Static Websites

There are effectively four different types of websites:

1. Static: a static website is one that is created in a Web Editor Package and used to show the same message again and again. Change is cumbersome but possible by the author however it generally remains static.

2. Active: an active website is different in that it is database driven and is often referred to as a Web 2 technology. Here the content can be easily changed, and choices can be made about which users get to view which content. A blog is an example of an active website.

3. Branded: a branded website is one that displays distinct ownership to a particular company or organisation. When visitors arrive at a branded website they immediately know where they are. CQ University's website is an example of a branded website.

4. Editable: an editable website is self managed and self edited. This can reduce wait times for changes to a website by an administrative authority. This type of site is ideal for quick moving or short-lived events.

Static websites had been favoured over Active websites in the past as early search engines were more able to index static sites, however with improvements to search engine capabilities it is argued that active sites offer attractive alternatives over the static design, which it is claimed "just sits there passively". (Novack 2005)


Gembiz website: http://www.gembiz.co.uk/page71.html

Novack, B.J. (2005). Dynamic vs Static Website Design. [electronic resource]. Retrieved August 15, 2009 from http://kickasswebdesign.com/wordpress/2007/04/dynamic-vs-static-website-design/