At interGen, we're committed to speaking a language you can understand at a pace you can follow. We are teachers and customer service reps for our clients before we are web geeks. At the same time, we don't want to waste your time throwing definitions to terms you already understand all over our website. So, we've developed this dictionary of complicated web terms explained in plain English.
Content Management System (CMS)
An application that keeps track of every piece of content on your Web site, much like your local public library keeps track of books and stores them. Content can be simple text, photos, music, video, documents, etc.
Hosting
Web Hosting or Hosting is a service provided by a vendor which offers a physical location for the storage of web pages and files. Think of a Web Hosting as a type of landlord, they rent physical space on their servers allowing webpages to be viewed on the Internet.
Joomla!
The primary website development platform for interGen. Joomla! is an award-winning content management system (CMS), which enables you to build Web sites and powerful online applications. Read more about why we love Joomla!
RSS
RSS stands for Real-time Simple Syndication. RSS is a program that takes the latest headlines from different web sites, and pushes those headlines down to your computer for quick scanning. Instead of having to visit 14 different places to get your weather, sports, favorite photos, latest gossip, or latest political debates, you just go to one screen (your RSS reader) and see all of the RSS feeds you have signed up for combined into a single window.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search Engine Optimization refers to the steps a website owner takes to improve the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's (usually Google) unpaid results. It can also be referred to as "natural" or "organic" search engine results. Read more about interGen's SEO offerings.
SSL
SSL ( which stands for Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and encrypts information sent through that site. It is the global standard for security technology on websites. Read more about how to secure a website with SSL.
Web Design
The "front-end" of web development, web design involves designing the layout and user interface of the website, just like how a restaurant design the physical space that customers will interact with. In a restaurant, this can include things like the layout of the tables, the menu board, and the decor. On a website, this includes things like the template, images, UX, and design. Read more
Web Development
The "back-end" of web development involves creating and managing the functionality of the website, similar to the kitchen and staff of a restaurant. In a restaurant, the staff manages all the tasks hidden to customers like maintaining cleanliness, cooking the food, and settling checks. On a website, the code, database, and software components do the behind the scenes work to make sure all the elements of the website work: forms are sent, orders are processed, pages load quickly, etc. Read more
Web Server
A web server is a computer that stores websites on the Internet and delivers web pages to viewers upon request. interGen has a dedicated server for all of our clients, and we rent out space on that server for our clients to set up their own websites.
Need more help understanding some aspect of web design, development, hosting, or management? Contact us today!