A 'web site' can be thought of as groups of files, much like paper files in folders, that are placed into different cabinets. The 'web server' can be thought of as a cabinet full of such files and folders, that when accessed by the user through a web browser, presents the contents of those files to the web browser, and thus to the person viewing the web site. The web address, referred to as the URL, is a pointer to a particular web server like an office listing might direct an employee to a particular cabinet for particular documents.

As with any other document meant to be seen by a large number of people, a web site must be carefully designed. The content of the site must be thought out and then assembled or produced, after which it must be laid out in a way that people can read. Before publication, the web site has to be tested to ensure that it can be reliably accessed. This entire process is usually referred to by the name website design.

Website design and publication requires minimum financial investment and specialized skills in comparison to print publication. The software tools available for website design today allow virtually anyone with computer access and an internet connection the ability to design and launch a personal web site.

A simple site made to present basic media, like text, video, and images, might take a few minutes and no dollars out of pocket to design and then publish. A complex site, usually with lots of interactive features, or connections to a big database of info, might need professional help and a much bigger budget.

If you have ever thought about creating your very own web site, the first thing to consider is the kind of content you would like to share with your audience. The next thing to consider is the audience you would like to share this content with. Your intended audience could be anybody and everybody, or just your close friends and family, or even just yourself. With a bit of website design, you can create your own online journals and photo galleries which you can access from almost anywhere.

Lastly, you'll need to find web design software to help you put everything together. Depending on what your needs are, the best web design software is usually the free software tools your internet service provider likely offers. You will learn more by searching for phrases like 'web site design software,' or by visiting your internet service provider's main page.

As with any other document meant to be seen by a large number of people, a web site must be carefully designed. The content of the site must be thought out and then assembled or produced, after which it must be laid out in a way that people can read. This entire process is usually referred to by the name website design. If you are interested in creating a website, you'll need to find web design software to help you put everything together. Depending on what your needs are, the best web design programs are usually the free software tools your internet service provider likely offers.