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JTMx29
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Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 00:00
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Now I understand how to use a little html and such and certain site builders but can someone explain how to actually put together a site. I am looking to build a college center type site that has a forum. I don't want a blog, I want full features and all. So I would have to build the site using a site builder etc. What I don't understand is that when I order my hosting company (hostgator or bluehost) what do I do. I just get server space correct?
I'm pretty sure I can just upload my site outline correct or my site I built with a site builder and be all set using FTP of some sort. Now If I want to make a forum I must upload the forum and the software to the server also.
I would really appreciate if someone could just clarify a few things. I'm pretty tech oriented so just a big picture would be nice.
Thanks as always,
JTMX29
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 560
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 05:44
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JTMx29: What I don't understand is that when I order my hosting company (hostgator or bluehost) what do I do. I just get server space correct? ...I'm pretty tech oriented so just a big picture would be nice.
Hi JTMx29,
Here's a big picture overview:
You would basically examine the various hosting packages and select the one with the features that best suit your needs and budget. Many of the features required to support "a college center type site that has a forum" are standard on most basic web hosting plans today.
Features such as MySQL databases, streaming audio/video, cgi, perl, email accounts, ftp accounts, auto responders, website statistics, cPanel, even forums, are usually available by default these days.
If your domain name is registered with a company that is different from the web hosting company you are planning to use, you'll need the Domain Name Server (DNS) details from your host in order to point the domain to the hosting servers. You can make this change yourself or have your web host do it for you.
If the domain name registration and hosting will be obtained at the same time from the same company, all that would be handled routinely.
Either way, the vital information and instructions for uploading your files and managing your web hosting account will be emailed to you.
If you need specific technical guidance on this matter, Newbie Shield is the most qualified person to ask.
Hermas
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 971
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 05:58 · Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
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JTMx29: I'm pretty sure I can just upload my site outline correct or my site I built with a site builder and be all set using FTP of some sort. Now If I want to make a forum I must upload the forum and the software to the server also.
You are right on!
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2067
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 10:08
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Hi JTM,
As Vishal pointed out, you seem to have a good idea of what to expect.
As Hermas pointed out, you get most of what you need from the better hosting companies such as BlueHost and HostGator for free. Hermas explained things well.
I'm amazed at the free frills you get when you sign up for hosting these days. Back in the 90's when I created my first site, I went with the phone company as my hosting choice.
There weren't any frills to speak of, I was given very little space and bandwidth, and it was relatively expensive - around $20/month (pricey for no frills or tools) if I remember correctly. I have since switched hosting companies.
You can get help on forums if you like but the best place to go to get help is the help files and free tutorials that many of the hosting companies provide.
If you can't find an answer or get stuck for what ever reason, you can contact their tech support department. HostGator and BlueHost offer phone support, instant messaging, and email support.
Just be sure that you try hard to figure it out first so you can tell them that with a detail or two about how you tried and they'll bend over backwards to make sure you are able to get through the issue.
Good luck and be sure to enjoy the learning process ;)
~Newbie Shield~
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JTMx29
Member
Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 23:13
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Thanks everyone! I just needed to clarify so that I don't get too deep and end up wasting money.
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JTMx29
Member
Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2009 20:38
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Another question! What is a good site builder for someone who knows little to none html. Also, if I want to edit the site what do I have to do? I would have to edit my site I built with a site builder and then re-upload it to my server? Is there any easier ways?
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Seth
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Joined: 17 May 2008
Posts: 246
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2009 23:44
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JTMx29: Another question! What is a good site builder for someone who knows little to none html.
I use DREAMWEAVER it's easy to use : )
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 971
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# Posted: 27 Jan 2009 00:34
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If your site is not going to be too huge, then you can use Wordpress (with little learning curve) to build your site. It's not just for blogs.
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JTMx29
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Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2009 14:57
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Vishal I am going for a full fledged site. What are my best options. I understand I can buy the domain, DNS forward it to my server, upload my site, my forum software and get going. But I understand it's not that easy. Is there any simplifying you can do to help me understand the process.
Thanks,
JTMX29
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mirab
Member
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 43
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2009 16:42
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JTMx29: Vishal I am going for a full fledged site. What are my best options.
hands down is http:// vodahost.com they have all you need for under ten bucks a month
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mirab
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Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 43
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2009 16:44
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p.s. They have video tutorials that explain how to do everything...
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 971
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2009 23:49 · Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
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It would help if you could specify in detail what exactly you plan to have in your site.
If your site will have thousands of pages and it is going to be more of a community sort of thing than a blog, then you may be better off with CMS like Joomla.
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JTMx29
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Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2009 23:22
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Ah yes Vishal I have looked into Joomla but am not sure what I want yet. The site will be mainly a technology site with a community forum. So I will design my template and most likely use phpbb. Is there anything that I should look into to help me perform those steps?
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 971
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# Posted: 30 Jan 2009 00:35
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JTMx29: Is there anything that I should look into to help me perform those steps?
You must have clearly in mind what you need to put on your site. It's like laying a foundation. Once you lay it, you cannot change it.
If the forum is going to be the sole driving factor of your site with not many pages, then you may be well off with Wordpress itself. You can later add a forum using phpBB or VBulletin.
Other than that, I don't think there are any more steps to be looked into.
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