How do web sites work? (Part 2, Series A) Jun04 '04

Refresh

In Part 1 of Series A, I discussed what FTP is; how a web browser acts as the "middle man," and a brief introduction to HTML.

With that in mind, I will now discuss how to obtain web server space, how to upload files, how domain names work, and how to obtain your own custom domain name.

Server space for all

I mentioned in the previous article how a web server is nothing more than a remote hard drive, where files can be transferred to (upload) and retrieved from (download). But how does one go about obtaining web server space, to call their own?

Web server space can be purchased from a company that specializes in web hosting. There are probably hundreds of thousands of these types of companies, with more popping all the time. They dub their organization with names such as HostPro, HostYourWay, and MyHosting. These companies all have similar names, and they also provide similar services and features.

Many hosting compaines offer dozens of incredible features that make your "web management life" easy. But the main service provided is their ability to host your web site. But how, where, and when?

In plain terms, a hosting company gives you a custom directory (on their servers), where you can store everything from Microsoft Word documents, to HTML files, that browsers will render as a web page. Like I said earlier – it’s your own "virtual hard drive."

What’s nice about this "virtual hard drive" is that you can access it (FTP) from any computer in the world. Well, as long as you have the right software on the computer.

FTP software

The next step in the process is to connect to your virtual directory, from wherever you are – whenever you want. In order to do this, you have to have an FTP program, which allows you to connect to your specific server, and either PUT files, or GET files. An FTP program is nothing more than a piece of software, much like any other software.

There are a couple things to note when using FTP software:

1. You have to be connected to the web before you connect to your virtual server. If you have a cable or DSL connection line, then you don’t have to worry. But if you’re using dial–up, then you must "dial up" first.
2. FTP software does NOT come pre–installed on every computer. Most of the time, you will have to download it, and there will likely be a fee (although very minimal). There ARE some very basic FTP programs that are free, and they do a pretty decent job. It all depends on how many features you’re looking for with the software.

Once you connect to your server, through your FTP software, you now have the ability to upload or download files. Take a look at this this screen shot of an example of FTP software, and how it appears when you’re connected to your server.

You’ll notice there are two sides, one for your local files, and one for your remote files. By simply clicking and dragging, you can easily move files from one side to the other, which is actually moving that file to an entirely different hard drive – one that could possibly reside on the other side of the planet! And only YOU have access to this directory of files.

FTP software allows for some amazing file storage capabilities. But the main reason it exists is for people to view the HTML files in there, that display your web site!

Your domain name

When you purchase web server space, you most likely will purchase a domain name along with it. This domain name allows the outside world to "peer into" your server space, and view the appropriate files contained within. This is done with a web browser, which displays HTML files for all the world to see.

Your domain name is your unique address. Much like your outstanding, charming, and witty personality – there is no other like it. The domain name for this site is http://www.matthom.com. Most people refer to it as just "matthom.com." When you purchase server space, you immediately pick your domain name along with it. That is, of course, if that domain name is not already owned by someone else! In that case, you can "mix and match" letters until you get the domain name you desire. You could even select a different extension, if your favorite domain name is already taken with ".com," for example. If the ".com" version is already taken, you could take ".net," or ".org." You get the idea.

Some rules for when you select a domain name:

• Pick a name that people will remember. If you decide on "goodguyinthewindycity.com," chances are people will not remember such vague terms. Be specific.
• Make it "short and sweet." Short names are easier to remember, and decrease the chance of mis–spellings.
• If you pick your full name as your domain name, keep in mind that last names, and many first names, are very hard to spell. Don’t make people guess how to spell your name. Either shorten your name into something more unique, or use different words entirely.
• If you can rhyme, all the better. Even a "play on words" helps people remember your domain name more easily.

Resources and references

Various hosting companies that I recommend for server space: (Keep in mind, you can also purchase your domain name at these sites too!)

• DreamHost
• HostSave
• EZ Web Hosting
• GlobalServers

Excellent FTP software:

• Transmit (Mac only)
• Flash FXP
• Dreamweaver (Full web site development application)

Pause and absorb

In Part 3 of Series A, we will discuss how URL’s work; and how to create simple HTML files, with live links, so you can populate your site with pages!

Categories: Internet , Tutorials

Add Feedback (view all)