Goal
To acquire and demonstrate a functional knowledge of web-based hosting and to understand the mechanics of setting up a basic content management system.
Objective
Find, lease and register commercial web hosting space, install and activate a WordPress environment on a shared hosting server. and enter basic site information.
Background Reading
- http://wordpress.org/hosting/
- https://www.bluehost.com/
- https://www.siteground.com/
- https://www.dreamhost.com/
- http://www.wpbeginner.com/how-to-install-wordpress/
Exercise
Research and lease shared server space to host your web site, used throughout this class as well as for the remainder of the degree program. Use the class discussions to determine the type of host and budget to fit class needs, but make sure to have a domain name, unlimited server space and decent customer support. Once a selection has been made, purchase and begin the WordPress installation.
Part One
Choose the site (URL) name carefully as the site will become a portfolio site used to find internships and employment for about two (2) years. Each host has a slightly technical process, but you want to make sure you have the space paid for and installed at the end of the deadline class. Please record any passwords and registration or account numbers. A delay here could cause serious problems for the remainder of the course.
Using the directions and interface provided by your hosting service, install and activate WordPress. Many times this is integral to your purchasing, so be careful to note any usernames and passwords. If given the option, consider using different passwords for each of the following logins: Account (server company billing), Database (MySQL) and WordPress (admin). Doing so will aid in securing the site. It is also advisable to have “Very Strong” passwords created from a mix of lowercase, uppercase, numerals and special characters.
During the course of the installation, the please insert the following into the correct locations, as directed in class.
- Site Name
- Tag Line
- Contact information (of your choice)
- Default WordPress theme
Part Two
Once installed and activated, visit the site. The default theme should be installed. Also, login to ensure that your credentials are working correctly. Take a screen shot of the browser, upload the file to the appropriate D2L dropbox, and create a clickable link to the site via to the dropbox comments section. Then post a clickable link to the site via the appropriate D2L course discussion, which allows all students to visit and review each site.
To take a screen-shot:
- Command-Shift-4-Spacebar: Takes a screenshot of the window, and saves it as a file on the desktop. The file will have a .png extension.
- Command-Shift‑3: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen, and saves it as a file on the desktop. The file will have a .png extension.
- Instead of using the keyboard shortcuts above, screenshots can be taken by using the Screenshot application included with Mac OS X. It is located at
/Applications/Utilities/Screenshot
or by searching via Spotlight in the upper right of the Mac screen. - For more information, please visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201361
Assessment
- The following rubric posted on D2L will determine exercise score: Exercise Grading
Techniques
Account management, WordPress installation, web hosting
Materials
Browser, Server space, WordPress installation, web hosting
Deadlines
As defined by corresponding calendar item, dropbox, discussion or content topic description.
Deadlines
Thursday, August 13, 2020. Exercise given.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Exercise due. Link posted in D2L discussion section.