Domain Name. Are you ready?

So are you ready for a domain name? You want to try something, and don't want to come out any money. Is it possible? The answer is YES.

HOW?

What's a domain name? A domain name is the name that you typed to go to a website. An example is www.google.com, or its IP address 72.14.207.99. An important purpose of domain names is to provide easily recognizable and memorizable names, to numerically addressed Internet resources. A domain name must be hosted on a webserver. Article by Gazali at www dot gazali dash ahmad dot c o dot c c. Proclivity for objectivity.
There are various types of domain names. Usually ".com" refers to a company; ".org" an organisation; ".net" a company doing an Internet business. And many more like ".biz", ".info", ".tv". There are no hard and fast rule about it. It can also have a country code after it. For example ".com.sg" refers to a company based in Singapore, ".com.my" Malaysia.

Most webhosting companies give a free domain name when you signed up for their webhosting package. For example, iPage. And its cheap, only USD$3.50 (about SGD$5) a month.

Now let's say you are just trying out stuff. You don't want to commit any money, only time. What you need to, is register a co.cc domain name. Click the image below. Don't worry, its free.


Do take note that some domain name have a price attached. Once you signed up and register your domain name, usually they will tell you to set-up within 48 hours, or it will be erased.

Here is where you have to decide. Do you want a blog or just simply a static website?

Blogs.
You can use two popular flatforms: Blogger or Wordpress. Why these two? There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of websites, that gives you free advice on Blogger or Wordpress. So you won't be stuck in the woods.

For Blogger its quite simple, just go to Blogger, and register there. If you have a gmail account just use it. Then make sure you set the custom domain to your domain name. Once done go back to co.cc and set up the Zone records accordingly. It can take as long as 48 hours for the change to take effect. Usually its done in a couple of hours. Click here for details.

Wordpress is a bit more complicated. Usually it needs a webhost, thus its not free in that sense. Go to Blogetery and sign up for the free wordpress blog there. Then set the custom domain to point to your domain name and update your DNS record in co.cc.

Static Website.
If you are not planning to regularly update your website, a static website would suit you best. For that you need a webhost like Bravenet. Once you signed up, make sure you add your domain name and set your DNS in co.cc.

For Bravenet it guides you on how to set up your website. There are templates for you to follow. All you need to do, is decide on the number of pages and key in your content. And you be up and running with your own website.

Take note though, Wordpress can also be configured as a static website.

Limitations.
There are limitations in using free stuff. First, most are add-supported. What it means is that your website will be peppered with ads. If you don't mind, I guess its ok. For free webhost, you will not get full functionality. You will be limited in some of the applications. The site could be down often. Or, if you do not regularly log-in, your account will be deleted.

If you are new, I suggest you try the free stuff first. This way, you'll get yourself familiarize with the settings and concepts. You can experiment and see what works and what doesn't. And when you are comfortable, then use the paid services. For Blogger it cost only USD$10 a year. For webhost its only USD$3.50 a month.

Besides, with a paid service, you can rest assured that you get full functionality and your account won't be deleted for inactivity. And do you really need to think that hard for USD$10 per year or USD$3.50 a month?

Photo Credits: "Website Finger Hold" by Jason_Santa_Maria.