Hi,

I just released a few CPANEL video tutorials that are targeted at people who are new to this popular web hosting management software.

What is CPANEL?

CPANEL is a web based program (runs in a web browser) that hosting companies provide to clients so that clients can easily edit things about their web hosting account:

• Add and remove email addresses.
• Set up MySQL databases.
• Create secured directories using something called htaccess.
• Set up FTP accounts.

… And a lot more.

You can find the collection of videos here:

CPANEL videos

So far, this is what I have up:

- Setting up email with CPANEL
- Using File Manager in CPANEL
- Uploading web pages with CPANEL
- Setting up MySQL with CPANEL

If you have any suggestions regarding any other topics, let me know.

Stefan

www.killersites.com

A few days ago, I got this email that is all about starting a web design business, so I thought I would answer it here because I think a lot of people might find it interesting.

I need your opinion. I was looking to quote a friend a price for a small, simple, informational website. No more then 10 pages at the most. Possibly holding scedules for his football team too (which would need to be updated).

I know he wants a deal from me. Also, design is my weak point. How would i properly word the idea of using a website template? If i go and get a template from somewhere, it would be ethically correct to tell him since he could come across the same design someday. How would i go about doing that without him thinking- well i can go get a template and i don’t need you! Then I’ve lost a job!

Let me know your ideas.

Thanks,
Tim

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Every once and a while I use a question put to me, as the basis for an article. This time, we have Richard asking whether web design (as a profession,) will have bright future.

The email:

Thank you for having courses that make it easier for the average laymen to comprehend the basics which will allow the complex material to sink in. I have a question though.

I am in my fifties, have done many different things in my life, and I am looking for something as a career change to take me into my second half of life and into retirement. What do you think the opportunities are going to be in the future in this type of industry taking into consideration the advancements in technology?

In other words, where do you see a web page developer or designer 5, 10, 15 years from now. Thank you for your time and consideration in my attempts to make an educated decision about my future.

Sincerely,

Richard Sherban

Hi Richard,

I think the future is good for web design and development. That said, I would like point out a few things:

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Firefox is the Web browser of choice for most web designer’s, because it is fast and it sticks to the Web standards better than say IE6 or IE7.

That said, Firefox has a bunch of other features that makes it attractive to Web professionals. One of the big ones for me, is the ability for anyone to add to Firefox’s core functionality by way of plugins.

Add-ons/Extensions

My only complaint about Firefox plugins is that the Firefox nerds don’t call them ‘plugins’! Instead they use the terms ‘add-ons’ and ‘extensions’. Besides that little issue, Firefox plug-ins turn this nimble Web browser into an important tool for Web designers.

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Recently someone asked me a bunch of questions related to getting their first web design job as an independent contractor - and so I figured an article was a good idea.

Tim asked:

Stefan,

With me being a newbie in the web design business, I have some questions. Long story short, I was talking with my friends wife one day and mentioned to her that I had thought about doing some web design on the side to make some extra money.

I live in a small town, with a lot of small businesses and I figure these businesses would have a use for a simple web site to help promote their business.

… So I’m thinking this would be something I could start within the next year or so, … two days ago I receive a call from my friends wife and she asks if I’m interested in doing a web site for her brother, who is a dentist in our town.

So, I say sure and she tells me that he will probably contact me soon to set up a meeting to discuss.

Now, this is great but I haven’t got a clue where to start. Hers’s my thought:

1. Meet with the client to discuss the site. How many pages, the content, etc. Maybe show some of my work.
2. Take the info from the meeting and come up with a quote.
3. Present my idea’s and the quote.
4. If he agree’s and accepts the quote, draw up a contract for him to sign.

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