Free software programs: Web Editing Program (2/2)
Domain Names are like mail addresses, they tell users where to find your Website.
All domain names must be unique, no two "addresses" can be the same, but note that names like "www.mysite.com", "www.mysite.org" and "www.mysite.net" are three different and unique names because of the .com, .org and .net suffix.
Since you can use hyphen(s) and a combination of letters and digits in your name - but not spaces - names like "www.mysite29.com" and "www.my-site.com" are OK.
Visit a domain registrar to search for an available domain name, but be warned that some domain registrars charge exorbitant prices.
When you have found a unique name you can purchase it by paying a yearly fee.
Tip: Don't pay more than $10 - 12 a year for a .com - name!
I recommend a U.S. domain registrar called GoDaddy.com. They have inexpensive prices and excellent service.
When you feel that your site is ready for the world you need a Web host, and just as the Internet is without boundaries so is Web hosting.
It does not matter where in the world your Web host is located, what's important is that they can provide the level of service you need.
I use - and recommend - two hosting providers.
The U.S. hosting company Hostgator; if you need hosting for more than one site they offer an excellent deal where you can host as many sites as you like for one low price. Check them out!
The other hosting provider is calles Runbox, and will give you both hosting and a state of the art email account for a tad under $ 50 a year. Host up to 3 domains, and get 200 Mb space.
When you plan to build a small or medium-sized Website without thousands of pages this is the best deal around!
Of course it's possible to get free Web hosting, and if you don't mind losing control of what's going on at your site you too can get Web hosting for nothing. All it takes is for you to let the "free" hosting company place unwanted advertising on your site.
Free Web hosting with forced advertising can possibly be an option for a private "homepage", but for a business site, a club site or an organization it is definitely not a good idea.
The total cost of building and maintaining your Website for one year (hosting, domain name plus the NVU editing program): Around $ 60 - 120 depending on your choice of hosting provider.
Download the Web Editing Program "NVU" now (opens in a new window)