web help

1. Web Host or Web Server: This is the space that you purchase to store all the files that create your website and any emails you receive. This is also where your email is stored for any email account you might own.

   • You can purchase this at many places but I have found 1&1 hosting to be the most affordable hosting companies out there. Starting at $5 a month (billed bi-annually) you get a whole lot of space 50GB (that's 50,000mb). Most websites use less than 5mb of space. They also include a free domain name (www.yourname.com). So skip the step 2 below!

   • OR if you would prefer to spend a bit more but have an eco-friendly company host your website (powered by wind and solar energy), then check out ThinkHost. They are about $18 a month for 100GB (that's 100,000mb). Most websites use less than 5mb of space. However, if you sign up for a 2 year plan, they can go to as little as $8 a month.

2. Domain Name: This is the web address (www.yourname.com) you will be able to type in to find your website. If your domain name isn't included in your web hosting plan (it is included with 1&1 hosting) you can purchase this seperately at many places. I have found NameCheap to be one of the most affordable places out there (about $9 a year), but they still offer a lot of options and do not charge you later on for making changes to your account. If you decide to go with this company, instructions are below.

 

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• Web hosting services through 1&1 •

1. Click here to go to 1and1's website.

2. On the top navigation bar, roll over the option for "Web Hosting". Roll down to "Web Hosting" again and select "Linux".

3. On the next page, you'll see a chart, the middle column says "1&1 Unlimited Package" (this package includes a free domain name, so it pays for itself) click on "Sign Up" below that.

4. On the next page it asks you to choose a domain. Even if you need to purchase or transfer a domain name, just click "Choose a Domain Later". It is much easier and faster if I set the domain name up for you later. Especially if you need to transfer a domain over.

5. You do not need to sign up for the eShop offer on the next page. Just click "No Thanks, Continue Order".

6. On the next page, if they are having a special, just decide if you want to lock in for 12 months up front and pay a smaller fee, or if you want to go ahead and pay month to month. Select the option that works best for you and click "Continue".

7. On the next page, it asks you to mark your country. Select "USA" and click "Continue".
   
   
8. On the next page it asks your name and address. This name is hard to change later, so try to put in a name you'll want associated with this account for awhile.
   
   
9. The password you enter you will need to give to me. So pick something you're ok with telling/emailing me.
   
   
10. Follow the billing instructions provided. Be sure to give them the credit card you are ok with bi-annually auto-payments being made to.
    
    
11. Be sure to save the first emails sent to you from 1&1.
    
    
12. You have to send me two things so I can access this account and make the changes necessary to get your website up, purchase or transfer any domain names, and set up email accounts:
    
    
    1. I need the password you created.
       
       
    2. I also need the Customer ID number they emailed to you.

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• Web hosting services through ThinkHost •

1. Click here to go to the ThinkHost website.

2. On the top navigation bar, click on "Hosting Plans ".

3. Click on the "Join Now" button.

4. Fill out all your contact and billing information.

5. Please save all emails sent to you from ThinkHost for your records. Also, please forward these emails to me so I can access this account and make the changes necessary to get your website up.

 

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• Domain name registration through NameCheap •

1. Click here to go to NameCheap's website.

2. In the yellow box on the right search for a domain name that you want (Example: www.yourname.com).

3. It will list whether or not the name you typed in is available.

4. Once you find a name that is available, check the box next to the name you would like and below that column click on "Add to cart."

5. Select the amount of years you would like to purchase this domain for at this time and click on "Checkout."

6. Follow the billing instructions provided.

7. Please save all emails sent to you from NameCheap for your records. Also, please forward these emails to me so I can access this account and make the changes necessary to get your website up.

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