How Do I Buy A URL?

[The Fonz]

Easy question, how do I buy a url? I'm considering starting a website, but I don't know how to get started.

And it's not a message board, so please don't lock the thread and think I'm trying to poach users. I just need help!

[SteveToms]

GoDaddy.com and you can buy the URL you are looking for(if it is a not taken)

[iggypop]

But how do you buy a .ca url?

[SteveToms]

http://www.netfirms.ca/domain-names/

[Tyler]

I've bought a few .ca domains for clients.

It's a bit longer of a procedure. Wasn't aware there is actually a regulating agency handling them. Netfirms is where I got mine done at.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

http://www.hostcrew.com/domainregistration.php

These guys are good.

[Rathji]

For .ca the easiest thing is going to the regulatory body and following their steps,

CIRA - Canadian Internet Registration Authority

They list all people licensed to sell .ca domains

[gottabekd]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Easy question, how do I buy a url? I'm considering starting a website, but I don't know how to get started.

There might be a bit to learn, then. But absolutely need you need three things:

1. Domain name : $10/year.
2. Hosting : Really depends on how much "data transfer" per month you use. If the web site gets popular, you'll need to pay more for hosting. But for starting out, you shouldn't need to pay more than $10/month. I currently use http://www.hostgator.com/shared.shtml for some of my sites. They've worked fine. Another company I use is : http://asmallorange.com/services/hosting/
3. The last thing, and arguably most important, is the content itself. Obviously, you have an idea for the content, but there is the matter of realizing the content and publishing it. I'd suggest installing some software that manages all your content and design for you, so you don't have to learn too much of the nitty gritty details. Wordpress is aimed towards "blog" sites, but can easily be used to manage many static pages. Plus, there are numerous "themes" which can be dropped in and change the look of your site.

[Ayrahb]

How about using Shaw (or Telus for that matter)? Here is one of Shaw's SOHO packages : http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsSer...OHOPackage.htm

[photon]

Originally Posted by Ayrahb

How about using Shaw (or Telus for that matter)? Here is one of Shaw's SOHO packages : http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsSer...OHOPackage.htm

That's a plan for Internet access, not a plan for hosting or purchasing domain names.

They do include a small amount of web space in that plan, but it's pretty sad and I don't think they include any server services (PHP, Ruby, MySql, etc)

[Ayrahb]

Originally Posted by photon

That's a plan for Internet access, not a plan for hosting or purchasing domain names.

They do include a small amount of web space in that plan, but it's pretty sad and I don't think they include any server services (PHP, Ruby, MySql, etc)

I was under the impression that the price included one domain name and the hosting plus a few other things.

[photon]

Originally Posted by Ayrahb

I was under the impression that the price included one domain name and the hosting plus a few other things.

From the bottom:

(1) Domain Registration fees are billed directly to the customer via their domain registrar.

So it doesn't include the actual domain registration, just the ability to host the email and website at the domain of your choosing. EDIT: Kind if misleading on their part lol, what do they do, fill in the registration forms for you?

Be careful when getting a package deal of domain name and hosting together, sometimes they tie the two together so that if you grow or their hosting is crap, you are unable to move it, effectively losing control of your own domain. Far better to use a registrar like domainsatcost.ca to register the domain name, and a different company to host it.

Plus like I said Shaw's hosting isn't good for much.