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 doesn't require much specialized knowledge or any financial investment, unlike the preparation of paper publications or other physical media. Today, there are website design tools that anyone can buy that will allow anyone with a modem and computer to design and operate his own website from the bottom up.

A simple web site designed to present basic media, such as text, images and video, may take a few minutes and zero dollars out of pocket to design and publish. A complex website, typically with many interactive features, or connections to a large database of information, may require professional assistance and a substantial budget.

If you're new to website design, and desire to get started creating your own website, the first step is to consider what type of content you're interested in sharing. The next step is to think about your target audience. It could be the whole world, or just several close friends. The target audience could even be only yourself - particularly if you want to keep a journal, personal photographs or writings on the internet that can be accessed anytime, and from nearly 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.

If you're considering creating a web site for any number of reasons, it's never been a better time to get started. From personal sites to commercial applications, each is explained in detail. Here, you'll learn the fundamentals of good website design and get suggestions on how to acquire the proper tools to create your best web design. You'll discover that there are many free services to help you start as well as more advanced web design software to consider as your requirements grow. If you're ready to publish your material to world, this is an excellent primer.