So you’ve got a brand-new DSL or cable internet service at your home and want to put up a server with the intent of running a web site from home and making your fortune. That’s a great idea, but most people have neither the expertise nor time to build and secure a web server. The easiest answer is to use one of the hosting providers.
But, before you dive into creating a web site, some thought ought to be given as to the purpose of your web site. Do you want to display pictures of some event? Are you interested in just sharing your thoughts and opinions? Do you want to make sure that your calendar is visible to your family and friends? Are you interested in securing feedback from your visitors? Do you want to sell that little gizmo you made and get rich?The answers to these questions will help to guide you in determining how you create your web site.
Perhaps the simplest type of web site you can create is known as a Blog. This name is a contraction from Web Log. Blogger.com describes a blog as an “easy-to-use web site, where you can quickly post thoughts, interact with people, and more.” Often a blog can be done at no cost. Take a look at blogger.com and wordpress.com for hosting. For a sample blog hosted by WordPress, go to http://fastforwardteck.wordpress.com/
Blogs are pretty straightforward, but perhaps you want to have more control over your web site, or you don’t want to follow the blog format. Often the best way to take this next step is to use one of the large hosting providers who have a easy-to-use way for creating websites. Many people use the Websitebuilder product from 1and1.com, or the WebSite Tonight from godaddy.com. For either of these, you will need to find an available domain name. At both the 1and1 as well as godaddy sites, there are tools for you to use that will tell you whether a domain name is available.
Once you find a domain name that is available, you must register that name and then you can sign up for a hosting account. I would suggest that you start small on the storage and transfer amounts, and then increase these as needed. Now you can use the Websitebuilder or WebSiteTonight tools to create your website.
A third, but more complex, way to a website is to go straight to a hosting account that lets you pick out the modules you want on your website. Do you want more flexibility on the layout of your blog? Then install the WordPress module into your hosting account. Do you want to put up a picture gallery? Install one of the many gallery modules. Do you want to sell things? Install a shopping-cart.
Really, creating your own web site is pretty simple… Determine what you want to do, then register a domain name and set up hosting. All that’s left is the hard part of finding and updating content on the site.
Have fun!
