What are templates?

A template is a type of Joomla! extension that defines the look of your site.   It is your site's design. It is the architectural stucture for your content and navigation systems.

The Template controls the way your website is presented to the user viewing your website's content.   It is the visual layout of how your site is organized.

Joomla has two free templates included in the default installation.  They are basic designs that give you flexibility for simple websites to more complex websites.  If you do not need extra extra functionality, these free templates can quickly give you a professional looking website.

You can also purchase templates from template clubs.  These templates give you more choice for design layout, often give you added functionality such as slideshows as well as more module positions and colour themes.  

A good template is not only visually pleasing, but makes navigation and the layout of content user friendly to your site visitors.  It is an extension of the site owner's business or not for profit identity.

What is a mobile ready or responsive template?

A mobile ready or responsive template is when the site's template design adapts or responds to the different size screens from a desktop or laptop screen to a tablet or smart phone screen.  This makes navigation user friendly depending on the device.  No more text too small to read or sideways scrolling compared to a non responsive template.

These days, not only are responsive templates making it easy for your site visitors to navigate your website on a mobile device, Google will rank mobile ready sites higher than if the template is using the old non responsive technology.