What is a domain name?
A domain name is the textual name / identifier given to a web site. Once you purchase a domain name, you can use any email address, folder or sub-domain at the domain.
For example (the domain name is in bold):
- http://www.milestoneweb.co.uk - a domain name
- http://subdomain.milestoneweb.co.uk - a sub-domain
- myemail@milestoneweb.co.uk - an email address
There are different types of domain names and whilst in many cases it doesn’t matter which type you go for, some are more suitable for certain situations than others.
For example:
- .uk domains, such as .co.uk or .org.uk are suitable for UK-based web sites.
- .biz domains are suitable for businesses.
- .name and .me.uk domains are suitable for individuals.
There are also a number of restricted or reserved domain types, such as .gov.uk .sch.ac etc.
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Why do I need a domain name?
You don’t have to have your own domain name to have an email address, or indeed a web site. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can provide you with an email address and web space at their domain, such as Milestone Net, ie youremail@milestonenet.com or http://yourwebspace.milestonenet.com
However, if you are a business or organisation, having your own recognisable domain name makes it easier for people to identify, locate and use your web site, or to make contact with you. For individuals, many people are now opting to take out their own domain names that they can keep and use for emails and their own web site, regardless of who their ISP is.
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What is hosting?
In order for people to view your web site on the internet, you need to have your files stored permanently on the web. For this you need space on a web server, designed for exactly this purpose. It works in a similar way to storing files on your computer, with files stored in folders, ready to be accessed by those wanting to view your web site.
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Do I need hosting?
If you have a domain name, you need somewhere to keep it, so yes. What type of hosting you require depends upon what you’re going to do with your domain name and web site. We offer a range of packages to suit differing needs, including Domain Parking.
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What is the Site Builder?
Milestone Web Site Builder is a tool that allows you to create your own professional web site with little or no design or coding expertise.
The tool is available to everyone, regardless of whether your site is hosted with us, and there are five packages available to suit a variety of needs, including Ecommerce.
Through a range of interfaces, wizards and editors, you create your web site, selecting your design from thousands of professional templates and customising with your own images, logo and information.
You can log in and update your web site 365 days a year, choosing to entirely change the design whenever you wish. All for a small monthly fee.
For more information on the Milestone Web Site Builder, or to set up a trial account, go to the Site Builder page.
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