A Virtual Domain is a site that sits on your host's server but makes it look like you have your own server with a web address (URL) such as www.yourname.com. Benefits include:

• name or brand recognition
• portability - your domain name and any related e-mails
   belong to you and can be moved from one server to
   another, very important when your web address is in print
   or to have an e-mail address that always stays the same
• to avoid long URLs like www.server.com/users/yourname

The only downside to a virtual domain is the higher monthly cost for hosting the site. To search the availability of possible domain names use the following links which will open in a new window:

Network Solutions - .com, .org, .net / CA Registrar - .ca, .bc.ca

Once you have decided the domain issue, you can choose an appropriate server to host your site ...

Browsers, plug-ins, e-mail, newsgroups, providers, hosts, your own Web site

solutions@mountainside.bc.ca

Planning Your Web Site

Identifying your Site's Focus
Targeting your Audience
Virtual Domain or Not?
Choosing a Host
Do-It-Yourself or Web Designer
Sites you Like and Dislike
Design and Colour
Structure and Navigation
Gathering the Elements
Search Engine Optimization
Putting it All Together
Uploading and FTP
Getting the Word Out
Keep it Up to Date