Computer Configuration and Browser Requirements for Building a Website

The first piece of good news for newbies who want to learn how to build a website with WordPress is.It requires very little computer equipment. You don't need to buy an expensive high end computer, the vast majority of modern computers, both Windows and Mac, are perfectly suited for WordPress administration and content creation.

This chapter will give you a detailed breakdown of the required computer configuration and browser choices, so you can start your site-building journey with confidence.

​First, the computer configuration requirements: in fact, your computer will almost certainly be enough​

Most of the computational stress of a WordPress build is on theServers(where your website is hosted), not on your local computer. Your computer is just a “control terminal” for accessing and managing the WordPress backend.

​Minimum configuration (bottom line that works).​

• Operating System.Windows 7 / Mac OS X 10.10 or later.
• Processor.Dual core processor.
• Memory.4 GB RAM.
• ​Hard disk space.At least a couple dozen GB of free space (for installing software and storing material).
• ​Networking.Stable Internet connection.

​Recommended configuration (smooth experience).​

• Operating System.Windows 10 / 11 or macOS Catalina and higher.
• ​Processor.Modern quad-core or higher processors (e.g. Intel i5/i7/M series or AMD Ryzen series).
• Memory.​ ​8 GB RAM or more. This is to make sure that you remain smooth when you have multiple programs open at the same time, such as browsers, image processing software, documents, and so on.
• ​Hard disk.​ ​solid state driveSSDs can dramatically increase the speed of your system and software, delivering a leaps and bounds improvement in experience.
• Networking.Stable, high-speed broadband internet. Because you need to frequently upload images and install themes/plugins in the background, a good network can save a lot of waiting time.

​Highlights.​

• Image Processing.If you need to process a lot of HD images (e.g. photo blogs, e-commerce websites), then a faster processor, more RAM, and an SSD would be more advantageous. But for regular screenshots and mobile photo editing, any computer is more than enough.
• ​Core principles.Your computer.Doesn't need to be a top-of-the-line gaming PC or professional workstation. An ordinary laptop or desktop used for daily office work, watching movies, and internet classes is perfectly adequate for you to learn and run a WordPress website.

---

​II. Browser requirements: choice is more important than configuration​

Your browser is the “gateway” to your WordPress backend, and it's important to choose a modern, standard, and up-to-date browser.

​Recommended Browser (either one will do).​

The following browsers all offer the best compatibility and experience with the WordPress backend.

1. Google Chrome.​ ​Highly recommended for new developers. The world's largest market share, fast, excellent compatibility. Its powerful “developer tools” is the subsequent learning debugging website style and problems of the magic weapon.
2. Mozilla Firefox.Another excellent option, known for its strong privacy protection features and rich developer tools.
3. Microsoft Edge.Based on the Chromium kernel (same kernel as Chrome), it has excellent performance and good integration with Windows.
4. Safari.The default browser for Mac users is well optimized and very smooth and power saving. But for some advanced debugging tools, it may not be as good as Chrome and Firefox.

​Core requirements.​

• Be sure to use the latest version of your browser!Older browsers may have security vulnerabilities and may not display the modern interface and some features of the Word backend correctly.
• Keep your browser up to date: All major browsers are automatically updated, make sure you enable this feature.

​Not a recommended browser.​

• ​Internet Explorer.​ ​Never use it!Microsoft has officially stopped supporting IE, whose aging standards are not compatible with the modern WordPress backend and are subject to all sorts of display errors and functionality glitches.
• whicheverUnknown, non-mainstreamof the browser.

---

​Third, the novice must use the browser skills​

For a better site building experience, it is recommended that you learn to use two basic features of your browser:

1. Traceless Window.​
   • What is it?A privacy mode that does not record your browsing history, cookies and login information.
   • ​When do I use it?When you change your site settings (such as theme styles) but don't see the changes when refreshing the frontend, it's most likely due to browser caching. Use theNo Trace WindowOpen your website and see the most up-to-date and authentic state of affairs.
   • ​How do I open it?(computer) shortcut key Ctrl+Shift+N(Windows) or Command+Shift+N(Mac).
2. Clear the cache.​
   • What is it?Browsers temporarily store website files (e.g., images, CSS) to speed up loading, but this can sometimes cause you to see a version that is not the most recent.
   • When do I use it?Works similarly to the No Trace Window. When the site is updated and not displaying properly, try theClear cache and hard reload。
   • How does it work?Right-click on the browser page, select “Inspect” or “Review Elements”, and then in the Developer Tools panel that opens.Long press the refresh buttonIf you want to use this option, select “Empty Cache and Hard Reload”.

​Summary and action checklist​

1. Check your computer.Rest assured that it 99% is likely to fit the bill.
2. ​Download/update the browser.If you don't have it, downloadGoogle ChromemaybeMicrosoft Edge. If you do, check and update to the latest version.
3. Practice shortcuts.Try using Ctrl+Shift+N(Or Cmd+Shift+N) Opens an unmarked window.

Now, your “battle gear” - computer and browser - is ready. Next, we can get to the real centerpiece:domain nameandServersUp!