Two things you will need to get your website started:
Web
Host or Web Server: This is the space that you
purchase to store all the files that
create your website and any emails you
receive.This is also where your email is stored for any email account you might own.
You can
purchase this at many places but I have
found 1&1 hosting to be the most affordable hosting companies out there. Starting at $4 a month (billed bi-annually) you get a whole lot of space 10GB (that's 10,000mb). Most websites use less than 5mb of space. They also include a free domain name (www.yourname.com). So skip the step 2 below!
OR if you would prefer to spend a bit more but have an eco-friendly company host your website (powered by wind and solar energy), then check out ThinkHost. They are about $18 a month for 100GB (that's 100,000mb). Most websites use less than 5mb of space. However, if you sign up for a 2 year plan, they can go to as little as $8 a month.
Domain
Name: This is the web
address (www.yourname.com) you will
be able to type in to find your website.If your domain name isn't included in your web hosting plan (it is included with 1&1 hosting) you can purchase
this seperately at many places. I have found NameCheap to be one of the most affordable places
out there (about $9 a year), but they
still offer a lot of options and do not
charge you later on for making changes
to your account. If you decide to go with this company, instructions are below.
On the top navigation bar, click on "Web Hosting".
On the next page, you'll see a chart, the left column says "1&1 Beginner Package" click on "Sign Up" below that.
On the next page it asks you to choose a domain. Even if you need to purchase or transfer a domain name, just click "Choose a Domain Later". It is much easier and faster if I set the domain name up for you later.
You do not need to sign up for the Symantec Special Internet Security Offer on the next page. Just click "No, Thank You, Continue Order".
On the next page just click "Continue".
On the next page it asks your name and address. This name is hard to change later, so try to put in a name you'll want associated with this account for awhile.
The password you enter you will need to give to me. So pick something you're ok with telling/emailing me.
Follow the billing
instructions provided. Be sure to give them the credit card you are ok with bi-annually auto-payments being made to.
Be sure to save the first emails sent to you from
1&1.
You have to send me two things so I
can access this account and make the changes
necessary to get your website up, purchase or transfer any domain names, and set up email accounts:
I need the password you created.
I also need the Customer ID number they emailed to you.
On the top navigation bar, click on "Hosting Plans ".
Click on the "Join Now" button.
Fill out all your contact and billing information.
Please save all emails sent to you from
ThinkHost for your records. Also, please forward these emails to me so I
can access this account and make the changes
necessary to get your website up.
In the yellow
box on the right search for a domain name
that you want (Example: www.yourname.com).
It will list whether
or not the name you typed in is available.
Once you find
a name that is available, check the box
next to the name you would like and below
that column click on "Add to cart."
Select the amount
of years you would like to purchase this
domain for at this time and click on "Checkout."
Follow the billing
instructions provided.
Please save all emails sent to you from
NameCheap for your records. Also, please forward these emails to me so I
can access this account and make the changes
necessary to get your website up.
