Publications

Before you even start thinking about a website, you need to make sure your organisation has the correct equipment to allow you to do it. Every organisation will be at a different stage of this process. What we have tried to do in this section is give you the basic information you need to check that you are ready to start the process of planning and building your website.

To get connected to the Internet you will need:

• A computer (e.g. a Mac or PC)
• A modem (56K modem, cable modem, DSL or ISDN connection)
• An account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Software to browse the web, pick up email and download files

Computer

All new computers, whether PC or Mac, are fast enough to use on the Internet, and most come with a modem and Internet software already installed. To make the most of the multimedia aspects of the web you should buy a computer with a built-in sound card. In relation to older computers, you will need a minimum 486 with at least 32M (but better with 64M) of memory. You can use an older machine and even a computer running DOS to connect to the Internet but you are likely to need specialist help to allow you to do this.

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Modem

If you are buying a modem get the fastest you can afford, preferably 56K V90. Internal modems (i.e. you fit it inside the computer) are usually cheaper, but external modems are easier to install and can be easier to troubleshoot if they go wrong. Your computer will also need a CD player - as most Internet installation software comes on a CD-Rom.

A modem allows you to connect to an Internet service provider(ISP) over your standard phone line - it dials up the provider in exactly the same way you dial up a friend.

Faster Connections

You can get a faster connection (broadband) to the Internet by using newer technologies such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or via a cable modem. Well-known providers of broadband services include British Telecom, cable providers like NTL and third party Internet Service Providers who resell BT services. If you can afford a fast connection it is recommended. DSL and cable modems are 'always on' and provide un-metered, fast access to a richer multimedia experience.

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Internet Service Providers (ISP)

An ISP provides you with your connection to the Internet. These can be split into two broad camps: those who provide just an Internet connection and those who provide a connection and additional services such as news, discussion forums and child-friendly content. The latter include AOL, MSN and Compuserve. Which one you choose depends on whether you put a value on these additional services.

Whoever you choose should provide you with an e-mail facility and should also give reliable service and support. If you want them to host your website also check that they provide website statistics, a secure server, ftp (file transfer protocol) access and any software required to support your web-publishing software.

There is a good guide to choosing an ISP on the Internet Magazine website at www.internet-magazine.com/isp/index.asp.

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Software

To ‘surf’ the web you will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. With a program such as Outlook Express or Eudora you can send and receive e-mail from your desktop machine. Many ISPs also provide a web-based e-mail service, allowing you to receive and send e-mail from anywhere with an Internet connection, e.g. an Internet café.

Related Links

• Internet Magazine
• AOL
• MSN
• Compuserve
• NTL
• BT
• Eudora
• Outlook Express
• Internet Explorer
• Netscape Navigator

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