The Arts Computing Office offers two basic options for creating websites for faculty, staff, or UW-affiliated groups that do not qualify for a site on the campus WCMS or the Arts Research web server. Deciding which option is best for you depends upon your web development skill level and how involved you want to be in the process. For those who will be concerned mainly with the content of their site and do not want to learn Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) or Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) then WordPress is the best choice. If you need something quite specific that cannot be provided by our installation of WordPress, then you may need to build your site from scratch. Regardless of your choice, there are two things you need to keep in mind. First is system security. If the site is on the web, it will be attacked, constantly and relentlessly, and so it must be secure to begin with and patched regularly. And second, it must meet both accessibility requirements anduniversity guidelines.
WordPress
WordPress was originally designed as an easy way to create blogs and it still adheres to this format, but now offers even more functionality. WordPress limits the amount of control you have over your website’s layout, but it is easy to use and add content to. It has two different content types: posts, and basic pages. Basic pages are web pages which can appear as links in your website navigation, while posts appear on a category page, or display on your front page. Your old posts will get pushed down the page when you upload a new post, so the newest information is always on top.
The Arts Computing Office currently offers three themes in WordPress. The themes are clean and simple, and one is even Waterloo themed if you’re interested in showing off your school spirit. The Arts Computing Office does not encourage the installation of additional themes or modules on WordPress, unless a case can be made for their addition. There is also no documentation offered by the university for WordPress, so you’ll have to search for instructions on how to use WordPress on your own: a lot of information is available with a quick google search. WordPress is ideal for student societies or faculty members looking for a simple website which can be set up quickly and easily maintained.
HTML & CSS
The other type of website available from the Arts Computing Office is a public_html directory under which you can build a website using HTML and CSS. We restrict access to this type of site to those individuals who need functionality not available through WordPress and can dedicate the time and expertise to keep the site secure and up-to-date.
Let’s start with the basics. HTML & CSS are not so much a “type of website” as they are the basic building blocks to creating a website. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language, while CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. In other words, HTML lays down your content and format (headings, links, images) while CSS gives your page style (fonts, colours, and layout).
HTML & CSS give you a great deal of control when it comes to building your website. You get to work with a totally blank canvas and build upwards from there. You can use thousands of beautifully designed templates built for use with just plain HTML and CSS editing. These templates come with other types of code embedded in them to give your website more functionality and pizazz.
Templates are a good option for building your site quickly, but are completely useless if you’re not dedicated to learning how to work with HTML & CSS code. Depending on how much time you plan to dedicate to building your website and how much design detail you’d like it to have, this method may be for you. You’ll need to learn, at the very least, to identify different types of HTML tags, and if you want to change the style you’ll need to understand CSS code and how it works.
There are software programs available for purchase that will write the CSS and HTML for you, such as Dreamweaver and Contribute (these programs used to be the way all department websites were maintained). These programs are expensive though, and take their own time to learn, but are a good option if you’re looking for both control and ease of maintenance.
All in all, HTML & CSS are always a good option, but they require time and dedication to your website when you’re building it. I would not recommend student societies build their websites this way as the sites are hard to maintain if the person in charge of handling the website changes frequently. However, if you’re a faculty member interested in creating your own website, or need something special for a research project and are quick to learn when it comes to technology, this may be an option for you.
If you want to learn more about WordPress, you can read about it at WordPress.org. Their website will provide you with even more information. Please bear in mind that the ACO does not support or provide access to all of WordPress’s functions. If you are looking for a good place to start your education in HTML and CSS, check out the tutorials on HTMLDOG.com. Finally – no matter what type of website you do opt for – you’ll want to check out the University of Waterloo’s web resources for best practices and website management tips.
References
[i] [Website Creation]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.synagila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/responsive-design.jpg
