Class:Digital Portfolio 2013/Week 1
Contents
This Week
- Introductions
- Discuss Class
- Discuss Wiki
- History of the Internet
- How the internet works for us
Notes
What the heck is a Wiki
Long story short: It's a fancy collaborative website that allows each user to edit the contents of any page, like wikipedia. Therefore all of you can add or edit to these notes if you wish.
For more information, you can read about them here - wiki
History of the Internet
The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. The internet that we know today started in the early 1990s with the introduction of the World Wide Web.
- Only eight minutes of your life - History of the Internet
- History of the Internet on WIkipedia
Registering Your Domain Names
The process of looking good online begins with registering your domain name(s).
I have created a Domain Registrars reference page for you here.
- You should really consider registering your domain name at a legitimate domain registrar and hosing at a separate company. It will provide you with much more flexibility and protection should something go wrong.
- Sending web traffic to one host, or multiple hosts and redirecting your email traffic is all done from your Domain Registrar.
- If you have an existing domain registered with another company, you can easily TRANSFER it to your Domain Registrar - and you should.
- Photographers: Why You Need a Pro Domain Name - just ignore the photoswarm.com parts.
Hosting Your Sites
Some of you will end up using a hosted web site solution and not need to setup a dedicated web host, others will end up needing to upload your website to a dedicated host.
- Do you need a dedicated host?
- Will you be building your website yourself (HTML/CSS) and uploading it? - Yes
- Will you be using indexhibit or Wordpress to build your website? - Yes
- Will be using a hosted solution like PhotoShelter, Squarespace or Cargo to build your website? - No
- Even if it is not your main website, will you need to export galleries and post them online for friends/clients to see? - Possibly
It's important to go with a Hosting Provider that you trust, one that you can contact when you need some help.
I have created a Hosting Providers reference page for you here.
Introduction To Digital Portfolio Techniques
This week in class I walked you through a series of slide presentations highlighting the foundation techniques for this semester.
Highlights Include
- Evolution of site design and technologies
- The Magic Poster theory
- Photographers should NOT have to learn code
We also talked a little bit about Responsive Web Design
- The article that started it all: Responsive Web Design at A List Apart
- 30 Responsive Portfolios For Your Inspiration
- If you are interested, the best place to start is A Book Apart: Responsive Web Design
- Fantastic repository of responsive sites: mediaqueri.es
Photography Site Building (CMS) Solutions
Video Notes
Files
Assignment
Your assignment this week is to begin to assemble a hosting plan/situation. I am asking you to gather your information together (if you have it), and make new arrangements if you do not.
With my help, each of you need to resolve the following questions:
- Do I own an internet domain? How many? What is it (or are they)?
- Do I want to get a new internet domain? What is it (or are they)?
- Where is my website currently hosted?
- What is the username to login?
- What is the password to login?
- Have I ever logged in?
- Could I upload some files or a new site if I wanted to?
- Do I want to get a new hosting provider?
- Do I like my email address?
- Do I want to change my email address, or email provider?
