I have already picked out a webhosting company, and I have a domain, but now I need to get all set up. I know that my webhosting company will do the setup for free, but I want to know more about what is going on.

I don't have a nameserver for my domain, what is it and why do I need one?

I already have a rudimentary HTML site written (mostly for practice), but I just got Macromedia so I will be making a better one. How does the system work, where I can continually work on the site files, but they are hosted by a server? I assume the files are on the server and I access the server with an account and work on them there? Is there an FTP involved?

I guess I am just looking to find out what occurs now. I am obviously very new to all this, so bear with me. Also, if this post is not in the scope of the fourm I appologize. Can you tell me of a fourm or resource where I can get these kinds of answers?

Thank you one and all.

Originally posted by Wooly
I don't have a nameserver for my domain, what is it and why do I need one?

Your domain name must be set to point to the server's nameservers. This would be done at your domain registrar.
This is how everyones browsers will be directed to your website when they type in the domain name.


I already have a rudimentary HTML site written (mostly for practice), but I just got Macromedia so I will be making a better one. How does the system work, where I can continually work on the site files, but they are hosted by a server? I assume the files are on the server and I access the server with an account and work on them there? Is there an FTP involved?

The files will reside on the server, usually in a "public_html" (or "www" or something of the like) directory. You can work on the files on your own computer, and the upload them to the server using an FTP client. Dreamweaver also has an option where it will upload the files for you, using FTP.

Hope that helps. And if I'm wrong here, someone will correct me I'm sure.

Yes, fusionrays explained it very well.

Anyways, just to expand on it, it works like this the basic steps:

1) Signup for a hosting account.

2) Wait for a confirmation/welcome email from your Host with your details such as Username, Password, 2 nameservers, control panel, others.

Username & Password:
You need this to access the server to your allocated space, FTP, control panel, etc.

2 nameservers:
Go to your domain registrar and change the nameservers for your domain, wait 24-72 hours propagation time and your domain will point/resolve to the new server and you are all set.

control panel:
This is for you to manage Emails Accounts, PHP, phpMyAdmin, MySQL databases, Cgi scripts, FTP, Password protect directory/folder, File Manager, Forums, Counters, Guestbook, etc.

others:
The host will explain where you should upload your files to the server(directory/folder) via FTP or other methods. They sometimes will also provide some FAQ on their website for you to get started and how to contact(helpdesk/email/others) them.

Hope this helps.

Regards