Beginning to learn about blogging largely consists of learning the terminology used by bloggers. You’ll need to understand these terms: blog, platform, domain and web host. Once you understand these essentials of blogging, you’ll be able to talk about blogging as if you’ve done it for years. Once you know exactly what a blog is and how it works, you’ll be ready to pass your blogging 101 exam with flying colors.

Blog is short for weblog. A weblog, or blog is made up of posts which are organized chronologically, sort of like a diary, only online. Most blogs are text only, but there are a growing number of photo blogs and even video blogs. To start your blog, you’ll have to learn a little about the technical details - hosts, webhosts and platforms.

First, there are platforms. A platform is the software which you’ll use to edit and write your posts and upload them to your blog. Platforms also include tools which you can use to customize the design of your blog; colors, fonts and more elements which can personalize your blog are there for your use.

The next term is web host. A web host refers to the company (or a server owned by that company) which is the “residence” of your blog. Think of it as a sort of file cabinet where the blog posts you write are stored.

The last term is domain; this is simply the website address of your blog, which usually ends in .com.

Once you learn all of these important terms which every blogger has to know, you deserve a reward: you have successfully completed blogging 101!