FAQ

• What's the difference between "website design" and "website development"?
• Why don't you like using JavaScript™ or Flash® in your websites?
• What's all this about W3C accessibility specifications?
• Why do I want a website anyway?
• Can a site really be 100% browser compatible?
• Do we build Apple MAC computers?
  

What's the difference between "website design" and "website development"?

Sometimes a client simply needs a basic website with limited functionality, perhaps just a form where customers can send information to the website owner but nothing more. In this case, where a simple HTML website site is all that's required, we call this "website design".

"Website development" typically requires more than basic HTML coding and website creation. Additional services may include more complicated programming (PHP, database connectivity, e-commerce functionality), graphic design, and copywriting.

Why don't you like using JavaScript™ or Flash® in your websites?

Whilst there is a place for these on the Internet, most web users find excessive use of Flash irritating: why else would the colloquial term for Flash animations be "Skip Intro"? Because the best way to lose customers is to irritate them with gimmicky and unnecessary visual elements, we prefer not to use them.

If, you really want lots of animation on your website, or in cases where it is integral to your site (perhaps you're a Flash artist looking for a portfolio site), that can be arranged.

Why do I want a website anyway?

With more and more people using computers at home and at work, and with high-speed Internet access reaching into our homes, the Internet is often the first port of call for people looking for a particular service or product. Giving your customers the opportunity to find out about your company, seeing your shop, products, or finding out more about your services, your portfolio, or just your location, all helps people decide whether it's you or a competitor they call.

Can a site really be 100% browser compatible?

Believe it or not, yes it can. Because our developers use pure code to develop their sites and do not rely on the What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) tools commonly used by other web design companies, browser compatibility is ensured. This is because most WYSIWYG editors add unnecessary and ambiguous code structures, which can be interpreted incorrectly by different types of web browser. Our developers code with complete browser compatibility in mind, so you don't have to worry about losing a big customer because they use an unknown browser. Although just under 10% of users now use 'legacy' browsers such as Netscape 4 (which never worked correctly in the first place) - unless careful HTML coding tricks are used, websites viewed on these browsers will look strange, if they function at all. We believe that although these users are a minority, they are still potential customers and don't feel that you should lose them.

What do you mean by "firewall-friendly"?

As more and more homes and business have access to the Internet via high-speed wired and wireless connections, the use of firewalls to protect user machines is increasingly common [1]. Many of these firewalls are customisable, giving the user the option to block various types of web content, such as JavaScript, cookies, Visual Basic® (VB) script, Java applets, pop-up windows, and so on. Being aware of the types of content that are blocked and limiting their use on our client's websites means that customers see what you want them to see, whatever level of protection they are using on their PC or network.

[1] A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that is used to control information passing to and from a computer or network.

Do we build Apple MAC computers?

We do not build Apple MAC computers. We have found with over 10 years of experience that these machines do not offer reasonable stability or value for money for computer users. Many years ago, MACs were the machine of choice, but PCs have come a long way and now offer superb stability, performance and value for money.