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How Does a Website Work? |
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| If
you’re thinking about developing a website, you may be wondering
where to start. Although the technical connections behind the
scenes are quite complicated, the “big picture” is actually
fairly straightforward. Here’s an overview to get you
started: There is a difference between a website and a web page. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, a website is actually composed of one or many web pages, pictures, and/or other files. A web page is a text file, written in a special language called HTML. The HTML code tells visiting computers what to display when they come to your website. If you’re so inclined, you can create your own web pages using one of many programs, ranging from Microsoft Word®, to a free program called NVu, to the fully featured Adobe Dreamweaver® (approx. $700). Alternatively, you can hire a web designer to create your website. They vary in price and proficiency, from your neighbor’s sister’s kid who’ll put up a basic page for you, to professionals who can help you include sleek graphic design, databases, on-line shopping, search engine optimization, and more. (Hint: If your site is for business, don’t do it yourself or hire the neighbor’s sister’s kid.) Even though it looks as though a web page contains pictures, it actually only contains pointers to pictures, not the pictures themselves. A pointer tells the visitor’s computer where to go to find the picture so it can be displayed on your web page. That’s why you’ll sometimes see blank boxes with red X’s in them on a web page: Your computer can’t find the picture it was supposed to display. In order for your page to display correctly, your website has to contain a separate picture file for each picture you use. Your website files need to be located on a computer that is accessible through the internet. Although you could theoretically share your website from your own computer, it would be a very risky business unless you are a computer security guru. Instead, web hosts offer space for rent on their servers, protected by strong security and maintained by IT professionals. You copy your website files into the location they provide for you, and they will make sure that your website is visible on the internet. Hosting can cost as little as $50 per year. You must have hosting for your website, but you may also decide to purchase a domain name. Domain names are descriptive names like “microsoft.com”, and “bright-ideas.ca”. You don’t have to have a domain name, but most people choose to use one. It makes your site more easily identifiable, and the cost of the domain name can be under $10 per year. In order to get a domain name, you need to check with a domain name registrar (hundreds of registrars can be found online). If the name you want is available, you pay the registrar to reserve your right to use the name, usually for between 1 and 10 years (you can select the term). Once you have reserved your domain name, you’ll be given information to pass on to your web host. This information allows the host to direct visitors to your website when they type your domain name in their browser. By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc. For more information or computer training services, please call Bright Ideas Personalized Learning at (403) 269-2347. |
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