Do I have to already have a web site?

No. As a web development company, we can work with existing and new site development. We can assist you in choosing domain names, configuring e-mail accounts, selecting appropriate hosting services, and designing the layout of your website.

What about "e-commerce"?

We can help you define your e-commerce web site development needs, including selection of electronic shopping carts, and credit card processing requirements.

Do you offer database solutions in your web applications?

Yes. Beckwith Consulting, Inc. specializes in database interfaces inclulding MSAccess, MSAccess upsized to MSSQL Server, advanced MSSQL applications, and other database interfaces, including MSExcel connectivity.

What is a Secure Socket Layer?

A secure socket layer is an encryption program and certificate which is installed on a webserver (not your desktop) that allows the web programmer to encrypt the exchange of information on certain pages. For example, if you are looking at an online catalouge of sunglasses, you wouldn't need encryption. However, when you start to input your personal data(name, address, phone number) and credit card or checking account information, you would want those encrypted. Without encryption, a knowledgeable person could tap into transmission lines and look for credit card information.

You can recognize a secure socket by a slight change of URL addressing; instead of "http://www.sunglasses.com" you would see
"https://www. sungalsses.com/checkout.cfm" or
"shttp://www.sunglasses.com/checkout.cfm".
Also your browser should display a small closed lock graphic on your screen when you are on a SSL-secured page.

NOTE: SSL certificates cost $300 or more per year. Most web hosts offer SSL services to their customers. Most credit card processors also offer SSL protection for their processsing pages. In short, unless your server is personally or corporately owned, you probably don't need to buy a SSL certificate.

What is Cross-Browser Compatibility?

The two main browsers on the Internet are Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) and Netscape. Both have several versions. As of this writing the most current MSIE is version 6 and the most current Netscape is version 7. Both are available free on the Internet.

These browsers process the Internet code just a little differently from each other. Many programming languages, like cascading style sheets and Javascript, will look slightly different on one system or the other. Some commands do not work with either browser.

Cross-browser compatibility means that only commands and code that work with both browsers are used.

What is Domain Name Registration?

Domain names are an important part of the Internet culture. Rather than remembering an IP address of "216.109.125.73" you need only type "www.yahoo.com". To make these configurations possible, several companies, like Network Solutions and VeriSign, sell use of domain names, which will point to your IP address. These companies maintain a database of names, which is distributed regularly across the Internet.

To register a name, you go to a site like www.networksolutions.com and ensure that a name is not already being used. Simply fill out the information and purchase your domain names. The regular price for domain registration is $35 per year, but some companies charge as little as $10 per year.

It is important that the domain name be directed to your particular web server. If you are using a webhost, they will provide you with the "Primary Web Server" and and "Secondary Web Server" required to properly direct your domain name.

NOTE: You won't need your Primary/Secondary Web Server when you register your domain name. You will be provided logon instructions for updating that information when you are ready. You may not even have a web host yet.

What are the Different Languages and their Uses?

The three main web languagesyou will see are ASP, Cold Fusion and PHP. Active Server Pages, ASP is a Microsoft written language that has the largest following. It is Windows-based and works well with the Windows databases such as Access and SQL Server. ASP pages have an extension of .asp, example: http://www.microsoft.com/default.asp.

Cold Fusion is a Macromedia software package similar to ASP. It can run on Windows, Unix, and Linux and is also very popular. It is editor-based, and therefore is considered easier to learn than ASP. Cold Fusion pages have an extension of .cfm, example: http://wwww/macromedia.com/default.cfm.

PHP is a Linux-based scripting language that integrates with Linux's mySQL database. PHP pages have an extension of .php, example: http://www.oncallusa.com/order.php.

Common Gateway Interface (CGI)/Perlis an older scripting language. It is often used for automatic mailing and form submissions. CGI/Perl pages have an extension of .cgi or .pl, example: http://www.macromedia.com/bin/webfeedback.cgi.

The largest consideration for which language to use is the software platform used by your web host.

Other popular languages mentioned are Hypertext Markup Lanaguage (HTML) used to format the web page, including desired fonts, size and color, and graphic size and placement.

Cascading Style Sheets, (CSS) is a scripting language that rides on top of HTML and provides advanced formatting capability such as animation and dynamic content manipulation.

JavaScript is another scripting language used to control format. It can create animations, scrolling displays, and other effects.

Java is a language used to create small applications or programs that run on the screen. The HTML runs the Java Applet program. Most of the online games are JAVA Programs.

Flash/Shockwave is another language used to create small applications, especially those with a lot of graphic movement (animation).

What are Plug-Ins?

Plug-Ins are literally small "helper programs" that plug into your browser to help it run a particular kind of program. If you view a page that wants to run a Shockwave program and you don't have the Shockwave Plug-In, you will be prompted to load it. Plug-ins differ based on the operating system of your PC and the browser you use. Once loaded, the plug-in allows your browser to properly run the Shockwave program. Popular plug-ins include: Adobe Reader and Shockwave.

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