Website Usernames & Passwords Explained

With any web development project, there are a number of aspects that if performed properly will make for a smooth and productive workflow. The first and possibly most important of these is communication. There is always some initial communication between the developer(s) and client to discuss the scope of the project. Once deliverables are defined and timelines are set, the next step is for the developers to gain access to the website and begin the work. Simple enough, right? Not necessarily.

Depending on the website and what needs to be done, there may be a collection of username/password combinations that will allow developers to complete the project. For someone who isn't 'web savvy' understanding the difference between these can be quite confusing. Ever received an explanation from a doctor or lawyer using industry terms that make absolutely no sense? Perhaps you replied by saying "Now can you explain that in plain English?" Hopefully, this explanation of common username and password combinations will help you to understand just what it is that your web person is asking for and where to retrieve it.

FTP (file transfer protocol) is the most common way to connect to a web server. This is virtually essential to upload and download files to a website. This is typically the first username and password combination any web developer will need to begin working on your website.

This next username and password your web developer may require is to your hosting control panel. This is where your hosting account is configured and includes important features like email and database management. Control panels vary depending on your hosting provider, but quite often this will be a cPanel and located at http://www.your-website.com/cpanel.

A CMS (content management system) is the framework or software that allows you to add, edit, and delete content on your website without knowledge of HTML or other scripting languages. Joomla and Mambo are perhaps the most popular CMS programs.

DNS (domain name server) records are responsible for pointing your domain name to the correct server. Without this you would have to type in a series of numbers to access a particular website, much like dialing a phone number to talk to a person. Imagine having to remember an eight digit number or each website! Can you even remember the phone numbers of your 10 closest contacts? I thought so. The username and password for your DNS records will be the same as your domain registrar.

Your domain registrar is the website where you actually purchased your domain name. GoDaddy.com and NetworkSolutions.com are a few popular examples.

As if that weren't enough already, those of you that have an online store will also have a seperate username and password to manage your e-commerce solution. There are loads of e-commerce solutions out there, but OsCommerce, Zen Cart, VirtueMart, and X-Cart are a few popular ones. This may also be integrated with your CMS as in the case of Joomla and VirtueMart.

The username/password combinations mentioned above are a few of the most common required for website development and maintenance. These may vary depending on the specifics of your website, hosting provider, and domain registrar. Hopefully this will help to clarify some of the confusion that may come when working with your developer, designer, or webmaster.