Preparing yourself (and your computer) for the course

In this course, we will be using an FTP client a lot. I recommend you download either Filezilla (which I personally find a bit counterintuitive) or Cyberduck. Cyberduck is a great, easy to operate FTP browser for Windows and Mac. The interface is really simple and offers all you need to work on your website project. Many hosters offer an FTP client within their C-Panel. But often you cannot perform bulk actions and you have to go into all folders and delete from bottom to top, starting with single files. That can be a pain...

Throughout the different lessons, I will be using Cyberduck when working with the FTP tasks. So if you are new to working with FTP, you might want to go with Cyberduck. That will make it easier for you to follow along.

Once you've installed the FTP client on your computer, just let it sit there. We will get back to it later.

Folders for a structured approach

As mentioned in the video, you will be preparing all files and data, programs and software before we start building your website. So you might want to create a folder structure on your computer to save all the materials we will be downloading or notes you take. It's going to be a lot of files. I recommend you use subfolders named after the respective lesson. That way you will know exactly where to find what.

If you prefer, I have created a folder structure for you. You can download it below (WordPress for Translators.zip). Simply unzip and move the main folder with subfolders to a convenient location on your computer. You might not need all the subfolders, but better safe than sorry.

What else to prepare now?

Now is a good time to make preparation a habit. I've created a file for you that you can download and print and use to note down your credentials and keep them in a safe place. Of course, you can always store passwords on your computer, and select auto-save in your browser. Personally, I prefer to have that kind of data on paper, just in case. Share my opinion? Then download the PDF below. Print the 2nd page, fill in the required information as you come across it (during later lessons) and keep the paper in a safe place.

Finally, online tools: Sign up for some of my favorites or bookmark them

• Canva
  If you don't already have an account with Canva, go sign up now. It will help you immensely when you prepare your images. There is a free version and a monthly subscription. The latter lets you download images with transparent backgrounds and file your artwork into folders.
  Link: Canva.com
• Compressor.io
  Bookmark this page. You will be using it to compress your images before uploading them to your website. The service is free.
  Link: Compressor.io
• Am I Responsive
  A beautiful online tool you should bookmark right now. Once your first pages are created, you can run them through their software and see what they look like on different devices. Free.
  Link: ResponsiveDesign.is
• FlatIcon
  Bookmark this! You might need other icons than your theme provides. FlatIcon features an abundance of icons for all kinds of things. Simply search for what you need and pick from the options. There is a free option (must credit the designer, which you can do in your legal info). You can download the icons in any color and in different sizes and file formats.
  Link: FlatIcon.com
• 16Personalities (purely optional)
  Take this test... You might ask yourself why on earth you should take a personality test when you want to build a website. But if you're a little bit like me and about 99% of all people, writing about yourself can be super difficult. I've had a few clients take this test when they were at loss for words about themselves and it really helped them. Plus, it's fun!
  Link: 16personalities.com