How websites work, in plain words
A website is like a shop. The domain is the shop's street address. Hosting is the building where the shop lives. A website builder is a kit that lets you set up the shelves and signs without being a carpenter.
- A domain name is the address people type, like yourbusiness.ca. You rent it yearly from a registrar.
- Hosting is a computer (server) that stores your site and sends it to visitors. No-code builders include hosting.
- DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book: it connects your domain name to the server that hosts your site.
- HTTPS (the padlock in the browser) means the connection between visitor and site is encrypted. Most builders turn it on for you; check that it is on.
- Country endings: each country ending has its own rules. In Canada, for example, .ca domains are managed by CIRA (the Canadian Internet Registration Authority). To register one you must meet CIRA's Canadian Presence Requirements (for example, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Canadian corporations qualify). You register through a CIRA-certified registrar, not CIRA directly.
- No-code means you build with drag-and-drop blocks instead of writing code. If you want to learn the code underneath, see course 7.7.
- A .ca domain is managed by CIRA. To register one you must meet the Canadian Presence Requirements (for example, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Canadian corporations qualify).
- Source: CIRA, Canadian Presence Requirements for Registrants: www.cira.ca/en/resources/documents/domains/canadian-presence-requireme
- Write down three domain names you would like for a business idea. Try one with your country's ending (for example .ca) and one .com.
- Open any registrar's search box (a CIRA-certified registrar for .ca).
- Type each name and note if it is available.
- If a name is taken, change one word and try again.
- Do not buy anything yet.
- Check: you have three names with available or taken next to each. Remember that a .ca needs Canadian presence.
Videos by other creators on YouTube, for reference. They are not made by or affiliated with The Future Market.
Read the video script
[Host] "Three words make websites easy: domain, hosting, builder."
[Text on screen: Domain = address, Hosting = building, Builder = kit] "Domain is the address. Hosting is the building. The builder is your kit."
[Screen: browser padlock icon] "And look for the padlock. HTTPS means the connection is encrypted."
[Text on screen: .ca = Canadian Presence Requirements] "Want a dot-C-A? You need a real Canadian connection, like citizenship, permanent residency or a Canadian company."
Write down three domain names you would like for a business idea (try a .ca and a .com). Check if they are available using any registrar's search box. Don't buy anything yet.
ClaudeStuck? Copy a ready-made prompt for Claude
Copy this, open Claude, paste it, and Claude will walk you through the lesson step by step.
For a grown-up: Claude is for adults (18+). Copy this, paste it into Claude, and use the answer to explain the lesson to your child.
I'm learning "Build a Website (No-Code)" on The Future Market. Lesson 1: "How websites work, in plain words". What the lesson teaches: - A domain name is the address people type, like yourbusiness.ca. You rent it yearly from a registrar. - Hosting is a computer (server) that stores your site and sends it to visitors. No-code builders include hosting. - DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book: it connects your domain name to the server that hosts your site. - HTTPS (the padlock in the browser) means the connection between visitor and site is encrypted. Most builders turn it on for you; check that it is on. - Country endings: each country ending has its own rules. In Canada, for example, .ca domains are managed by CIRA (the Canadian Internet Registration Authority). To register one you must meet CIRA's Canadian Presence Requirements (for example, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Canadian corporations qualify). You register through a CIRA-certified registrar, not CIRA directly. - No-code means you build with drag-and-drop blocks instead of writing code. If you want to learn the code underneath, see course 7.7. The exercise I'm working on: Write down three domain names you would like for a business idea (try a .ca and a .com). Check if they are available using any registrar's search box. Don't buy anything yet. I'm stuck. Please: 1. Explain the main idea in plain, simple words with one everyday example. 2. Walk me through the exercise one small step at a time. Ask me what I've done so far before giving the next step. 3. Don't just give me the final answer. Help me do it myself, and check my work when I share it.
I'm a parent helping my child (about 8 years old) with a lesson called "How websites work, in plain words" from the course "Build a Website (No-Code)". Here's what the lesson says: A website is like a shop. The domain is the shop's street address. Hosting is the building where the shop lives. A website builder is a kit that lets you set up the shelves and signs without being a carpenter. The activity: Write down three domain names you would like for a business idea (try a .ca and a .com). Check if they are available using any registrar's search box. Don't buy anything yet. Please explain this so an 8-year-old understands: short sentences, a fun everyday example, and no hard words. Then give me 3 simple questions I can ask my child to check they understood, and a way to do the activity together, one tiny step at a time.
Sources
- CIRA, Canadian Presence Requirements for Registrants: www.cira.ca/en/resources/documents/domains/canadian-presence-requireme
- CIRA, how to register your .ca name: www.cira.ca/en/ca-domains/register-your-ca/
Plan before you build
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Build and publish a free site with Google Sites
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Choosing a builder for business or a store
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Accessible, trustworthy and findable
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Email sign-ups and privacy (with Canadian examples)
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Final project
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Quiz
What is a domain name?
The web address people type, like yourbusiness.com.
What does hosting do?
Stores your site on a server and sends it to visitors.
Who manages domain names for a country's own ending (like .ca), and what may you need to register one?
A national registry; some require a local presence (for .ca, CIRA and the Canadian Presence Requirements).
How do you make changes visible on a Google Site?
Click Publish again.
What should you check on a builder's pricing page besides the first price?
The renewal price (and what's included).
What is alt text?
A short text description of an image for screen reader users.
Why should a public website follow accessibility standards such as WCAG?
So people with disabilities can use it; some countries require it (in Ontario, designated public-sector organizations and businesses or non-profits with 50+ employees must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA).
What are the three basics of anti-spam rules for marketing emails?
Consent, identify yourself, and an unsubscribe option (in Canada, CASL).
How quickly should unsubscribe requests be honoured?
Promptly, within the time your law allows (in Canada, within 10 business days under CASL).
What free Google tool shows whether Google can find your site?
Google Search Console.
Final exam
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
Certificate
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.