Need help with setting up website

[opethdisciple]

As title says, I work in IT so I have a good foundation about severs html and the other web standards etc... but web design and web hosting is not some thing I know too much about.

My father wants a website to promote his company. Now I dont mind going about a building a fairl simple one, simple in terms of the technology, but not naff and crap.

It will basically be about 3 pages with a contact page with a simple form from where some one can email him regarding queries.

My first question, whats a good program for some one fairl inexperienced to use?

Are there any good free open source web desing programs?

Web hosting. I dont understand how it works, when you want to purchase a domian name. Can you by an avaialble name from any domain purchase site?

Who gives them the authorisation to sell you the name, in the first place, as opposed to buying it from another site?

Once Iv built my website, what about hosting? How does that work, from a technical stand point. Do I say upload my website to their servers and they do the rest?

What about if I by the domian name, how does the hosting company link the site to the address?

Help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Russinating]

My first question, whats a good program for some one fairl inexperienced to use?

Not a program as such, but Wordpress. It's a template-based open-source CMS (Content Management System - ie you can change the content without accessing the site's backend) that was initally developed for blogs but is more than good enough for developing sites that don't even have one.

Are there any good free open source web desing programs?

As above!

Web hosting. I dont understand how it works, when you want to purchase a domian name. Can you by an avaialble name from any domain purchase site?

Yes, domains can be purchased from any domain reseller. To make things easier it's best to buy both the domain and hosting from the same company.

Who gives them the authorisation to sell you the name, in the first place, as opposed to buying it from another site?

ICANN - The international domain 'authority'.

Once Iv built my website, what about hosting? How does that work, from a technical stand point. Do I say upload my website to their servers and they do the rest?

You just upload your site and its files to their servers. With something like Wordpress you'll be able to install it directly onto their server which also automatically sets up the database for it etc.

What about if I by the domian name, how does the hosting company link the site to the address?

Every domain has a DNS - Domain Name Sever. This is the address of the server where the domain's files are hosted. If you buy your domain and hosting from the same company then this will all be setup automatically and you need not touch or worry about this.

As for hosts and domains, Vidahost and TSOHost are the two highly recommended here. Take your pick!

 

[aix0]

I wouldn't even bother going down the coding from scratch route, especially if it's not familiar to you. I'd buy a template from somewhere like Template Monster for $25 and customise it. It'll look a lot better, a lot more professional, and will save you loads of time.

 

[opethdisciple]

Not a program as such, but Wordpress. It's a template-based open-source CMS (Content Management System - ie you can change the content without accessing the site's backend) that was initally developed for blogs but is more than good enough for developing sites that don't even have one.



As above!



Yes, domains can be purchased from any domain reseller. To make things easier it's best to buy both the domain and hosting from the same company.



ICANN - The international domain 'authority'.



You just upload your site and its files to their servers. With something like Wordpress you'll be able to install it directly onto their server which also automatically sets up the database for it etc.



Every domain has a DNS - Domain Name Sever. This is the address of the server where the domain's files are hosted. If you buy your domain and hosting from the same company then this will all be setup automatically and you need not touch or worry about this.

As for hosts and domains, Vidahost and TSOHost are the two highly recommended here. Take your pick!

Thanks Russinating. Wordpress looks interesting, and is something I had heard about before, but had no idea you could use it to make website.

Iv had a quick skim through the site to find out what exactly it is and what is required.

Im a bit confused, but im sure, once I download the software and try it out all will become clear. Im going to use my work computer to have a play around!

Iv looked through other 'wordpress' websites and they seem more than good enough for my fathers needs. Bit confused however how some of the wbsites seem to have flash in them... but I have no flash creating programs or expertise. Can the software (wordpress) do this for you?

Do I need a host BEFORE, I start developing the site using wordpress, or can I develop and then get a hosting company?

 

[Russinating]

Bit confused however how some of the wbsites seem to have flash in them... but I have no flash creating programs or expertise. Can the software (wordpress) do this for you?

Wordpress is just the shell/framework. You can do what the hell you want with it outside of that, but no, it can't produce Flash for you.

Do I need a host BEFORE, I start developing the site using wordpress, or can I develop and then get a hosting company?

For the marginal cost difference I'd say yes, you want one before. You could install a local mysql server like Apache and develop on your computer first but based on your experience and the cost of a couple of month's hosting it's not really worth it.

 

[andy91]

You could also try Joomla! Very powerful with a nice admin interface.

 

[3dcandy]

If you wanna try Wordpress on your own computer that's fine, easiest way I've tried is to check out XAMPP - http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html
You'll need to understand creating a database and permissions, and then you should be away! However, to be honest, for a basic site I don't really think you need to locally develop you could just do it via your webhost before going live!

 

[Deleted member 77746]

If you wanna try Wordpress on your own computer that's fine, easiest way I've tried is to check out XAMPP - http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html
You'll need to understand creating a database and permissions, and then you should be away! However, to be honest, for a basic site I don't really think you need to locally develop you could just do it via your webhost before going live!

or ... you could just get a free wordpress host that doesn't cost a penny and have abit play about with it.

 

[jongeeone]

I would recomend http://www.swbroadband.co.uk/uk-webhosting-cornwall.html for hosting.

The middle package comes with a domain and is all set up for you.

Brilliant support and lots of features to utilise.

 

[Russinating]

^^ .

It's also far more expensive than the competitors and I've never heard of them before...

 

[swbroadband]

It will basically be about 3 pages with a contact page with a simple form from where some one can email him regarding queries.

A small package is all you would require - very little disk space and bandwidth would be required for this. Database (such as MySQL) support would offer you more options in terms of development.

My first question, whats a good program for some one fairl inexperienced to use?

Something like Joomla! or WordPress would be an easy platform to work from - lots of free themes available, lots of functionality already built in and additional functionality can be added easily through extensions/modules.

Web hosting. I dont understand how it works, when you want to purchase a domian name. Can you by an avaialble name from any domain purchase site?

Yes, you can purchase your domain from anywhere - although I'd recommend somewhere in the UK just for the support benefits. Your domain can then be configured to use web hosting from either the same provider or another provider entirely. Most of the time you will find that you can get your domain registration free by committing to 12 months of web hosting.

Who gives them the authorisation to sell you the name, in the first place, as opposed to buying it from another site?

Organisations such as Nominet, ICANN & VeriSign are in charge of overseeing the distribution and administration of domains; companies become 'members' or 'partners' with these organisations to allow them to register domains. It is a little bit more complicated than this, there is quite an hierarchy of control over registration, but this is all you really need to know.

Once Iv built my website, what about hosting? How does that work, from a technical stand point. Do I say upload my website to their servers and they do the rest?

You upload your website to designated folder and presuming that your website is built correctly - it'll function like a website. The environment that it runs in is entirely managed by your provider, you have control over aspects such as e-mail accounts and databases.

What about if I by the domian name, how does the hosting company link the site to the address?

At the domain you can change the 'name servers' - these allow the domain to 'point' at the location of your web hosting. As long as you have an account with the provider the domain is 'pointing' at, your website will load.

 

[opethdisciple]

Thanks for the feed back guys.

I have been looking at Word press so far, but will also have a look at Joomla.

As far as I have gathered Word press looks like a wiki creation tool. Not thats a bad thing.

Can I really build a simple but business worthy website (not blog) using word press or joomla?

Can you do things like have a form page where a customer will send you a web note (email) etc...?

From what I'v seen for me to even begin playing with wordpress, I need to buy a hosting package.

If I buy say a package for a year for example, how do I get wordpress installed, or do I request them to install it for me?

Once installed on the webhost, how do I access it?

Simple questions, but I'v never done this before thanks.

 

[swbroadband]

As far as I have gathered Word press looks like a wiki creation tool. Not thats a bad thing.

WordPress is actually a blogging platform - but it's rather good for setting up basic websites, so it's not just a blogging app. It's also easier to use than Joomla in some respects.

Can I really build a simple but business worthy website (not blog) using word press or joomla?

Definitely, there are many many many themes to choose from - you can have them as simple or complicated as you like. I personally love Joomla, makes running a website very easy, adding features like contact forms, twitter integration, forums etc - is all point and click (most of the time).

Can you do things like have a form page where a customer will send you a web note (email) etc...?

Yes, no problem at all - both Joomla and WordPress will do this for you.

From what I'v seen for me to even begin playing with wordpress, I need to buy a hosting package.

Yeah ideally, but if you want to have a play with both Joomla and WordPress, there are demos around. But, if you drop me a PM I will setup a demo for you and give it a bit of demonstration if you wish? At least give you somewhere to start.

If I buy say a package for a year for example, how do I get wordpress installed, or do I request them to install it for me?

Some companies will set them up for you on ordering, most (if not all nowadays) will have a software manager as part of their control panel like Fantastic, Installatron or Softaculous - which will install web apps like WordPress and Joomla for you.

Once installed on the webhost, how do I access it

You will have a username and password, you can manage WordPress by going browsing to a URL (e.g. WordPress would http://www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin/ and Joomla! would be http://www.yourdomain.com/administrator)

You login and you can begin managing your new site, it's all nice and simple - doesn't require any special tools; just your browser.

 

[alle]

...Download the free 'webmatrix' from Microsoft. Use one of the free templates it provides and alter it to your own tastes.

This will be a lot easier and quicker than wordpress or anything else for a 3 page web site.

 

[opethdisciple]

Thanks guys.

Three very good sugestions: Word Press, Joomla and Webmatrix.

I would rather go with some thing open source, as I beleive in cutting Microsoft out of the internet, as punishment, for creating non standards compliance applications and insecure software. (Personal preference)

That leaves joomla and wordpress.

Also webmatrix looks like its beyound intermediate standards, and more proffesional coding etc... and I dont relly have that ground, considering this is my first project. So i need something for a beginer... albeit a beginer with a firm foundation.

As it stands the first of the two I would like to play around with is joomla.

I understand that I need to:

A. Find a host to install joomla for me.
B. Buy a website domian name.

I have a few question however.

1. Once I have my hoist and they have installed joomla for me, to access and start developing, is it just through the browser? No need to install plugins, or apps on the local machine?

2. Does joomla (or word press) allow for search engine key words to be placed in the site, to be found easy by web crawlers?

Thanks for thew offer swbroadband to allow me to play with joomla on one of your servers. I would like to take this offer up to get a feel for the application.

Edit*

One thing I dont understand about webmatrix is that according to this: http://webmasterformat.com/tools/design-and-development/webmatrix

It looks like webmatrix allows you to develop with joomla or wordpress etc... from within webmatrix?

 

[swbroadband]

No problem, get in touch.

I'll also answer any other questions you have.

 

[Russinating]

I did reply to this, so I have no idea what happened.

You're not allowed to promote or sell anything you have a personal interest in, ie your business.

 

[alle]

Thanks guys.

Three very good sugestions: Word Press, Joomla and Webmatrix.

I would rather go with some thing open source, as I beleive in cutting Microsoft out of the internet, as punishment, for creating non standards compliance applications and insecure software. (Personal preference)

That leaves joomla and wordpress.

Also webmatrix looks like its beyound intermediate standards, and more proffesional coding etc... and I dont relly have that ground, considering this is my first project. So i need something for a beginer... albeit a beginer with a firm foundation.

As it stands the first of the two I would like to play around with is joomla.

I understand that I need to:

A. Find a host to install joomla for me.
B. Buy a website domian name.

I have a few question however.

1. Once I have my hoist and they have installed joomla for me, to access and start developing, is it just through the browser? No need to install plugins, or apps on the local machine?

2. Does joomla (or word press) allow for search engine key words to be placed in the site, to be found easy by web crawlers?

Thanks for thew offer swbroadband to allow me to play with joomla on one of your servers. I would like to take this offer up to get a feel for the application.

Edit*

One thing I dont understand about webmatrix is that according to this: http://webmasterformat.com/tools/design-and-development/webmatrix

It looks like webmatrix allows you to develop with joomla or wordpress etc... from within webmatrix?

...Just try webmatrix and you'll see many many things that it will install for you, including joomla, wordpress and the like. Its free so no need to worry.
Don't understand your hatred of Microsoft but don't cut off your nose to spite your face by dismissing something out of hand without investigation first

 

[opethdisciple]

True.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

True.

Just try it, you won't know till you mess about. You should no your in IT.