I am brand spanking new to this forum and web hosting so please bare with me if I ask a mundane question...

I am about to open a record store and want to immediately launch a website. At first I just want to have a info site but later on be able to take orders over the web. Basically, my needs now are minimal.

I have a name for my website and it's available according to dotster.com who I have used to secure another name previously.

Could someone tell me what I need to do to get a website up and running. I need a host, etc, etc...

Thanks so much for your time and if I missed a thread could you link me to it.

;)

Welcome to the WHT Forums :)
First of all, you need a webhost to host your website for you ...and of course you also need to create your own website. If you don't have any HTML experience, you can use a HTML Editor like HomeSite, Frontpage, etc. or hire someone to create a design for you.

Just liked Kiwi said you need to make your website first. You can either hire someone to do it or make it yourself. If you want to make it yourself you can use a program like Dreamwever, Frontpage, or Homesite.

After you have the page done you need a person to host the site. You can have it hosted for free at Geocities or Angelfire but you will have banner ads plastered all over. If you want you can also pay to have your site hosted. If your site is minimal you can get away for paying less than 10 dollars a month for this. You can check the advertising section of this forum for hosting and web design offers.

Cheers,
David

PS If you need anything feel free to email me:)

You can use this link to look for hosts as well. It is a listing of hosting directories:

http://www.hostcompare.com/websitesarticles.htm

Also, register your name ASAP before is gone. You can always "point it" later to your new host. ;)

Originally posted by bert
Also, register your name ASAP before is gone. You can always "point it" later to your new host. ;)

so it doesn't matter which company I use to register the name. I will always be able to use whichever host I want?

ps....thanks for the help so far ;)

yeah it doesn't matter which company you use to register the domain name you can always change the nameservers to point to your host.

I've got step by step instructions on my site in the information section. Look for the page entitled "How To Get A Web Site for Your Business"

It sounds like you are at the stage of finding a host. The one bit of advicxe I'll give you now is be patient. The search for a good host can be time consuming adn tiring. However, every bit of time will be well spent and far better than making a bad choice and having to start over. The fact that you are beginning here can aid in expediting the process.