Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about the design process, this firm, and website design in general:

1. What are my options for getting a website?
2. Why should I choose myTechAid?
3. What is involved in having myTechAid develop a website for my business or organization?
4. What do XHTML, CSS, ASP, PHP, and CGI mean, and why would I want my website to use them?
5. Does it matter whether I hire a local web design firm?
6. How much does it cost to host my website on an ongoing basis?

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1. What are my options for getting a website?

   Once you decide that you need a website, you have three choices. The first option is to learn HTML and its related technologies and then create the website from scratch. This requires very large amounts of time but can cost nothing. Most people do not want to invest the large quantities of time needed, so this option is not very popular.

   The second alternative is to purchase what is called a "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) software application such as Microsoft Front Page. This is a program, similar to a word processor, that allows you to create web pages. The disadvantage of this type of tool is that they are designed for beginners and do not allow the same level of design, making your site appear unprofessional. This route requires less time than creating a website from scratch, but it still requires a significant time investment, in addition to the cost of the software.

   The final option is to hire a professional web design firm, such as myTechAid, to design the website for you. With this choice, you can employ the experience and expertise of the professional to gain a website with greater functionality and a better appearance than would otherwise be possible.

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2. Why should I choose myTechAid?

   myTechAid is much more cost-effective than other professional web design firms. Because the prices charged by most firms are unnecessarily high, we decided to offer the same professional quality that others provide at much more affordable prices. Look at our portfolio for examples of our designs. We also welcome you to compare our rates with those of other designers. We're sure you'll be impressed.

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3. What is involved in having myTechAid develop a website for my business or organization?

   myTechAid makes every effort to have the design process go as smoothly as possible for you. Every design project is based on these three basic steps:

   1. Initial Consultation:

      When you choose myTechAid as your web designer, we will set up an appointment to discuss what features you need your website to have. Based on this information, we will then develop an initial quote. Upon your approval, we will begin designing your website. Throughout the design process, we will remain in close contact so that your website is truly what you want it to be.

   2. Design Proposal & Acceptance:

      Once a site design prototype is complete, we will submit it for your approval. Based on your response, we will make any necessary changes and then continue with the implementation of the prototype. If you desire major changes, we may submit a second prototype to you before continuing. Upon your final approval and our receipt of one-eighth the initial quote, we will fully implement the website.

   3. Submission of Final Design for Approval:

      When the entire site is complete and working, we will submit it to you for final approval. Once you have approved the website and we have received the final payment, we will install the website on your web server and submit your new website to the search engines.

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4. What do XHTML, CSS, ASP, PHP, and CGI mean, and why would I want my website to use them?

   To save you money! These are all acronyms for modern website technologies. By building your website with these technologies, your website will be more flexible, more powerful, and more practical.

   XHTML, which stands for "eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language," is the union of HTML, the traditional computer language for coding websites, and XML, a new technology that allows information to be stored flexibly for easy retrieval through multiple mediums (web, audio, wireless, etc.). More and more people are using wireless technology such as cell phones and PDAs to access information on the web. XHTML keeps your content in a form that is much more accessible to these new technologies.

   CSS, or "Cascading Style Sheets," is a technology that works with XHTML to specify the style that information is presented in. On web sites, designers use CSS to specify colors, layout, and other stylistic elements. The advantage of CSS over regular HTML is that a website's design can be separated from its content. This way, the designer can make a change in one place that will immediately update the entire site. With HTML, the designer has to make changes individually on every page. Using CSS speeds the design process and saves you time and money in the long run.

   ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor), and CGI Perl (Common Gateway Interface) are all "scripting languages." They have various technical differences, but they are all used for the same purpose — to develop software that processes web page forms, automatically updates content, personalizes web pages for the user, or performs other tasks done on the web server. myTechAid can use all three, but PHP is preferred because it is free, easy to use, and very powerful.

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5. Does it matter whether I hire a local web design firm?

   The simple answer is "no." A web designer on the other side of the world can produce a website as outstanding as a designer on your own street can. However, if your business has a specific local market or if you prefer to conduct business personally, the location of your web designer may matter. A web designer who lives and works in your community will understand a local market far better than a designer who lives 300 miles away. You must evaluate your specific factors to decide whether to use a distant designer.

   If a web developer's location matters to you, myTechAid Web Design is based in Cortland, NY. Cortland is located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Neighboring towns to Cortland include Homer, Groton, Dryden, and McGraw. While most of our website development has been for Cortland businesses and organizations, we are willing to work with clients anywhere.

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6. How much does it cost to host my website on an ongoing basis?

   After your website is designed, you need to acquire a domain name and hosting plan. A domain name costs about $10 per year (through Go Daddy) for a ".com," ".net," ".org," ".biz," ".info," ".name," ".ws," or ".us" domain.

   The cost of your hosting plan depends on the size, traffic, and needs of your website. For most small sites, myTechAid recommends Jatol Hosting's basic plan, which is $30 per year. This is an excellent value, as other companies charge hundreds of dollars per year for equivalant plans. Complex sites may require a higher hosting plan or a different host. Whatever your needs, myTechAid will work with you to find the best combination of power and value.

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