| With prices going up, there are many people that | | | | To host your domain however, you need some |
| would rather not pay for a domain name. They don't | | | | expertise. You need to be able to set up some sort |
| want to do this because usually they are running their | | | | of server that will route people from that domain |
| website in addition to having a primary job, and don't | | | | name, to the numbers that are assigned to your |
| really have the funds to pay for a domain name | | | | website on the internet. There are many people who |
| along with a mortgage, gas, food, and family | | | | cannot do this, and it cannot be explained in one |
| expenses if they happen to have a family. So the | | | | single article. You'll need to figure out what sort of |
| question that so many people ask is "Can I register a | | | | server you want as well. There are a few different |
| domain name myself?" The answer of course, is yes, | | | | types of server software packages out there, and |
| so long as you have the technical expertise in | | | | the more popular one is Windows Server 2003. It is a |
| addition to the equipment to pull it off. | | | | bit expensive but it comes with all the tools you |
| What you need to understand is that URL's (website | | | | need to route a domain. If you are feeling |
| addresses) aren't actually names. In reality they are | | | | adventurous, then you could always use Linux, which |
| numbers, such as: 122.122.666.122. So let's say that | | | | is a server operating system in itself. Linux is a bit |
| you want a website called "galoopaploop.com". That's | | | | cheaper than windows in that it's free of charge but |
| all fine and good, because once you establish the | | | | more difficult to figure out. You could also opt to use |
| website, it will be assigned a number, and people will | | | | a UNIX based operating system which can cost quite |
| be able to get to your website using that number. | | | | a bit more money, but if money is tight you can use |
| The next thing you have to do is purchase a domain | | | | FreeBSD which is based on UNIX and completely |
| name. If you get and have it hosted, and associated | | | | free. |
| with the number of your site, then suddenly people | | | | You also need to keep in mind that when you ask |
| will be able to get to it using that address. | | | | the question: "Can I register a domain name myself?", |
| That works just fine, but when people realize how | | | | you have to get an internet connection capable of |
| expensive it can get for domain hosting, they once | | | | handling the load. Therefore if you plan to have a lot |
| again begin asking "Can I register a domain name | | | | of traffic to your website you are going to need a |
| myself?". In order to do this, you would go to a | | | | T1 line or better. If you try to do this on a residential |
| website from which you can purchase domain names. | | | | line, your ISP is going to come after you with |
| Usually they aren't very expensive and will only cost | | | | torches and pitchforks. Take it from someone who |
| about $20 per year so long as they're not some high | | | | tried. |
| profile domain name that everyone wants. Once you | | | | So yes, you can register a domain name yourself, |
| purchase your domain name you are free to do | | | | but you need to be certain that you know what |
| whatever you want with it. | | | | you're getting into, and be prepared for it! |