Website basics - how does it all connect?

The World Wide Web is a network of files stored on millions of computers all around the world.

Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) are the addresses used to locate the files.

When you type a URL into your browser your browser sends a request to a remote computer, called a DNS server, which resolves the URL and redirects you to the corresponding remote computer.

In order to have your own website running you need:

A Domain name - the alphanumerical sequence users enter in their address bar of an internet browser to visit a specific web site.

Hosting space - a computer connected to the internet on which your files reside for access.

The domain should point to your host, so when people enter the domain they will reach your files.  This is done by setting the DNS (Domain Name System):
When registering your domain name you will be asked for the DNS settings - simply enter the DNS values given to you by your hosting provider.
If your hosting provider is also your domain registrar, he will set up the DNS for you.

DNS settings need to be propagated. Allow up to 48 hours for the changes to take place.

Now you're ready to start building your website!