Web Publishing and Hosting - SSS 2 Digital Technologies note
WEB PUBLISHING AND HOSTING
Subject: Digital Technologies
Class: SSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Topic: Web Publishing and Hosting
Duration: 80 Minutes (Double Period)
1. Introduction
In the previous lessons, we learned how to create web pages using HTML, connect pages with hyperlinks, and style them with CSS. However, creating a website on a computer does not automatically make it available to people on the internet.
For other people to access a website online, the website files must be published using an appropriate web hosting service. A domain name can also be used to give visitors an easy-to-remember address for reaching the website.
2. Meaning of Web Publishing
Web publishing involves preparing website files, checking the content, selecting a hosting service, uploading or deploying the files, and testing the published website.
Examples of web publishing
- Publishing a school website containing school information.
- Publishing an educational blog with lesson notes.
- Publishing an online store displaying products.
- Publishing a personal portfolio showing skills and projects.
3. Meaning of Web Hosting
When a person visits a hosted website, the browser requests the required files from the hosting server. The server sends the files to the browser, which displays the web page.
Website files may include HTML documents, CSS stylesheets, JavaScript files, images, videos, and other resources.
Difference between web publishing and web hosting
| Web Publishing | Web Hosting |
|---|---|
| The process of making website content available online. | The service or infrastructure that stores and serves website files. |
| Includes preparing, uploading, deploying, and checking website content. | Provides server space and resources needed to make a website accessible. |
| May involve using a platform that handles hosting automatically. | May be provided by a hosting company or an integrated website platform. |
4. Meaning of a Domain Name
example.com.
Domain names make websites easier to access than numerical IP addresses. A domain name is connected to the appropriate internet service through the Domain Name System (DNS).
Examples of domain names
google.comwikipedia.orgexample.edu.ng
Parts of a domain name
Consider the example www.example.com.
| Part | Explanation |
|---|---|
www |
A commonly used subdomain, although it is not required for every website. |
example |
The registered domain name label. |
.com |
A top-level domain. |
Domain names must be registered through an appropriate domain registrar or provider. Registration usually requires periodic renewal.
5. Types of Web Hosting
Different hosting options are available depending on the size, purpose, traffic, and technical requirements of a website.
| Type | Description | Suitable Use |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | Several websites use resources on the same server. | Small websites, blogs, and beginner projects. |
| VPS Hosting | A physical server is divided into virtual servers with allocated resources. | Websites requiring more control and resources. |
| Dedicated Hosting | A customer leases an entire physical server. | Websites with demanding workloads or specialised requirements. |
| Cloud Hosting | Hosting resources are provided across a network of connected servers. | Websites needing flexible resources and scalability. |
| Free or Platform-Based Hosting | A website platform provides hosting, sometimes with limitations or a platform subdomain. | Learning projects, simple websites, and blogs. |
Examples of hosting services
The following are well-known examples of hosting services. Names are given for illustration only, and the features, limits, and prices of these services change from time to time, so always check the provider's current information before choosing.
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Platform-based (website builders and blogging platforms) | Blogger, WordPress.com, Wix, Google Sites | The platform hosts the site for you. Easy for beginners, but the address is often a platform subdomain (for example, myschool.blogspot.com) unless a custom domain is connected. |
| Free hosting for static HTML/CSS websites | GitHub Pages, Netlify, Cloudflare Pages | Suitable for practising with the HTML and CSS files created in class. Files are usually uploaded or connected to a code repository. |
| Paid shared and VPS hosting | Namecheap, Hostinger, Bluehost, Whogohost, Qservers | Provide server space, a control panel, and support. Some are Nigerian providers that accept local payment methods. |
| Cloud hosting | Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, DigitalOcean | Flexible and scalable. Better suited to larger or more demanding websites and applications. |
Examples of domain registrars
A domain name is registered through a domain registrar. Examples include Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Whogohost. Domain names ending in .ng or .edu.ng are registered through registrars accredited for the Nigerian domain space.
yourschool.edu.ng would register a domain through a registrar and use a paid hosting service. The best choice depends on the website's purpose, budget, and technical needs.
6. Steps Involved in Publishing a Website
The general steps for publishing a website are outlined below.
Step 1: Create the website
Prepare the HTML pages, CSS stylesheets, images, and other required files. Ensure that the website has meaningful content and a suitable layout.
Step 2: Test the website locally
Open the pages in a web browser and check that the text, images, links, and styles work correctly. Correct errors before publishing.
Step 3: Choose a hosting service
Select a hosting platform that supports the website's requirements. Consider storage, bandwidth, reliability, security, support, and cost.
Step 4: Register or select a domain name
Choose a suitable domain name if a custom domain is needed. Register it through a domain registrar or use a subdomain provided by the hosting platform.
Step 5: Upload or deploy website files
Transfer the website files to the hosting service or use the platform's publishing function. The exact procedure depends on the chosen service.
Step 6: Configure the domain and DNS
If a custom domain is used, configure its DNS records or nameservers as instructed by the hosting provider. DNS changes may take time to become effective across the internet.
Step 7: Test the published website
Open the website using its online address. Check that pages load, images appear, navigation links work, and the website displays properly on mobile devices.
Step 8: Maintain the website
Update content, correct broken links, renew the domain when required, monitor security, and maintain backups where appropriate.
7. Tools Used in Web Publishing
The tools used depend on the method of publishing and the type of website.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Text or Code Editor | Creates and edits HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. |
| Web Browser | Displays and tests website pages. |
| Hosting Control Panel | Helps manage hosting settings, files, and related services. |
| FTP/SFTP Client | Transfers files to a server when supported by the hosting service. |
| Domain Registrar | Provides domain registration and renewal services. |
| Website Publishing Platform | Allows users to create and publish websites through a managed interface. |
8. Advantages of Web Publishing
- Wide accessibility: People can access the website over the internet, subject to its availability and access settings.
- Information sharing: Website owners can share educational materials, news, announcements, and other information.
- Communication: Websites can provide contact details, forms, and other communication channels.
- Business opportunities: Organisations can promote products and services online.
- Learning opportunities: Teachers and students can share resources and access educational content.
- Easy updates: Website content can be updated without printing and distributing new copies.
9. Safety and Security in Web Publishing
A published website should be managed responsibly to protect its owner and visitors.
- Use strong, unique passwords for hosting and website accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication when available.
- Use HTTPS to protect data exchanged between the browser and website.
- Keep website software and components updated.
- Back up important website files and data.
- Obtain permission before publishing photographs, documents, or other copyrighted materials.
- Avoid publishing private information such as passwords, home addresses, or confidential student records.
- Use reputable hosting providers and review their security features.
10. Class Activity
Students should work individually or in small groups to plan how they would publish a simple school website.
- Identify three pages the school website should contain.
- List the files required for the website.
- Choose an appropriate hosting option for a beginner's project and explain the choice.
- Name two hosting services you could use for a free practice website and two you could use for a paid school website.
- Suggest a suitable domain name for the school.
- Arrange the steps for publishing the website in the correct order.
- List four security measures that should be followed after publishing.
11. Summary
Web publishing is the process of making website content available online, while web hosting provides the infrastructure that stores and serves website files. A domain name gives visitors a convenient address for reaching a website. Publishing generally involves preparing and testing the website, selecting a hosting service, choosing a domain where necessary, deploying the files, configuring DNS when required, and checking the live website. Website owners should also maintain their content, protect their accounts, and respect privacy and copyright.
12. Evaluation Questions
- Define web publishing and web hosting.
- What is a domain name? Give two examples.
- State four types of web hosting.
- Outline five steps involved in publishing a website.
- Differentiate between shared hosting and dedicated hosting.
- State four security precautions to observe when publishing a website.
- Name three examples of web hosting services or website platforms, and state one use for each.
13. Assignment
- Explain the difference between web publishing, web hosting, and a domain name.
- Compare shared hosting and cloud hosting using two points each.
- Write the steps you would follow to publish a three-page school website.
- Explain why HTTPS, strong passwords, and website backups are important.
14. Online Quiz
Answer all five questions and click Submit Quiz to check your score.
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