Registering a domain name

[fmctm1sw]

I want to register a domain name and host my own website. I see a lot of places to register but they all offer free websites and web builders, etc. I want/need none of that. I just need to register a name. On another front, what does my ISP need to know about this? Anything? What's the best way to do this?

[gadgetguy]

I'm not sure about registering, but you need to involve your ISP in the process. Most ISP agreements for home service have a clause excluding having a web server (sometimes just referred to as server), and hosting a website may cost you your internet connection. Even if they allow it, you'll need to have a permanent IP address and adequate bandwidth to accommodate the traffic. Your ISP may be able to offer a dynamic package that can grow with your needs.

[fmctm1sw]

I'm not sure about registering, but you need to involve your ISP in the process. Most ISP agreements for home service have a clause excluding having a web server (sometimes just referred to as server), and hosting a website may cost you your internet connection. Even if they allow it, you'll need to have a permanent IP address and adequate bandwidth to accommodate the traffic. Your ISP may be able to offer a dynamic package that can grow with your needs.

Ok. I told them when I signed up that I need a static IP address so I could host a web server. Probably went in one ear and out the other. So I have a static IP address but no domain name yet...

[thecoalman]

You can host it from your home connection but most ISP's forbid this, if that's there policy whether or not they are going to care probably depends on how much traffic you generate. Plus there are other things to consider, how static is your static IP? Mine is static but if I unplug the modem and plug it back in later the IP changes. For www.yoursite.com to go to that IP it has to to have a DNS entry, if your IP changes it takes up to a week for the new IP to propogate. In other words people are going to be going to an old IP and getting a "page not found".

Registering can be acoomplised through hundreds of comapnies and only cost a few bucks per year. Network Solutions is one comapny but there are literally hundreds of others.

Having said that... I'd suggest getting a hosting plan especially if you are new to this. $10 a month will get you everthing you need including the domain registration.

http://hosting.aplus.net/soloxr.html

As far as all the extras that's just what they are, extras. Just about every place I've seen throws out a few bones to entice you to use their service. Just don't use them if you don't want them.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Ok. I told them when I signed up that I need a static IP address so I could host a web server. Probably went in one ear and out the other. So I have a static IP address but no domain name yet...

Check the agreement and see if you can host from home. But, bear in mind that, if you get tons of traffic, it all has to travel up-and-down your own connection between you and the ISP.

In my own case, my ISP also hosts my website. I get unlimited storage, bandwidth, full control, multiple email accounts etc etc for $10. My ISP is local and provides excellent support. They also handle the domain name registration each year.

Having an ISP host my site also means they have the responsibility to maintain the server, create backups etc etc.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Mine is static but if I unplug the modem and plug it back in later the IP changes.

Then it's dynamic. Static means that, no matter what, your ISP will always grant your connection the same IP address - every time.

[fmctm1sw]

Thanks for the advice. My IP address is definately static. I got it free when I signed up with Bellsouth. Unfortunately, they are not local. I may look into the services you all mentioned.

[thecoalman]

Then it's dynamic. Static means that, no matter what, your ISP will always grant your connection the same IP address - every time.

Well it's practically static hasn't changed more than 3 times in 2 or 3 years... :P Modem is always plugged in.... that may have even changed as comcast took over my old provider.

[handyguy]

If you have a domain name you have to also park it somewhere. Park means you don't have it hosted.

[gadgetguy]

I'd still be wary of that static IP address. It's my understanding that home connections are not truly static, but are actually dynamic with a permanently assigned IP address. Meaning that everytime your server (or firewall, or whatever is the direct link to your ISP), reboots it re-aquires the same address based on the assignment table at the ISP. If you replace the network interface (thus providing a new MAC address) a new IP will be assigned and your website won't work until you get it straightened out with the ISP.

[TX_BADBOY]

godaddy is a good place to register your domain name and they have a cheap hosting package for 3.99 a month. It's 8.95 a year to register a .com name. I have 8 domain names registered with them.

[Choptop]

If you are just looking for a simple way to host a web site from your home using something like Microsofts "personal web server" you can get a name at no-ip.com. I have a true static connection and have been using there service for a coupla years and it works great.
You end up with an extra piece of name in your domain name though. Thay have several extenders to choose from. You end up with some thing like http://fmctm1sw.stufftoread.com
as a name. You can also register a real name like www.fmctm1sw.com with places like register.com and they will redirect to your http://fmctm1sw.stufftoread.com for free. I also do that. but it takes a bit of hocus pocus to get rid of the banner at the bottom if you use the redirect for free, but it can be done.

[RabidDog]

Any GOOD free website builders?.. I am thinking of building a site (Eco warming overpopulation Iraq war Apocalyptic breakdown, all wrapped up in a manga sausage). Some ISP's will provide static IP's either on request or for a few extra bucks.

Gadgetguy .. not everyone is using a network interface, thus no MAC address.. how fast can usb modems go? capable of 24mbps?