Web Hosting
Web Hosting
When you create a website, you are creating files. In order for someone to view those files (i.e. see your website), you have to make those files available on a file server. A webhost provides you space on a server to store your files and they make these website files available to the public.
If you create a website using Dreamweaver, you might have to pay a webhosting company to provide you with the server space for your files.
When you use Google sites or Weebly to create a website online, they 'host' the files that you create for free. Because they are free, sites created online often have awkward addresses like this:
https://sites.google.com/site/computersrss/
or
http://rsscomputers.weebly.com/
Lengthy addresses like the ones listed above are unweildy and awkward to share, so businesses and individuals may choose to register a domain name to simplify their online address. You will notice that this website has rsscomputers.ca as its online address. This is a domain name that was purchased to make it easier for RSS students to find us online.
Domain Registry
Registering a domain can be an intimidating process, but it is really quite simple. There are online businesses that will register a domain name for you, and these businesses often will provide webhosting services as well. I have registered rsscomputers.ca with a webhosting company, and then I use the 'pointer' feature ('Stealth' mode) to link my Weebly site online. Is this making sense?
Registering a domain name for one year may cost anywhere from $9 to $39 so shop wisely. Webhosting plans vary from site to site, so be sure that you understand what you want to ensure that you are not paying for web services that you do not need.
Good luck. If you have any questions please see me in class.