Q: “I would like to know what steps I should take to get a website of my own. I know I need to visit godaddy.com and buy my domain name. But after that, I’m at a loss. What do you suggest?”

A: Ask and you shall receive…. To start you need two things: a domain name and a web hosting provider. Some web hosting providers will give you a free domain name, allowing you to setup your hosting service and register your domain name at the same time and for one price. Both Hostingplex and Bluehost will give you a free domain name with their shared-hosting packages (NOTE: after 1 or 2 years you will have to pay to renew your domain’s registration for around $7-$10 a year). I’ve used both services and have had no probles with either. Packages usually come in 1 or 2 year options - if this is your first time go with the 1 year so you don’t over commit yourself.

As you go through the process of buying a hosting package (and registering your new domain name for free) you’ll be asked if you buy ‘domain privacy’ - you don’t, you can’t buy privacy online…

If you already have a hosting service and just need a domain - or if all you are ready to do is register a domain name then go to an ICANN-accredited registrar (you ‘could’ use godaddy but I use aplus.net). When you find the name/s you want just register it/them. Its good to do this long term (like for 7 years or so for around $7-$10 a year) to lock in the low price. Once you have the domain name registered you can either merge it with your existing hosting service or merge it with your future hostint service. The connection is pretty easy - when you get to that point let me know and I’ll walk you through it. It only takes a few minutes…

OK Martin - that’s all for now, go do your thing and come back if you have any problems/questions.