A domain name is the part of your Internet address that comes after "www". For example,in http://www.helpingfoot.com/ the domain name is helpingfoot.com. You DON'T have to havea domain name to have a web site, in which case you will be using someone else's domain.Here are examples of web site addresses that don't have their own domain names:
• www.aol.com/12345/~barbersupplies
• www.msn.com/biz/electronics
• http://teddybearscompany.homestead.com/
These addresses are hard to remember, hard to spell, and difficult to say on one breath.That is why for a business I recommend getting your own domain name. It will look moreprofessional and will create a lot more credibility for your company. To get your owndomain name, you may use one of the domain registrars online.
The one I use is BuyDomains.com. They charge only $16 a year per domain name (unlikeNetwork Solutions' $35), allow you to make changes within 5 days (in case you misspell it- this is the only company to my knowledge that offers this flexibility!), and give you greatsuggestions for your domain name. Just type in the desired domain and you will be givenhundreds of variations to choose from.
In "Create Your First Business Site in 10 days!" I go step by step through choosing andregistering your own domain name. BuyDomains can also host your web site, but let meexplain hosting first.
Hosting your web site
After you register your domain name, you need some place to "host" it. In other words,you need to find a computer to store all your web site files. Can you store them on yourown computer? Sure... but only you and your dog will be able to see your web site :-)
That is why you need a hosting company to host your web site and make it visible toanyone in the world. Sometimes your Internet Access Provider will offer free web space tohost your site as a part of your existing account. You have to call your ISP and ask if theyoffer web site hosting. If they do, ask them how to set it up.
Now, please, don't confuse your hosting company with your ISP. Your ISP is the companythat provides you with Internet Access. They give you a number to dial, a user name and apassword to connect to the Web and start surfing.
A hosting company, on the other hand, physically stores your web site, regardless of whoyour ISP is. In fact, you don't even need Internet access to own a web site. (You DO needit to create it yourself.) These two are totally separate from each other.
However, your ISP can be your hosting company at the same time if they offer suchservices. Many of them do, so before you start looking around, ask your Internet accessprovider if they host web sites. If their prices are reasonable, go for it!
If not, find a hosting company that charges reasonable prices AND provides live technicalsupport. Nothing will help you solve a problem as a live conversation with arepresentative. You will find me referring to BuyDomains over and over again, becausethey are EXCELLENT in customer support and if you are a beginner, you will be gratefulto yourself for choosing them!
