The document provides guidance on establishing an online presence without relying on developers or a large budget, emphasizing the use of free and open-source software. It outlines essential components such as domain registration, hosting options, and various tools available for non-technical users, alongside advice on selecting suitable services. Key topics include email, calendaring, CRM, and content management systems that can facilitate online operations for businesses and organizations.

1. Dot Com in a Day Getting your business online without developers, an IT department or a budgetSlides and links:www.wright.ru/dotcom1

2. Dot Com in a Day Getting your business online without developers, an IT department or a budgetComponents of online presence2

3. Introduction Multiple uses:

4. Start-ups

5. Non-profits

6. Clubs

7. Vanity domains

8. Negligible technical skills needed:

9. Technical basics are minimal – fundamentals covered today

10. Many easy-to-use tools available

11. Just requires knowledge and time3

12. Introduction Low budget:

13. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) e.g. Mozilla, Apache, Linux

14. Free proprietary resources e.g. Google, DNS services etc.

15. Community support

16. Professional:

17. FOSS serves over two thirds of web sites globally

18. Many prominent sites use free software

19. Other examples: Firefox, Ubuntu, OpenOffice.org

20. No reliance on ‘security through obscurity’

21. Adoption of open source by governments and agencies4

22. Introduction Many ways to achieve the same end results

23. Future-proof your online presence:don’t opt for ‘all-in-one’ basic solutions that tie you to one provider Today’s suggestions are relatively simple, yet powerful and scalable

24. Using standard, popular FOSS packages also saves on hidden costs:

25. Solutions are designed for non-technical users and havecomprehensive, clear documentation and extensive supportfrom community forums Open source means developers can get up to speed quickly and extend software for your precise needs easily5

26. IntroductionYour interests:6

27. About Me Business analyst, project manager, enthusiast

28. In e-Commerce before – and during – the dot-com bust

29. IT and Development Manager for a banking consultancy

30. Designed and implemented many web sites/apps for all purposes:

31. Personal

32. Non-profits

33. Clubs

34. E-commerce and fashion

35. Small businesses

36. International banks

37. But I’m not a developer7

38. Internet ConfigurationDomain namesDomain registrarsDomain Name ServersDNS records Domain names:

39. Leased, not bought

40. No domain squatting: must be for fair use

41. Parts: host name(s), secondary domain, top level domain (TLD)

42. Example format: hostname.domain.tld

43. Top level domains: .com, .net, .org etc.

44. Consider registering your domain name in multiple variants and TLDs to avoid squatters, but don’t worry about obscure TLDs like .biz, .me and so on Don’t fall for email scams offering renewals or related domains for a fee: always check availability with your trusted registrarInternet configuration8

45. Internet ConfigurationDomain namesDomain registrarsDomain Name ServersDNS records Domain registrars:

46. Each TLD has a principal registrar (e.g. Verisign for. com)appointed by ICANN, who then appoints retail registrars Many, many registrars but they differ on ease of use, customerservice and price: choose a good one Good .com registrars: GoDaddy.com, 1and1.com, namecheap.com, omnis.com Bad (overpriced) registrars: Register.com, Network Solutions

47. Consider opting for a private registration (free with some registrars) to hide your personal details from spammersInternet configuration9

48. Internet ConfigurationDomain namesDomain registrarsDomain Name ServersDNS records Registering a domain:

49. Example: namecheap.com

50. Cheap and includes anonymous WhoIs registration

51. Search for domain(s) and add to your cart – consider other TLDs

52. At checkout, define four contacts (ICANN requirement):

53. Registrant

54. Administrative

55. Technical

56. Billing

57. Can all be the same; different contacts get different communications, e.g. DMCA complaints, renewal notices etc.Internet configuration10

58. Internet ConfigurationDomain namesDomain registrarsDomain Name ServersDNS recordsRegistering a domain contd.: You can turn on WhoisGuard at this point to protect your identity from spammers Now define name servers (next topic) e.g. ns1.everydns.net,ns2.everydns.net and so on Use external name servers for flexibility

59. Do not choose any URL or email forwarding options

60. Some registrars like GoDaddy will try to sell many additional services; ignore these with possible exception of web hosting A good registrar may not be a good web host – check the web for unbiased reviewsInternet configuration11

61. Internet ConfigurationDomain namesDomain registrarsDomain Name ServersDNS recordsDomain Name Servers: Domain Name Servers translate a request from a domain name into the IP address of the relevant server A domain name is easier to remember than 217.162.3.28

62. Each host name within your domain and your mail servers canbe pointed to the same or differing servers as necessary You can use a registrar/web host’s provided DNS servers or use an external service Recommendation: a free, reliable service like everydns.netwhich is affiliated with OpenDNS to ensure rapid propagation of DNS record changes through the internet (cached records)Internet configuration12