Get Started Using a Domain Name

1. Register a domain name, if you have not already done so. This is easily done in a few minutes by applying online.



2. Arrange for your domain name to be "hosted". A hosting service provides a location (a server somewhere, connected to the Internet) for your website, and also ensures that the address records in the DNS system for your email and website are updated and the path leads to that server. Unlike a domain name that is part of your ISP’s domain, your own domain name will be ‘portable’, which means that your website can reside on a server in Australia, or you can move it to a location overseas if you want. But the DNS files must be kept up-to-date with the current address. Otherwise, when your customer types your web address into their browser, it won’t be able to find your website.
   
   Domain name hosting usually includes:
   • Your domain name hosted.
   • Email addresses and re-direction.
   • Space for a large web site under your domain name.
   • Server support for additional functionality on your web site – eg. support for SSL encryption, scripts, PHP, etc.
   
   
3. Create your web page and set up your email addresses. You can do this yourself, or get someone else to do it for you.