Did you know that every website you visit is actually a collection of files stored on a computer somewhere in the world? Let's break down exactly how websites work in this beginner-friendly guide.
Module 1: Understanding the Web
1. What is a Web Page?
A web page is a single document displayed in your web browser.
- Built with: HTML (structure) + CSS (styling)
- Example URLs: yourblog.com/about, yourblog.com/contact
- Static vs Dynamic: Some pages change content (e.g., news sites), others stay the same
Imagine a web page as a single sheet of paper - it contains specific content, just like a page in a book.
2. What is a Website?
A website is a collection of interconnected web pages under one domain.
- Typical structure: Homepage, About, Contact, Blog sections
- Built with: Multiple HTML files linked together
- Example: yourblog.com (main site) with pages like /about and /posts
If a web page is a sheet of paper, a website is the entire notebook containing many pages.
Making Websites Accessible
3. Website Hosting Explained
Hosting is server space where your website files live online.
- Why needed: Without hosting, only you can see files on your computer
- Types:
- Shared: $3-$10/month (beginner-friendly)
- VPS: $20-$100/month (more control)
- Dedicated: $100+/month (high-traffic sites)
- Top Providers: Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger
Hosting is like renting land to build your house (website) on the internet.
4. What is a Domain Name?
Your domain is your website's address (e.g., google.com).
- Parts: https:// (protocol) + www (subdomain) + yourblog (name) + .com (TLD)
- Cost: $10-$15/year for common domains (.com, .net)
- Where to buy: Namecheap, Google Domains, GoDaddy
A domain is like your home address - it tells people where to find you in the internet neighborhood.
5. Content Management Systems (CMS)
A CMS lets you create websites without coding everything from scratch.
- Most popular: WordPress (powers 43% of all websites)
- Other options: Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, Joomla
- Benefits:
- No need to write HTML/CSS manually
- Easy content updates via dashboard
- Thousands of themes and plugins
A CMS is like website training wheels - it handles the technical stuff so you can focus on content.
Summary table:
| Component | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Web Page | Single document | About page |
| Website | Collection of pages | yourblog.com |
| Hosting | Stores website files | Bluehost |
| Domain | Website address | yourblog.com |
| CMS | Website builder | WordPress |
Ready for Action?
- Search for available domain names on Namecheap
- Explore free hosting options like 000webhost
- Set up a practice WordPress site on WordPress.com
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!