What do I need to start a web site?

Yes, it is a simple and quite reasonable question. I will try and provide an equally simple answer. But first a few points of clarification:

• a web site must be located on a particular type of computer called a 'server' that is connected to the Internet.
• a web host is someone who provides carefully managed server space for web sites
• a domain name is like an address that points to a web site hosted on a server

In other words to create a web site that is accessible to everyone on the Internet you will need a domain name, a means of creating a web site and somebody to host it. Here is an example of how all this can be easily achieved with TOSD using the excellent SiteBuilder application:

1. Registering a Domain Name
Log on to http://www.tosd.com.au/domains/rs_index.html and select 'Check' to check whether the domain name you would like is available. When you find something that is suitable select it, then click 'Next' to proceed through the registration steps. When you come to Step 6 where you are asked to enter Primary, Secondary and Other Nameservers, enter - dns1.tosd.com.au, dns2.tosd.com.au and dns3.tosd.com.au respectively. At the end of the process you will be emailed a domain name certificate.

2. Setting up your hosting account
Go to http://www.tosd.com.au/ihost25/order/

• Click on the 'Order' button associated with the DIY Sitebuilder Hosting Account.
  
• Click 'Use an existing domain' and enter your new domain name.
  
• After filling out you contact details etc you will be prompted to download a Direct Debit form for completion and return. When this is received by TOSD your hosting account will be activated and you will be notified by email.
  
• Included in the information you receive will be your FTP Username and Password that you will need for the next step.

3. Creating your web site using SiteBuilder
Go to http://www.tosd.com.au/sitebuilder/

• Click 'Start Building' , enter your Domain Name, Username and Password and then click 'Next > Step 2'.
• Browse the templates, select one that suits your purpose and click 'Next > Step 3'
• Enter your Company Details and select a few suitable pages. This is not critical as you will be able to add additional pages through Admin whenever you like.
• Click 'Go > Install my web site'. This physically creates the pages of your web site and transfers them to your hosting account.
• Your web site is now ready. Two links are available: one to enable you to visit your web site, the other to give you access to your new site's administration.

See the related articles for further information.