Basic Steps in Creating a Web Site

If you are considering having your own web site, and are not sure of the steps involved, here is a quick overview. I have written these pages assuming you have a PC (personal computer) connected to the Internet and you have (or are about to get) a web hosting service. (Please see the terminology section below if you are not familiar with the mnemonics used.)

1. Creating Your Content: You create your web pages (one or more) written in HTML using any of the many software packages available. These come in a variety of types; text editors, wordprocessors (which can produce HTML pages), web page editors, web design software packages, and image editors.
   More about creating content.
2. Your Web Host: This is the place (called a server) on the Internet where your pages are stored and accessible to folks who know your URL or who view another page which has a link to yours. You usually rent this space or it may be included in the Internet access service that your ISP provides - usually on a monthly or annual fee basis. More about Web Hosts.
3. Uploading/Editing: You create your web pages on your own computer and, after test viewing to catch and fix any errors, you need to transfer these files to your server space using a program called FTP. Then you repeat this process every time you need to make changes. In order to transfer files, you use the FTP program to logon to your server - your ISP provides you with a logon name and password. More about Uploading.
4. Your URL: On many servers, your space has a default address (e.g. members.ispcompanyname.com/yourname) as your URL. This is a combination of your ISP's domain name and your logon account name. You can have a simpler URL if you obtain your own domain name.

5. Your Domain Name: Domain names must be "registered" (there is an annual fee) and managed by you, your ISP, or your agent. Your domain name might be yourname.com which is much more personal and easier to remember than the default address above.
6. Redirecting: Some ISPs do not provide a service that allows you to use your own domain name on their server. In this case, you can use a commercial redirection service to associate your registered domain name with your web site. This service must be managed by you or your agent.
7. Your Web Site: This is your set of web pages that are stored on your ISP's server with your unique URL.