Support for Small Firms

Introduction: This new section of our site is directed in particular towards supporting small firms who need a presence on the Web. It also covers other aspects of the computing needs of a small business - networks, backups, disaster recovery etc. I believe there is a very real need for such information - I see many examples of the same problems and the same mistakes being made in small businesses.

Small Business Site Map Internet Requirements of a Small Business Domain Names and their Registration Choosing an ISP to host a commercial site and provide email Updated - Freezone - where this site is hosted with both free services and a number of good value business hosting packages. Claims to host over 12000 business sites. Updated - Fasthosts - A comprehensive, good value host - one of the biggest in the UK claiming it hosts over 100,000 business sites. Web Site Tutorial - Tips and hints on how to quickly create and upload a simple web site without expensive software (appropriate to a small firm, club or home). A well established and much visited page. Search Engines and Directories - what you need to do to get visitors to a business site. Essential reading before starting to design a site. Secrets of successful web site design part 1 - covers the priorities, strategy and techniques required for creating a small business site with impact. Secrets of successful web site design part 2 - part 2 covers the implementation of a small business site and contains an example "template" with a description and rationale for every element. HTML Forms - a guide to adding a Form to your web site Major Updates - How to Handle the Output from Forms - Script files, cgi, PERL, FormMail and iHTML and now PHP using Freeserve and Fasthosts as examples. Recent - Form Validation - How to validate important fields to check they filled in and that an email address is valid, before the the form is submited New - PHP Scripts An introduction to PHP directed at form handling and encryption with notes on setting up a Ubuntu Linux Server Secure Transactions - SSL and all that Web Page Counters - how to add a Hit Counter to your web page to measure your success. JavaScript Popup Windows for Images - Open larger images in a single new window of the correct size when one or more thumbnails are clicked. Recovering from Internet and Email Disasters - what you need to do to restore contact with your customers (uses Freeserve, Freezone and Fasthosts as examples). Howto Backup Email messages, Address books and Dictionaries - The address list and email messages are of vital importance. Updated - A Guide to Painless Networks - A guide to setting up a simple and cheap network for home or a small firm. Updated - Networking with Mixed Windows XP and 9X systems - what to do when you have to add Windows XP machines to an old network. Recent - ADSL Broadband - considerations and practicalities of Broadband access. Updated - Internet Connection Sharing - a cheap way to get all machines online when you go Broadband Recent - ADSL Wi-Fi Router Firewalls - a better way to share broadband and add Wi-Fi Wireless access to your network. Major Update - Secure Storage and Email - Pretty Good Privacy, OpenPGP, GNUGP and Truecrypt - strong encryption for everyone who needs Secure Storage or Email under Windows. Now also covers Linux, Pocket PCs and Securing Form Output using PHP on servers - almost a new page. Virus Checkers - Configuration and Testing - including validation of correct operation/detection using the EICAR standard test virus. Internet Security - How to make sure you are protected against Hacking Consultancy Support - Options to provide a helping hand when you start and a safety net if disaster strikes New pages use this colour scheme and are in bold above. They are augmented by existing and new pages from the Series of Howto Articles (Blue and Grey scheme)

Overall this has ended up being the size of a small book and I am still making additions. The framework is now in place and all of the important new pages are present. Anybody who is interested is welcome to Send comments, suggestions or even inputs to me.

Support: I am prepared, in some cases, to offer Consultancy Support to provide the initial impetus and assistance to get a small local UK firm on their electronic feet to the point where they can be self supporting using the technical information on this site along with other readily available information.

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Copyright © Peter and Pauline Curtis Most recent significant revision: 13th November, 2006