What you need for a website and how it works.

If you need a website but have no idea where to start this information is just for you. Here's what you need to know before you get started.

 You'll need three basic things

• A Domain Name - From a Registrar
• A Web Host - The place where your website actually resides
• Website Files - The actual website that consists of files coded in HTML or PHP

Domain Name - You need to purchase this (and renew it yearly) from what is called a Registrar. These companies are in charge of keeping the list of domain names up to date. Every domain name has a number attached to it and this list points visitors seeking your domain name to your web host. There are lots of registrars out there (You've all seen the godaddy ads) and almost all of them charge similar prices and do the same thing. Shop around so you don't wind up paying more than you should. Just buy the name and avoid all the bundled extras. In this account, you will input information that points to your Web Host.

• Note of caution: The original big dog was Network Solutions. I recommend you avoid them based on bad customer support and expensive pricing. Also since most new registrations go through them at some point as a clearinghouse and years ago they have been accused of stealing potentially good domain name ideas. To protect yourself do not randomly type in names you want without being willing and able to purchase your desired name on the spot. If you search for a great name but don't buy it at that moment you may find it held by Network Solutions the next day. The same goes for telling ANYBODY! Don't mention to anyone, "I'm thinking of registering..." because there are people that will snap it up first.

Web Host - These are companies that hold your files and serve them up for people accessing your website via your domain name. For most websites, a basic entry-level account with budget pricing is enough. More information on Web Host Companies.

Website Files - Your actual website files. Two of the most popular methods of constructing websites are static HTML coded manually or with a graphic drag-and-drop editor (consider this the Old Way, created with WYSIWYG editors like FrontPage) or a Content Management System (CMS) using PHP code. This site is created with Joomla CMS. It's free and has a set of powerful features. Others are WordPress, Drupal, etc. There are other powerful and elegant methods and codes that are not included here due to complexity.

Maintenance & Support - Like everything Tech everything done with websites is constantly changing. The system of how websites are created and the server-side language they rely on get new features and security improvements. Web Hosts run PHP versions that are required for any website besides static HTML. Older websites relying on old PHP versions will eventually break as those versions are phased out. If you use a CMS it too will get new versions to keep up with new PHP code. It never ends. You can avoid some of this for your small business if you keep it as simple as possible, even using a static HTML website optimized for mobile. That code, done simply, is secure and never needs to keep up. If you need a complicated website with online sales and support you're going to have to put in many hours or pay somebody.