How to Set Up Your Own Website

So you want to set up website, be it for personal or professional reasons. It can seem like anuphill task and the technical details can seem insurmountable. But if you look at it, people from all over the world from various (non-technical)backgrounds are starting websites at the drop of a hat, so why can’t you? Here are some quick and easy tips to get you started on what can be a long and productive journey…

The first thing to understand is that a website is always built on one or a mix of programming languages. The most basic is HTML, which is fairly easy to learn and even easier to use. A common and user friendly editing tool software is Dream Weaver, where you can create and edit your HTML pages displaying both code and layout preview.

The second step and one which causes a lot of consternation is finding the right web host for your site. A webhost offers you space on their server for you to store your files, a domain name and adequate bandwidth for people to be able to access your website without difficulty.  A good webhost will also help you set up your site should you require it, though these is software available with ready made script templates that are available for free and allow you to create a website in virtually no time! Once you learn more about websites you will be able to change and add functionality to your website with no transition problems.

Besides programming, it is important to know that a website comprises a number of files stored in the root directory of your web host’s storage space. When somebody types in the domain name address in a web browser or clicks on a link to your website, the web browser sends a request to you web host server. If all is good the server responds with proper data, that is displayed in the browser as your website. When you log on to any website, the file that is loading on almost all web servers is index.html. Take an example where you are making a web site of three HTML pages, the opening page (index.html), an about me page (aboutme.html) and a news page (news.html).

When you write your web site, you’ll need two copies, one on your web host and one on your hard drive. The reasons for this are that you need a backup, and also that when you’re working on your site, you don’t work on it live. The copy of your HTML pages on your hard disk is called the “local copy” and the copy on the web host is called the “remote copy”. You will edit the files from a folder in your hard drive, and then upload them to your web host. That’s when everyone can view it.

One of the most important things that you will have to do when setting up your website is picking a domain name. Choose a name that represents your activity or business well and is short and easy to remember. Do not choose a name which can be misspelt easily or can be easily confused with another popular name!

Keep these few tips in mind and learn more about HTML and you should be good to go. Have a great time with your brand new website!