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We can use the office metaphor to better understand the world wide web. Think of a web site as a collection of paper files organized into folder which are themselves sorted into various cabinets. A web server could be thought of as the cabinet. This cabinet is accessed by web surfer using a web browser program, which displays the content of those files onto the user's computer screen. The cabinet, or web server, has an address called the URL which directs the web browser to the desired destination.

Web sites must be designed much like any other document is designed for viewing by a wide audience. The content of the site must be carefully considered, and then collected, modified, or produced from scratch. The layout must be organized, coherent and accessible; and the web site must be tested prior to publication. This process of producing a web site for publication onto the internet is referred to as 'website design'.

The design and publication of web sites does not require the investment of time, training, money and resources that producing professional publications on other media does. Using the free website design tools available today, almost anyone with a computer and internet access can engage in website design and publication.

A simple web site design for non-commercial purposes can be very quick and inexpensive to produce. Such personal web sites typically contain basic media like text, images and video. Complicated web sites, often commercial in nature, can be very expensive and time consuming to produce. Such web sites typically contain additional interactive features and links to databases for applications like virtual shopping carts.

One of the challenges facing newcomers to website design in order to start producing websites, you need to consider the content that you are interested in sharing. Another important consideration is your audience. You may decide to target the entire world or simply choose to share with a few close friends. If you are interested in keeping a journal, photos, or personal writings online, you may choose to be your own audience. Keeping your personal thoughts and memories online allow you to access them at anytime and add to them from anywhere.

Lastly, you'll need to find web design software to help you put everything together. Depending on what your needs are, the best web design software is usually the free software tools your internet service provider likely offers. You will learn more by searching for phrases like 'web site design software,' or by visiting your internet service provider's main page.