to answer.

[khashka]

6. Easy answers

Most ISPs provide webspace with your account, so you don't need a server - you've probably already got one. So, no extra cash outlay.

HTML is dead easy. You can do it yourself. I design webpages for people and it's like taking candy from children. What you really need is a good sense of graphic design and the understanding that just because something is cool doesn't mean it works. Simplicity and ease of use are the most important things.

It really shouldn't cost you anything - except time and work. Which is a lot more fun than it sounds

Good luck! And Have Fun!

Khash.

[baby_bear]

7. Forget the paid server but get some free software

I agree with the other comments that have been made here about a server. I use Arachnophilia for html software. It's free and very sophisticated.

Have fun!

b_b

[rjx]

8. Thanks for the help.

I will check out the links that Kire and democracyindanger provided.

I was thinking of my own sever cause I also plan to have tons of video and audio clips to share, along with lots of text.

I don't think I'm after a big site (at least I hope not), I actually want something pretty simple. Its going to be a progressive site with lots of information and video/audio of various people like King jr, JFK, FDR, etc, and footage of events like protests, rallies, speeches, etc.

One of the big features I am excited about is an interaction / participation with the viewers of the site. Like submitting to me homemade audio / video footage of a progressive nature that they would like to share with the world.

I have a few other smaller fun features that I thought of, but I won't tell all my ideas. ;)

[rjx]

9. I fogot to say

that I don't intend to sell anything on the site, if that matters. If I do get a site up and running and are still around in 6 months, then maybe.