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Web Basics Topics

ISP, Domain Names, Web Hosts, And Email Servers ∼ Go
Platforms, Browsers and Bears, oh my! ∼ Go
Floating Sites Vs. Expanding Sites ∼ Go
Clearing Your Cache ∼ Go
Setting Font Sizes Correctly ∼ Go

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ISP, Domain Names, Web Hosts, And Email Servers
Knowing the difference between an ISP, a domain name, a Web host, and an email server, can bolster clear communication. Below is a brief explanation of how each of these names function in relation to a Web site.

ISP - Internet Service Provider: An ISP is how you receive your Internet functionality on your computer. This may be provided by a phone company or another 3rd party company. Your ISP has nothing to do with who hosts your Web site. If your ISP goes down, you will not be able to access anyone's Web site, including your own. When your ISP is down you often receive the annoying, "Server can't be found" message.

Domain Name - This is the Web site name you have registered as your own. Your domain name is NOT your Web host. Generally, you or your Web developer will purchase your domain name, online, and you will be listed as the owner of that domain name. Always keep this information in a safe place and make a note of when your domain name expires and the DNS (Domain Name Server's IP address). If you let your domain expire, it automatically comes up for sale and anyone, including your competition, can purchase it. Also, you need this information to be readily available if you decide to switch Web hosts.

Web Host - This is the company who actually hosts your Web site and, in most cases, the emails associated with your domain name. When you or your Web master sets up a new account with a Web hosting company, they will use the DNS information provided from the Domain Name registration to "point" the name in the direction of the server. For most companies, your Web site and email are generally on different servers. Because of this, it is possible for your email to go down but your Web site to still be working, and vice versa. If this happens, your best bet is to call your Web hosting service - not your Web designer. Down servers are almost always a Web hosting issue. Your Web host should be able to tell you if they are making repairs or upgrades to the servers, or if they are experiencing any problems.

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Platforms, Browsers and Bears, oh my!
In a perfect world everyone's computer would be the same, we would all use the same hardware, operating system and software. Unfortunately this is not the case so when we create a Web site there are a number of things we must consider. Some of these are:

Each person has a somewhat different combination of the above and that means that each person may see a client's Web site slight differently. Or if not coded correctly very differently, if at all. So when we create a Web site we must consider all the above so that a client's Web site is viewable to a many people as possible.

At Rhizome we pride ourselves on creating sites that are not platform or browser specific. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that someone on a PC from 1995 using the Browser that came with the PC will be able to view your site. Our goal is to create sites with technology that is usable today and still relevant tomorrow.

If you have any specific requirements for your site please let us know as soon as possible.
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Floating Sites Vs. Expanding Sites
Often, Rhizome will design a site that seems to float in a background of color or a pattern that contains a confined area for text and design elements. This is called a Floating Site. Floating sites tend to be perfect for "brochure-ware" sites or sites that convey information in a brochure-like manner, online. Rhizome's site is a perfect example of a Floating site.

An Expanding or Expand/Collapse site allows users to expand or collapse the corners of their browsers and shifts the way text can be viewed on screen. Often developed for customers who have a great deal of content or product to be sold online.
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Clearing Your Cache
Often we'll make changes to a Web site but clients can't see these changes. It's because computers temporarily "remember" what they see and hold those images in something called a "cache." In order to see the "new and improved" Web site, you have to clear your computer's cache.

To do this in Internet Explorer:

To do this in Safari:

In the top menu bar, hold the mouse over the word "Safari" and scroll down so the words "Empty Cache" are highlighted. Let go of the mouse. A message will ask you if you're sure you want to empty your cache. Click "Empty." Then, go back to the menu and click the refresh button (a small curved arrow in the top menu bar).

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Setting Font Sizes Correctly
Sometimes a browser's font settings can affect how a page looks. Rhizome tries to use optimal font size for your site but we cannot predict and code for every individuals browser settings.

The font settings in Apple's Safari browser, in particular can cause formatting issues if not set correctly. If you are having issues in Safari please follow the instructions below. They should help.

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