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Web Hosting Basics

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UAMS Copyright Agreement
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Website & E‑Commerce Basics
This module introduces learners to the core concepts behind websites and online stores. Students explore how websites work (domains, hosting, CMS vs hosted platforms) and gain a clear understanding of different website and e-commerce models. The module covers foundational platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify, including their purpose, strengths, and common use cases. Learners also review essential setup concepts like site structure, navigation, basic SEO, and store functionality.
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How Websites Work (domains, hosting)
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CMS vs Hosted Platforms
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Intro to WordPress & Shopify
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Types of Websites and Online Stores
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Domains, Hosting & Setup
This module explains the foundational components required to launch a website or online store. Learners explore how domain names work, how web hosting stores and delivers website content, and the role of DNS in connecting the two. The module also introduces hosting types, setup considerations, and basic installation workflows for platforms like WordPress and Shopify. By the end of the module, learners can confidently choose a domain, understand hosting options, and complete the initial setup needed to get a website online.
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Choosing a Domain Name
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Web Hosting Basics
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Installing WordPress (local & live)
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Creating a Shopify Account
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
This module introduces learners to the WordPress admin dashboard and its core settings. Students explore the layout of the dashboard, key menu areas, and the purpose of essential settings such as site title, permalinks, user roles, reading, and discussion options. The module emphasizes how proper configuration affects site usability, SEO, and security. By the end of the module, learners can confidently navigate the WordPress dashboard and configure settings to support a well-structured, functional website.
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
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WordPress Admin Overview
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Pages, Posts, Media
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Permalinks & User Roles
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Themes & Customization
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Block Editor vs Page Builders
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Using Elementor in WordPress
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Responsive Design Basics
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Backups, Updates & Security
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Shopify Platform Overview
This module introduces learners to Shopify as a leading hosted e-commerce platform. Students explore its key features, including store setup, themes, apps, and integrations, and understand how Shopify simplifies online selling for businesses of all sizes. By the end of the module, learners can explain Shopify’s functionality, identify its advantages, and determine when it is the right platform for an online store.
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Shopify Ecosystem
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Shopify vs WooCommerce
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Admin Dashboard Tour
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Themes & Customization
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Products & Collections
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Navigation & Pages
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SEO for Shopify
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Email & Social Selling
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Analytics & Reporting
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Launch & Maintenance
This module guides learners through the final steps of preparing, launching, and maintaining an online store. Students explore pre-launch checklists, performance testing, ongoing updates, backups, security, and routine maintenance for both Shopify and WordPress sites. The module emphasizes best practices for keeping stores secure, fast, and operational post-launch. By the end of the module, learners can confidently launch a website or store and implement a consistent maintenance routine to ensure long-term stability and growth.
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Pre‑launch Checklists
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Performance Testing
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Ongoing Maintenance (Shopify)
Ongoing Maintenance (WordPress)
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Website Security & Account Protection
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand why website security matters, how accounts get hacked, and how to protect websites and online accounts using simple, everyday tools like strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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What Is Website Security?
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Common Website Security Threats
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Password Security Basics
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Website-Level Security Tools
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Everyday Security Habits
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Website Learning Lab

Module Overview

This lesson introduces learners to web hosting, explaining how it works, the different types of hosting available, and what to consider when choosing a hosting provider. Hosting is essential for making a website accessible on the internet.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Explain what web hosting is

  • Identify the main types of web hosting

  • Understand key hosting features and considerations

  • Choose an appropriate hosting plan for a business website

  • Avoid common hosting mistakes

Lesson 1: What Is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is a service that stores a website’s files—such as text, images, videos, and databases—on a server and makes them accessible on the internet. When someone types a website’s domain name into a browser, the hosting server delivers the site’s content so it can be viewed online. Web hosting services often include features like storage space, bandwidth, security, backups, and technical support. Without hosting, a website would have no place to store its files and could not be accessed by visitors.

Web hosting is a service that stores your website files on a server and delivers them to users when they visit your domain.

  • The server is a powerful computer that is always online.

  • Without hosting, your website cannot be accessed on the internet.

Lesson 2: Types of Web Hosting

1. Shared Hosting

  • Multiple websites share the same server and resources.

  • Affordable and beginner-friendly.

  • Best for small websites with low traffic.

2. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)

  • Server resources are divided among fewer users.

  • More control, flexibility, and performance.

  • Suitable for growing websites.

3. Dedicated Hosting

  • You get the entire server to yourself.

  • High performance, full control.

  • Best for large websites with high traffic.

4. Cloud Hosting

  • Websites are hosted across multiple servers in the cloud.

  • Scalable, reliable, and flexible.

  • Suitable for growing businesses and fluctuating traffic.

Lesson 3: Key Hosting Features

  • Storage space – How much content you can host

  • Bandwidth – How much traffic your site can handle

  • Uptime guarantee – Percentage of time the server is operational

  • Security features – SSL, backups, malware protection

  • Support – Customer service availability

  • Control panel – Manage hosting, databases, and email accounts

Lesson 4: Choosing the Right Hosting

Consider:

  • Type of website (content, e-commerce, portfolio)

  • Expected traffic

  • Technical skill level

  • Budget

  • Required features (SSL, email, backups)

Lesson 5: Common Hosting Mistakes

  • Choosing the cheapest hosting without considering performance

  • Ignoring uptime and security features

  • Not planning for future growth and scalability

  • Forgetting to set up backups

Practical Activity

  • Research 2–3 hosting providers.

  • Compare their plans based on type, storage, bandwidth, cost, and security features.

  • Choose the hosting plan that best fits a small business website and explain why.

Key Takeaways

  • Hosting is essential for making a website live on the internet

  • Different types of hosting suit different business needs

  • Choosing the right hosting impacts website speed, security, and scalability

  • Consider features, support, and growth potential when selecting a host

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