So, what’s a website, anyway?

Jul 23, 2017

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I want to start out at the beginning so we’re all on the same page, and that means making sure we all understand what a website is, and the very basics of how a website works.

In simplicity, a website is a collection of files that live on a server and are rendered by your internet browser. We get to a website by typing a domain, or a URL (universal resource locator) into the address bar of your internet browser.

Your hosting company provides the server, though you can host a website at your home.

Modern websites, and especially the ones we’re going to be talking about here in this podcast, are mostly built with a content management system, like WordPress or Joomla.

Think of it like this:

  • Your website is like your home on the web.
  • Your hosting company is like the landlord or real estate developer who gives you a piece of land to build your home on.
  • WordPress or Joomla is the house framework that gives you something to decorate and somewhere to put your crap.
  • Your domain is like the street address you type into Google so you can get home or invite people over to your housewarming party.

4 Comments

  1. jeff

    I never thought of it. Ive seen websites my whole life and never wondered what they are. thanks for this.

    Reply
    • Ysmay

      You’re so welcome!

      Reply
  2. Meritxell

    very well explained! thank you.

    Reply
    • Ysmay

      Glad it was helpful!

      Reply

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