OK, in part one I explained how the Internet works in five easy paragraphs. Now, we move onto blogs.

Part 2: What’s a Blog?

The short answer is “a type of website characterized by chronological entries appearring in descending order.” This is basically true, but if you’ve done much reading, you quickly discover that blogs are way more than 21st century diaries.

I prefer to think of a blog as a method or technique for managing website content. A website is nothing more than a bunch of interconnected pages located under a common domain name. Think of a book: Lots of pages all in the same binding. Websites, however, are way cooler than books, because there is so much more flexibility. You can only put the pages in a book in one order. A website can have multiple orders to it’s pages. Also, it’s easier to jump around out of order. Or follow a “footnote” to a completely different book/website! Add the abillity to include pictures, sound, video, frequent updates, interaction with readers, etc… like I said, way cooler than books. (And I love books.)

OK, back to topic: blogs.

I think of blogs more as methods for managing website content. True, most are still ordered around the whole chornological entry idea, but I’ve seen a few that are thinking outside the box. Essentially they are a bunch of webpages most of which are dynamic.

Now, there are three essential pieces. Each of these can be obtained individually or as a package (with some or all of the essentials.) Getting them individually adds flexibility (and complexity); getting them in a package does the opposite.

1. Domain name – OK, technically they’re not essential. You could just remember the IP address, but unless you want to be instantly classified “uber-geek” and alienate all those who don’t know about the numbers, get a domain name!
2. Server – This is the computer on which your website lives: the web pages, the database that stores the information used to create the dynamic content, the programs that process information requests from people who visit your website. When someone types your domain name into their browser, the IP address of your server is where they get directed.
3. Blog Software – This is a program that gets installed on the server. It provides the framework for your website; a method to tweak the framework; and a method for you to add and manage content (text, images, video, etc.).

That’s it. With those three, you’ve got a blog.

Next time, I’ll talk specifics: Accessing the Essentials