domains

[ianess]

For the benefit of the totally clueless can someone explain exactly what a domain is, the advantages or otherwise of having one, and how easy it is to get one?  Many thanks.

[j2buttonsw]

I guess you mean a www domain rather than having a computer network with a domain controller. If you want to have a website you can use a domain that you like. You can also have your own e-mail address based on your domain rather than having your isp address or hotmail/yahoo. For example, I own www.j2buttonsw.co.uk but I don't have a web site (because I am too lazy to set one up). However I can collect any e-mail sent to this address (anybody@). The trouble is that most of the good one have gone (like j2buttonsw) so you have to search for an available one. www.ianess.co.uk could be available (click it and see)

[OBonio]

To find out if a domain is free (as in not registered), have a look here : http://uk2.net/

 

I used them to setup my domain as they seemed cheap.  However, they get you over a barrel if you want to do anything 'special' with it (DNS management, non-frames based website etc) and they start charging more.  Especially if you want to transfer the domain to another company in the future.  If all you want is some email and a non too special website then I'd recommend them.

 

There's no real advantage to having a domain of your own.  Only the geeks really get their own for maximum flexibility for email etc (uber geeks even do a website).

 

As for easyness, it's very easy.  Just follow the instructions on the website above and you'll be up and running with a domain in a couple of days (probably less).

[simms]

I find running my own domain is a cost-effective way of communicating what I do to those I wish to advertise to. It's easily updated and the only limit I have is my technical skill and the space (30mb) which will take me years to fill. My advcie would be to find out how to use a web design program such as dreamweaver or frontpage and treat yourself to a domain and hosting package, then see where it takes you. You should also have some free web space with your ISP but this is usually less flexible than a purchased domain / hosting arrangement.

[Pinotage]

A domain is  a unique web address such as www.answerbank.co.uk which can be a website, and also an email address [email protected]

  There are several advantages to having a personal one, especially if you run your own business. But even if you don't, it still has advantages. You can use email and web forwarding so when someone sends and email to your domain, or types it in a browser window, it is forwarded to another address. This means that if you register, say, ianess.com any  emails to [email protected] will get forwarded to your normal ISp or hotmail address. And you can change you email as many time as you want, and by updating your fprwarding instruction  you get the emails. But for ever you keep the same virtual email address.

  How easy? Very, less than 5 minutes work, and cheap also. When you register you should ensure that email and web forwarding are included. I use www.namesecure.com