Course Details

Building a website may seem complicated when you first begin, especially if you are unfamiliar with terms such as web hosting, domain names, DNS, email configuration, or cPanel. Many people want to launch a personal blog, online portfolio, business website, or online store, but they are unsure where to begin. This introductory course is designed specifically for beginners who want to understand how websites operate and how to successfully launch their own website online.

Throughout this course, students will learn the foundational building blocks of the internet and how all the different pieces work together to make a website accessible to people around the world. Instead of simply teaching theory, this course focuses on practical knowledge and real-world skills that students can immediately apply to their own projects.

By the end of this course students will understand:
  • How websites work online
  • How to register domain names
  • How web hosting operates
  • How to configure professional email accounts
  • How to install website applications
  • How to monitor website traffic statistics

Understanding How Websites Operate

One of the first topics covered in this course is how websites actually work. Many people use websites every day without understanding the technology operating behind the scenes. This class explains the process in beginner-friendly language so students can understand how information travels across the internet.

Students will learn that websites are collections of files stored on servers connected to the internet. These files may include text, images, videos, code, and databases. When someone types a website address into their browser, the browser communicates with a web server and retrieves the files needed to display the website.

  • Web browsers and web servers
  • HTTP and HTTPS protocols
  • IP addresses and DNS systems
  • Website files and databases
  • Client and server communication

Registering a Domain Name

A domain name is one of the most important parts of any website. It serves as the online address people type into their browser to visit your website. Without a domain name, users would need to remember complicated IP addresses.

This course walks students through the process of registering a domain name step-by-step. Students will learn how to search for available domain names, choose appropriate domain extensions, and understand what makes a good domain name for branding and usability.

  • Choosing a memorable domain name
  • Understanding domain extensions
  • Registering domains through registrars
  • Domain ownership and renewals
  • Domain privacy protection
  • DNS configuration basics

Introduction to Web Hosting

Web hosting is the service that stores website files and makes them available online. Without web hosting, a website cannot be viewed by visitors on the internet.

This course explains the different types of web hosting available and helps students understand which hosting solutions are best for beginners.

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting
  • Dedicated servers
  • Cloud hosting
  • Managed hosting
  • Website storage and bandwidth

Understanding cPanel and Hosting Control Panels

Managing a web hosting account becomes much easier when using a control panel such as cPanel. This course introduces students to cPanel, one of the most widely used web hosting control panels in the world.

  • Logging into cPanel
  • Managing website files
  • Creating email accounts
  • Managing databases
  • Installing website applications
  • Viewing bandwidth usage

Configuring Professional Email Accounts

A professional email address is an important part of building an online presence. Instead of using a generic free email address, businesses and website owners can create branded email accounts such as:

you@yoursite.com

Students will learn how to create and configure professional email accounts using their domain name and hosting account.

  • Creating email accounts inside cPanel
  • Accessing webmail
  • Configuring email on smartphones
  • Connecting email to desktop applications
  • Understanding IMAP and POP3

Installing Website Applications and Website Builders

Creating a website from scratch can be difficult for beginners, which is why many website owners use website builders and content management systems. This course introduces students to popular website applications that simplify website creation and management.

  • Installing WordPress
  • Using website builders
  • Creating pages and blog posts
  • Choosing website themes
  • Installing plugins and extensions
  • Managing website content

Viewing Website Traffic Statistics with AWStats

Once a website is online, it is important to understand how visitors are interacting with it. This course introduces students to AWStats, a popular website analytics tool included with many hosting accounts.

  • Viewing visitor statistics
  • Tracking website traffic
  • Understanding bandwidth usage
  • Analyzing visitor behavior
  • Monitoring popular pages

What Students Will Learn

By participating in this course, students will develop a broad understanding of how websites and hosting services operate. Students will gain practical experience that can be applied immediately to personal or professional projects.

  • How websites function online
  • How to register and manage domains
  • The basics of DNS configuration
  • How web hosting services operate
  • How to configure professional email
  • How to install website applications
  • How to monitor website traffic statistics

What Students Will Achieve

By the conclusion of the course, students will have completed several important milestones that prepare them for future website projects.

  • Ownership of their own domain name
  • A functioning hosting account
  • A configured professional email address
  • Access to webmail and mobile email
  • Basic website management skills
  • The ability to install website applications
  • Knowledge of website traffic statistics

Course Requirements

To participate in the hands-on portions of the course, students will need access to a cPanel web hosting account. Students who already have hosting can use their existing service as long as it includes cPanel access.

For students who do not yet have hosting, guidance will be provided on how to sign up for a beginner-friendly hosting plan through the course partner. The hosting package includes website hosting, email hosting, cPanel access, and a free domain name for approximately $10 per month.

Final Thoughts

Learning how websites operate is one of the most valuable digital skills in today’s online world. Whether you plan to build a personal blog, launch a small business website, create an online portfolio, or simply learn how the internet works, understanding web hosting and website management provides a strong foundation for future success.

By combining practical exercises with beginner-friendly explanations, this course helps students move from complete beginner to confident website owner. Students finish the class not only with theoretical knowledge, but with real online assets including a domain name, email account, hosting service, and website management experience.

What you’ll learn?

  • A general understanding how how websites operate
  • Registering domain names and and introduction to DNS
  • Understanding web hosting control panels (cPanel)
  • Configuring email Accounts (Webmail / Mobile)
  • Viewing traffic statistics
  • Installing website applications and website builders

Students will conclude the class with:

  • Ownership of your own domain (yoursite.com)
  • Email configured for Mobile,Webmail, and Web Client
  • Ability to View website traffic statistics
  • A general understanding how the internet works

Requirements

  • You will need to either have a cPanel Web Hosting Service or we will guide you on how to sign up for our partner's Web Hosting Service for $10/mo with a free domain name.

Instructors

Brian Modansky

Lead Professor

William Swan

Professor

WebHosting.school is a FREE online website and web hosting school where you will learn how to get a website online, build it, and administer it. You will work 1-on-1 or with a small group with a professor via Zoom while we walk you through each class. All for FREE.

All website and web hosting courses are taught via online Zoom on a one-on-one basis or in small groups.

Courses are taught around your schedule. When you sign up for a course you can choose a time/date that's good for you.

WebHosting.school is completley FREE. We are supported by our website and web hosting partners.

Stephane Smith

4.3   256 Reviews
Phasellus enim magna, varius et commodo ut, ultricies vitae velit. Ut nulla tellus, eleifend euismod pellentesque vel, sagittis vel justo. In libero urna, venenatis sit amet ornare non, suscipit nec risus.
Was this review helpful?

Anna Sthesia

4.5   256 Reviews
Phasellus enim magna, varius et commodo ut, ultricies vitae velit. Ut nulla tellus, eleifend euismod pellentesque vel, sagittis vel justo. In libero urna, venenatis sit amet ornare non, suscipit nec risus.
Was this review helpful?

Petey Cruiser

4.5   256 Reviews
Phasellus enim magna, varius et commodo ut, ultricies vitae velit. Ut nulla tellus, eleifend euismod pellentesque vel, sagittis vel justo. In libero urna, venenatis sit amet ornare non, suscipit nec risus.
Was this review helpful?

Rick O'Shea

4.5   256 Reviews
Phasellus enim magna, varius et commodo ut, ultricies vitae velit. Ut nulla tellus, eleifend euismod pellentesque vel, sagittis vel justo. In libero urna, venenatis sit amet ornare non, suscipit nec risus.
Was this review helpful?
View More
Video Image

Preview website courses

Web Hosting Service

If you do not have web hosting service then we recommend that you sign up for an Business Plan from WebHosting.coop for $100/yr and receive a FREE domain name included.