What is the Internet?

It is a world-wide network with 30,000+ computers. Both individuals and businesses can get onto the internet by using a local Service Provider (ISP), which allows access to electronic mail and the World Wide Web. The Web allows potential customers to "visit" your
virtual "storefront" and to view information about your company on "pages" which can contain text, pictures and even animations and sound.

Does my computer need to be on 24 hours a day?

No. Your business pages are stored in the Service Provider's computer. Only this computer needs to be on all the time. It is impossible for hackers to damage your computer via the ISP.

Who pays for the long distance calls?

The only charge (if any) is for the phone call to your Service Provider. Your provider then communicates with other hosts via high-speed, leased phone lines or satellite. Normally, you will pay a monthly, flat fee, and sometimes a small set-up fee.

How do businesses use the Internet?

Having a presence on the Web helps to build a company's image. One can also conduct one the Web much of what used to be done using the telephone. For example: providing customer service, making technical and troubleshooting information available, developing a list of prospects, conducting customer surveys and taking orders.

What kinds of businesses benefit from the Internet?

Regional and national businesses will benefit, as between 8 and 14 million people now access the Internet regularly. This rate is growing at a rate of about 10% per month. All of these new users become potential customers that you might not otherwise have access to. Mail order companies and import/export firms may benefit most from this growth.

How do Web pages work?

Users are presented with a number of web "pages" which are "linked" together. When a user sees something that interests him, he can "click" on the "link" in order to "visit" that page. Most businesses will have what is called a "home" or "index" page, which branches off to all the other pages. These tributary pages usually contain information about a company's history, the products and services it offers, technical support and an order and/or feedback form. Users can look at as much as they need to, and all information is simple to update (i.e. prices).

How do people find my business on the Internet?

By using what is called a "search engine." A search engine scours through the millions of pages available in order to find the information you need, then reports back on its findings. By associating your business with certain keywords, users interested in your type of business will be able to locate it easily via these engines. Also available are services (many of them the same as listed above), which list "What's New" on the Internet. By keeping yourself constantly on these pages, customers will have the latest information on your company.

How do people pay for goods or services?

There are now secure servers in order to process all major credit card transactions. Of course, you can still give out addresses for check and money order payments on your web-pages. More recently, a new method of payment has arrived, whereby customers may purchase a certain amount of "Virtual" cash, which may then be used as though it were actual cash. The majority of these systems are still in the early stages, however.

How does a business get started on the Internet?

Contact a professional Web page designer to help you prepare pages which will effectively display what your company offers. Depending on the complexity of the pages, there may be a monthly fee, as well as the initial $300 to $1500 fee for consultation and design.