Ever wanted to develop your own website but just didn't know how to get started? Website Development is probably a lot easier than you think and we'll show you how.
Feeling Empowered in Web 2.0 world
Submitted by ewest on Mon, 07/02/2007 - 15:46.
Todd!
Many thanks for your time, and I hope WebDev HOWTO becomes a great resource.
I was no longer young when Web 1.0 erupted in 2000 and I worked hard to keep up. Even then, to create a website I had outsource the task to professionals or had to use dumbed out, ready-to-use tools like Website Tonight etc.
In the past two years I started seeing a lot of Blogs, Wikis, and Forums, and I have always wanted one of my own. But the task of researching was difficult, since a whole lot changed with Web 2.0. Now I hear terms which I just cannot connect to my mental map. I hear a lot about PhP, Ajax, etc, but all I knew was Servers, Operating Systems, Databases, and Application Software. I knew how to spec a Server (or rent a hosted one) and load App sw and configure that.
I did know a lot about programming environments - most recently called developer environments - and God know what you call it now. So I am familiar with compiling, debugging and executibles.
But I did not know or wasn't confident about was deploying Forum and Wiki Sw.
But I am excited today!! After reviewing your step-by-step tips, I am feeling kind-of-empowered. Let me tell you why....
Re. hosting vendors, I always looked into GoDaddy and 1and1 and maybe NewtorkSolutions. With them, the burden is always on me to FTP the correct versions of "scripts" (this word is familiar to me but its use is news to me - it seems like another word for Application Sw), and make sure everything is complete and compatible. I hope this is the way it is (and not just my mis-informed impression).
You introduced us to HostGator.com and its CPanel. I was skeptical but looked into it anyway. Wow. I was impressed. The CPanel gives me a Choice of Wikis, Forums, Blogs, Ecommerce Scrips. All I have to do is Click on a choice and it seems I will have my choice of Wiki or Forum or Blog ready.
I have just pointed my domain to HostGator.com. I believe the new NameServers are getting updated accross the internet. When it is updated, I will Click on the magical-click I am so impressed with and report back.
Again, many thanks for your time, and I hope WebDev HOWTO becomes a resource and platform for lots of people to get help and provide help.
...RD
Glad to hear it!
I am glad that you are getting something out of this HOWTO! I remember when I stumbled onto fantastico the first time. A whole new world of development possibilities opened up.
This really is not hard at all once someone walks you through it the first time. It just seems the people that know how to do it either don't want to share the information or don't have the time to bother.
Who knows, with all of your background you will probably writing some advanced HOWTOs soon to help with the more technical side of things.
I am looking forward to seeing your first site(s)!
-Todd