LOWKEY GRFX Understanding Websites

Understanding Websites

Understanding Websites

1. Domain Name:

  • What It Is: The domain name is the web address that users type into their browser to access your website (e.g., www.lowkeygrfx.com).
  • How It Works: It serves as a human-readable address that points to your website’s files stored on a web server. When someone types the domain name into their browser, it translates into an IP address that connects to the hosting server where your website is stored.

2. Web Hosting:

  • What It Is: Web hosting is a service that provides the technology and space needed to store your website’s files on a server, making it accessible on the internet.
  • Types of Hosting:
    • Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share the same server resources, which is cost-effective but may be slower.
    • VPS (Virtual Private Server): Offers dedicated resources within a shared environment, providing better performance and control.
    • Dedicated Hosting: A server dedicated to a single website, offering maximum performance and control.
    • Managed Hosting: A type of hosting where the provider manages technical tasks like updates, security, and backups.
    • Cloud Hosting: Utilizes multiple servers to host your website, offering scalability and reliability.
  • How It Works: When someone accesses your domain name, the hosting server retrieves the necessary files and sends them to the user’s browser, displaying the website.

3. Website Files:

  • What They Are: Website files include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, videos, and other assets that make up the website’s structure, style, and functionality.
  • How They Work:
    • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The basic structure of the website, defining the layout and content.
    • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): The styling language used to design the look and feel of the website, such as colors, fonts, and spacing.
    • JavaScript: A scripting language that adds interactivity and dynamic features to the website, like animations and form validation.
    • Images/Videos: Media files that enhance the visual appeal and provide content for the website.
  • Where They Are Stored: These files are stored on the hosting server and are accessed whenever someone visits the website.

4. Relationship Between Domain, Hosting, and Website Files:

  • Domain Name: Points to the IP address of your hosting server.
  • Hosting Server: Stores the website files and delivers them to users when they access the domain.
  • Website Files: Are retrieved by the server and displayed in the user’s browser.

5. Other Important Aspects:

A. DNS (Domain Name System):

  • What It Is: A system that translates the domain name into the IP address of the hosting server.
  • How It Works: When a user types the domain name into their browser, the DNS server resolves it to the correct IP address and directs the user to the appropriate server.

B. SSL Certificate:

  • What It Is: A digital certificate that encrypts the data exchanged between the user’s browser and the hosting server.
  • Why It’s Needed: It ensures that sensitive information like login credentials and payment details are transmitted securely. It also helps with SEO and builds trust with users (indicated by the “https” and padlock icon).

C. CMS (Content Management System):

  • What It Is: Software that allows users to create, manage, and modify website content without needing to code (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal).
  • How It Helps: Makes it easier for non-technical users to update content, add new pages, and manage the site.

D. Email Hosting:

  • What It Is: A service that provides email accounts using your domain name (e.g., info@lowkeygrfx.com).
  • Why It’s Important: Provides a professional email address, helps with branding, and is often included in web hosting packages.

E. Backups:

  • What They Are: Copies of your website files and database that can be restored in case of data loss, hacking, or other issues.
  • Why It’s Important: Ensures you can quickly restore your site if anything goes wrong, minimizing downtime.

F. Security Measures:

  • Firewall: Protects the server from unauthorized access and attacks.
  • Malware Scanning: Regularly scans the website for malicious code and vulnerabilities.
  • Updates: Keeping CMS, plugins, and themes updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

G. Analytics and Tracking:

  • What It Is: Tools like Google Analytics are used to monitor website traffic, user behavior, and other metrics.
  • Why It’s Important: Helps in understanding how users interact with your site, aiding in making data-driven decisions.

H. SEO (Search Engine Optimization):

  • What It Is: The process of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results.
  • Key Elements:
    • On-Page SEO: Using keywords, meta descriptions, and headers correctly.
    • Off-Page SEO: Building backlinks and social signals.
    • Technical SEO: Ensuring the site is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and properly structured.

I. Content Delivery Network (CDN):

  • What It Is: A network of servers located around the world that cache and deliver website content based on the user’s location.
  • Why It’s Important: Improves site loading speed and reduces latency for users far from the hosting server.

Summary:

To have a fully functional website, you need a domain name to serve as your web address, web hosting to store your site’s files, and the website files themselves that make up the site. Additional elements like SSL certificates, DNS settings, email hosting, security measures, and CMS can enhance functionality, security, and ease of management.

This holistic understanding helps clients grasp the components needed to successfully launch and maintain a website.