Master Your Digital Destiny!

If you don’t, who will?

Prof. Dan Pacheco

Ceative Commons public domain image.Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stevia_rebaudiana_%28potted_plant%29.jpg

Plant: The files and data for your web site

Pot: The current web host for your site.

Copyleft license.Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mark_Barta%27s_Stamped_Flower_Pot.jpg

What if your current pot (the web host) starts breaking down?Does your plant (the web site) die? Not if you move to a new pot!

Web host 1 Web host 2

DNS record

Registrar (e.g. Godaddy)

Your pot has a number

• Your pot has a numbered address that lets every other pot know where to find it.

• This is called an IP Address. It often looks like this:– 66.147.244.88

• The address is basically a computer connected to the internet. Even the computer you’re using now has an IP address.

Who wants to remember numbers?

• A name is easier to remember, This is called a domain name, like: www.news.com

• It’s like a forwarding address with the postal service. If you move to a new house, you provide the forwarding address and the mail reaches you at the new place.

Where to get a domain name

• Lots of options, but the most important thing is …

• NEVER host your site at the same place where you get the domain name! Remember the potted plant analogy.

• Good places for domains: Godaddy.com, Name.com are most popular, cheap.

• Need help finding one? Try http://nameboy.com

Installing WordPress

• Two ways:

– Use a one-click installer, usually in Cpanel. On Bluehost these are Simple Scripts and Mojo Marketplace.

– Install manually. Requires a little more work, but helps you understand what exactly is happening behind the scenes.

– Walkthrough of Cpanel and WP install.