Tech: Register domain name and host

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Grab
Date: 23 Aug 07 - 06:32 AM

For UK hosting, I'm currently with Streamline.net. If you only want to host a site and receive email, it's fine. £18.99 a year (£10 off if you sign up for 2 years) for their "basic" service, including domain registration, which is the cheapest I could find after a ton of searching. No bandwidth limit either.

I've not had my site running long, but no problems so far. The only problem I've had was that they got my FTP password wrong initially, but I raised a ticket and they fixed it the same day.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Aug 07 - 12:36 PM

in the UK

I use UK2.net but they leave a banner ad. A few simple instructions on the homepage will remove that.


I use waitrose.com for hosting my real pages. 10Mb are nearly free, all it should cost is the upload time on dial-up, when updating the pages. If you insist on using broadband, beware - you don't realise how slow dial-up can be - but a lot of folkies still use it and they will see how slow you are. If you only use broadband - then you will be locked-in to a regular cost - somewhere.

My surfing and e-mail and updates via two dial-up providers cost about £8 per quarter. Broadband, when I really really need it, I use at work but I can't update via that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: aussiebloke
Date: 22 Aug 07 - 06:49 AM

Amazing what spam drags to the surface...

My domain/server provider is not on the top ten; I use and recommend Media Temple. I have hired a grid-server from them (whatever that is) which gives me the capacity to host 100 domains in 100gb of server space, with plenty of other online services available; forums, e-commerce, mail aliases and forwarding/autoreply. I can give individuals ftp access to their domain only, I have 'access all areas'.

If ever I have a problem with registering a new domain or transferring an existing domain or setting up the ftp for the new domains their support has been great - timely and precise.

They charge me AUS$15.00 per year to register a *.com domain, and registration of a *.org domain is free. I used this to set up the domain for The Top End Folk Club - http://www.topendfolkclub.org/ website. As we are an Incorporated not for profit club, we can use the *.org suffix.

If any folk clubs or musos need more info about tapping into my grid-server arrangement (I can set up and host your domain), please feel free to PM me or contact via: [e-mail]

Cheers


Martin

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:28 PM

Don't confuse domain names, subdomain names and email accounts. [e-mail] is an email account "abc" at the domain "123.com".

A subdomain would be "abc.123.com", similar to, say, "billing.scam-u.com". If one set up an email account "[e-mail]", this would belong to the primary domain "scam-u.com", not the subdomain "billing.scam-u.com".

Of course, one could set up email accounts for the subdomain: "[e-mail]".

By "pointing to them", it sounds like they only perform domain name redirection to a hosting space (web page storage) you have set up with another provider; they don't supply the hosting space. That's just a guess--I haven't checked their site.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Aug 07 - 07:27 PM

Well, I learn something new every day. The last posting was erroneous. They charge $6.50 per each domain name AND only "point" to them, so it's not really six domains in and of themselves, but most of you probably already knew that.

Anywho...I see I can have sub-domains which are pointed to in my sub-folders or pointed domains, ala the above.

So...if I am understanding correctly, if I registered another domain name, say "ABC.com" under my original hosting name, say "123.com, it would then be [e-mail] or some such? Just trying to get it into my head, so I understand the logic of it. As usual, any assistance with baby steps is appreciated!

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 05:24 PM

Even though I went with start logic, I thought someone might be interested in dot5hosting which I happened upon, today. They use vdeck as does start logic, and they say they offer six domains on one account for $4.95 for per month.

Thanks, again, for all of your input.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Nick
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 07:29 PM

AC: The only limitation was that you had to upload the files to the site via a dial up connection and they presumably made their telecoms cut that way - but it would still be small. Alternatively they only host me - who knows!
Even that limitation isn't there now as I can upload files in small numbers through any connection.
I have been with them in one shape or form for over eight years and can't grumble. The site was not a commercial one and there were very few scripts that you can run and you couldn't run ASP or PHP so I had a forum hosted elsewhere etc but it was (and is) fine. I haven't done anything with it for three years or so and it's still there.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 06:57 PM

Well actually AC, the whole idea was to have the kids run around with little pieces of paper, doing the machine language instructions - obviously designed for US schools, keeping the kids from enjoying themselves was obviously a must.... No wonder that Aussie teachers felt that they were being really taught why their pay was slow...

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 04:18 PM

Fool: And I suppose you remember when electricity ran five million miles to school, uphill, both ways. :-}

Nick: How does FreeUK cover the cost of this service, if there is no advertising?

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Nick
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 09:06 AM

I have used at home and work 123-reg.co.uk for registering domains for years with little or no problems.

If you want a good free host, I have used FreeUK for years. There are no advertisements, no limits that I have come across in terms of bandwidth etc though I wasn't streaming music or anything particularly large. The site has about 60 to 100 pages and has about 500-600 visitors a day but used to have anything up to a few thousand visitors a day.

Depends what you are looking to do

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 08:36 AM

AC

Once upon a time I used a 'virtual computer' which was on paper - you pretended to do the register to register instruections, etc. The clever lunatic who made money out of making and selling these kits had convinced people that teachers needed these kits to teach primary school kids about computers...

:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 07:41 PM

Foolstroupe: Once upon a time, I entered programs in binary using front panel toggle switches, one byte at a time. What's yer point? ;-}

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 11:52 PM

Thanks very much, Bert! Watch for a PM!

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bert
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 09:03 PM

I didn't have much luck with Front Page, it turned out some very verbose html.

Steal whatever you like from my website. PM me if you have any questions or need help.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 30 Jun 07 - 09:25 PM

By "repository", I mean the place where one's web pages repose--typically a user subdirectory on a host's virtual file system. The repository location is seldom a root directory, even on a server dedicated to a single site. More typically, //my.kingdom.gov will map to something like "///www.joe-isp.net/users/~jafic/public/mykingdom".

(Er, that's "just another face in [the] crowd", a bow to this acronym-crazy generation. Why spell anything out for clarity when a few cryptic letters makes you appear ITK?)

(Er, that's "in the know". Don't I sound SAK?)

(Er, that's "savvy and kewl"...)

(Whippersnappers!)

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 07 - 11:14 PM

Oops, missed your note, Bertdarlin'. Thanks for asking. It is going slowly.:-) I will be signing up after the 9th, then will be able to finish the design, etc. I have done the home page in Front Page, but still need to brush up on my html a bit. Grandson is starting preschool about the same time so I will have some time and quiet in which to do so. (Even though I will miss him, I will still get him for an hour or two at the end of the afternoons.)

I'll send you a PM when I get it done. Thanks, again, to everyone.

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bert
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:27 AM

Hi katmeluv,

How's the website going? Let us know when you are up and running.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: treewind
Date: 24 Jun 07 - 06:34 AM

"Reading the fine print on some registration/hosting sites, it appears that with many, you only hold title (as it were) to the domain name as long as you're a client of theirs"

There are some like that. Avoid like the plague. There are plenty of others that aren't. Also you can keep one company as your registrar but move your hosting somewhere else, though they'll often try to persuade you to keep registration and hosting under the same roof.

Now, about IP addresses:
The Domain name database lists a primary DNS (server) for you domain.
That DNS says what IP addresses (there may be several) are associated with that domain.
As the domain owner you can change which primary DNS you use.
The hosting company usually controls the contents of the DNS server.

I'm not sure what all this about "repositories" is supposed to mean - are you talking about the pools of dynamically allocated IP addresses that are used for many dialup and broadband connections? They have very little to do with the domain registration system.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Jun 07 - 09:56 PM

"Domain names actually map to repositories rather than bare IP addresses"

Once upon a time they DID just actually map to bare IP addresses. but tecnical advances keep changing the underlying realities...

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 23 Jun 07 - 03:25 PM

In a more perfect world, we could blithely assume domain registration gives one ownership outright, and that it obviates the need for forwarding. But such is not always the case.

Reading the fine print on some registration/hosting sites, it appears that with many, you only hold title (as it were) to the domain name as long as you're a client of theirs--if you switch reg. agents, you may lose the ability to continue using that domain name with another agent. There may be a hefty charge to transfer the domain name, or the original agent might not even allow a transfer.

Domain names actually map to repositories rather than bare IP addresses (after all, you can never be sure which server--or servers--your host keeps your files on at any time.) But your point is taken: URL translation and reverse-translation ought to occur invisibly and automatically with a properly registered domain name. The question is, which reg. agents play by the rules, rather than fronting proprietary hosting services?

(We can sidestep the issue of URL translation when multiple domains share resources on a single site--not a concern for me.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: treewind
Date: 23 Jun 07 - 05:58 AM

AC, I think you may be missing a point (either that, or I am!)
The whole point of having a domain name (a very good reason for it anyway) is that you can switch providers without your web presence or email address changing.

Your ISP should be a "registration agent" on your behalf, but it should not be the "registrant" - that's YOU!

Re "transparent" forwarding: with a properly hosted domain nothing is forwarded. The IP address associated with your domain name is the IP address of your ISP's actual hosting computer: it doesn't get redirected or forwarded anywhere else.

There are forwarding/redirecting services like Clicknames, which I've used for quick short-term setups, but they have disadvantages as you describe, depending on how they do the redirecting either the pages don't display your domain name, or you can't use a URL that locates a specific page in your site.

The same applies to email forwarding or redirecting: it works well enough but it has some limitations. You really want your email (i.e. mailbox) hosted by the ISP that holds the primary DNS for your domain.

('scuse the dirty language)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 07 - 12:53 PM

Good points, AC! Thanks and, do you recommend one company in particular which meets those requirements?

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Artful Codger
Date: 22 Jun 07 - 11:57 AM

Whom would you recommend for domain name registration? Qualifications:

* Cheap!

* Supports transparent forwarding (so once someone gets to your pages, all links and such appear to have your domain name, not the actual site address.)

* Supports multiple email account forwarding in the base price.

* Isn't proprietary--doesn't require you to use their site hosting, and allows you to switch hosts or transfer your domain name to a different registration service for at most a nominal fee.

I've had to switch ISPs a number of times, and it's always been painful, so I want to ensure that once I stake a claim on a domain name, I'll NEVER have to relinquish "ownership" or be stuck with a particular registrant (and the caprices of its rates, level of service or eventual merger/dissolution.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 11:26 PM

After doing some comparison shopping, thanks to you all, I think I am going to go with Startlogic.

Thanks, again, for all of the links and comments, suggestions, etc. I really appreciate it.

Oh, Bert, your new granddaughter is a cutie!

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 10:08 PM

Yes, thank you very much, Bru and welcome to the Mudcat!

treewind, ouch is right...thanks for the example!*smile*

Thanks to you, too, Susan, Bert and all o'yuhz!

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bru
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 07:45 PM

I use Secure Web Hosting UK. I have two websites and use a separate hosting package for each site, at £29 per hosting package per year. They did the original registratons for the .com domains and the .co.uk domains at £9 per year and £9 per two years respectively.

Secure web hosting are efficient and reliable - I've never had a site down for any length of time in three years. The on-board help files from the control panel are extensive but not friendly for a rank beginner; their ticket system is better. There is no real-time telephone support.

Both my sites are designed at a very basic level in Frontpage and updated via the same software. If I can design and publish a website via Frontpage practically anybody on the planet could.

Hope this adds to the help.

Bru

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 05:06 PM

I used a medium to dark gray. I don't like picture backgrounds too much. I have used pale green, mauve or buff in the past.

Don't use black unless you want people to think you are a rock group or tatoo parlour.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Susan of DT
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 04:42 PM

I use startlogic also. They register the domain and host the site. This time it was $60/year for 2 years. I haven't had any problems. They have good reports. But it is not a high volume site. I only need two or three clients a year, so I am not going for fancy tricks. I used MS Frontpage to put it together, but they have some sort of web page language. Mine is sofriedman.com

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: treewind
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 04:42 PM

Background: anything light, and the text dark.
I don't mind headers and menus in white or light text on dark or black background, but for body text I find dark on light easier to read.

Definitely NOT any mixture of medium tones.
This sort of thing or this REALLY hurts your eyes! (ouch - sorry!)

Graphics make nice backgrounds too. Either colour gradients or pictures, but lighten and blur them - like the one I used here where the text is over a very pale tileable blur of the picture which I use as text background everywhere on that site.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: GUEST,highlandman
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 04:16 PM

>how do you all feel about backgrounds?
Always check them. You don't want a paroled axe murderer reading your web pages, do you?

Oh, you meant page backgrounds.

I like a sort of parchment color. I also like to make the page background an intense color but put the content in a table with the lighter background.

Make sure to use one of the "web" color palette, too, otherwise you can get strange results on some browsers.

-G

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 03:32 PM

Thanks, treewind and highlandman. I will look those sites over.

Another question: how do you all feel about backgrounds? Nothing fancy, nor distracting...what is the easiest colour to read text on, besides white, in your opinion?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 12:12 PM

LOL Jim Lad.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: treewind
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 10:54 AM

This comes up from time to time in a web authoring newsgroup I read.
Recommendations I've seen include
Andrews and Arnold
liquidsix.com
34sp.com
gradwell.com
nildram.co.uk

I get free hosting for several domains included with my ISP (ADSL provider): PlusNet who aren't too bad.
I also use UKFSN (UK Free Software Network) for Suffolk Folk (token folk content for thread...)
I moved Suffolk Folk from 1and1 when I took over their IT because they were pissed off with 1and1.

These aren't all cheap, but they are competent. Some are quite small operations.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: GUEST,highlandman
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 10:34 AM

Not on that top 10, but I've done several organizational web sites on Godaddy. They are competitively priced, their tech support people have been helpful when I needed them, and the site uptime has been excellent. You can use their templates or ftp as elaborate a site as you care to design.
-Glenn

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 09:22 AM

I am that, Jim Lad, but haven't chosen one (domain host, there's only one Wee Red in m'life!) yet!**BG**

Thanks, everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Jim Lad
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 03:42 AM

Bert: The only reason Kat went with your suggestion, was the redheaded kid in the bathtub. She's a sucker for wee redheads!
Grin!
Jim

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 03:17 AM

I would avoid 1and1 like the plague. I've had nothing but trouble from them, and when I googled about some of the problems I was having it seems there are thousands - if not more - of dissatisfied customers.

Not sure about alternatives as I use a UK company now (eclipse.net).

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Darowyn
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 02:46 AM

I have my websites and domains with 1and1, and find them very easy and cheap.
I have seen some people complaining about them on various groups, but I and the three other colleagues who use 1and1 are all perfectly happy with them. Perhaps it's worth mentioning that we are all with 1and1.co.uk, and the complaints are about 1and1.com.
Perhaps there is a difference.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:38 PM

Thanks, Bert. If I go with them, I will be sure to give you credit.:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 07:57 PM

Now that kat has mentioned it - I'd like info on an Aussie based one too..

Subject: RE: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: Bert
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 07:47 PM

I went with Startlogic. They seem pretty good. The price is OK.

Email is just a little slow and there was a misunderstanding over one problem I had but it did get resolved.

If you decide to go with them mention you heard it from 'newgatesknocker.com' and i might get a small rebate on my next bill.

Here is my website which they host. Also Rachael uses the same website which she accesses through www.casainteriors.biz

Subject: Tech: Register domain name and host
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 07:40 PM

I know how to do both, but I would appreciate any input as to WHO to go with for both registration of a domain name and website hosting. In particular, I'd like to know if any Mudcatters have any experience with what is supposedly the TOP TEN LIST.

This will be for a service offered, so mostly just need it for contact info, testimonials, and text.

Thanks!