A good description of a web site would be to think of it as a lot of files, similar to paper files in their folders that are filed into several cabinets. Therefore, the web server would be a cabinet that is full of these files in their folders. When the user accesses them through a web browser, this gives the contents of the files to the web browser, and to the person viewing the web site. The Universal Resource Locator, better known as the URL (or address) points to a web server, kind of like directing an employee to a cabinet in an office setting, to find different documents.

Websites have to be designed just like other documents are designed for viewing by a varied audience. The site content has to be considered carefully, then collected, modified, or generated from scratch. Layout has to be organized, accessible, and coherent; and the site has to be tested before publication. The process of production of a website for publication for the internet is called 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 designed to present basic media, such as text, images and video, may take a few minutes and zero dollars out of pocket to design and publish. A complex website, typically with many interactive features, or connections to a large database of information, may require professional assistance and a substantial budget.

If you're new to website design, and desire to get started creating your own website, the first step is to consider what type of content you're interested in sharing. The next step is to think about your target audience. It could be the whole world, or just several close friends. The target audience could even be only yourself - particularly if you want to keep a journal, personal photographs or writings on the internet that can be accessed anytime, and from nearly anywhere.

Finally, you will need to find web design software to help you to put it all together. Depending on your needs, the best web design software is often the free software tools that your internet service provider probably provides. You can learn more by searching for a phrase such as 'web site design software', or by visiting the main page of your internet service provider.

As with any other document meant to be seen by a large number of people, a web site must be carefully designed. The content of the site must be thought out and then assembled or produced, after which it must be laid out in a way that people can read. This entire process is usually referred to by the name website design. If you are interested in creating a website, you'll need to find web design software to help you put everything together. Depending on what your needs are, the best web design programs are usually the free software tools your internet service provider likely offers.