Where do I start

Hello all,

Despite some software creation experience (mainly databases) I'm relatively new to web development.

I have a relative who assumes because of my background I know how to do everything and he has asked me to develop an ecommerice site for him. So I have a lot to learn in a short time.

I'm fairly confident I can do the coding and am getting help with the design but do not really know what I will need with regards to hosting. It's a single product site from which he is expecting to sell in excess of 250,000 units per annum. Is this the sort of figure where I need to start looking at a dedicated server or should shared space suffice? As for SSL and payment systems I don't know where to start even looking at this! I ask as I guess this makes a difference to start up and on going costs.

Also, I'm open to suggestions on which is the best route with regards to packages/languages to use - I have a fair bit of Microsoft experience but it seems Dreamweaver is still the preferred choice among professionals.

Also, what do you all think of the 'ready made' shop systems, like Oscommerce, Actinic, etc?

So many questions. Any pointers or advice gratefully appreciated. I suspect I'll be back many times over the next few months! Hope I'm able to give something back.

relkeel

Since you know nothing about Web Development and an ecommerce site is a pretty big job, I would definately look into acquiring a something like OsCommerce.

Don't ask me which on to use 'cause I really don't know. I've only recently dealt with a relatively small ecommerce site that I had to redesign but the client was already set up with a PayPal merchant account.

You could look into that as well.

I'm sure some of the other members will chime in and give their opinions on the matter.