I’d like to dispel some of the mystique behind web technology. The good news is that almost anyone can make sense of web technology, quickly and without burning out any brain cells. There are only 4 major parts to it.

1. The domain name - Your domain name is the dot-com that identifies your website. In order to get a domain name, you need to register it with a registrar. For new domains, this is a simple process with a small annual fee.
2. The web host - You also need to obtain hosting services. Your hosting provider provides a web server with space on it to put your website software and data. They also provide a name server, which is what lets users access your website by using your domain name. And a database, in which your web software (if you use web software) will store your website’s data. Finally, your hosting service will handle e-mail for your domain and provide you e-mail in-boxes.
3. HTML data - Internet Explorer, Firefox, and other web browsers expect HTML. HTML combines text, graphics, and formatting. It allows you to make some text italic or bold, display images, or create floated sidebar boxes that text flows around. You can store the HTML in files directly on the web server, or you can use…
4. Blogs, Forums, and Content Management Systems (CMS’s) - These are all forms of web application software. They make it easier to manage the content on your site and to collaborate with other websites. You can also have custom web app software written for you, but that’s only worth it in very specific cases.

For my sites, I use DreamHost, which provides both domain-name registration and hosting services. I use WordPress blog software or Drupal CMS software, both of which run on DreamHost. I talk about all these later in this chapter.