This course will become read-only in the near future. Tell us at community.p2pu.org if that is a problem.
In this task you're going to choose, check the availability of and (hopefully) register a domain name that you'll use for your portfolio. The technicalities of this task will take about an hour, but you may end up spending more than this. You're going be spending money on your domain name, so spend as much time as you need selecting the right one. Don't rush into it because you can't get refunds on domain names and wasting money isn't cool.
Your first task is to spend up to ten minutes searching the web for someone that you can register a domain name with. Domain names are not bought, they are registered and you pay to register domain names for a set period of time - normally from one or two years.
Typically I utilize the hosting provider to register the domain. It just seems to make things a little more simple. In my case I have utilize iPage for several of my last few domains/websites.
-Jeff
I've subscribed to awardspace's free hosting plan. I've been using it since August last year and it seems the services are fine. I haven't encountered any issues yet. TLDs (top level domains) aren't available for free accounts and I have to upgrade to a paid account to edit the DNS though.
I also registered a domain with 50webs. TLDs are free for a year and the DNS is configurable. But you can't hotlink and the file size limit is 500kb. Also, I'm having problems with configuring my FTP client.
Do understand that using Wordpress isn't actually going to give you the total control over the layout that this Webmaking 101 sequence is about. The goal is to do your own HTML coding for the content and progress from there to do CSS for style control and even JavaScript eventually to provide some dynamic content. Wordpress is going to do most of the heavy lifing if you go that way.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
I have registered domains with several Registrars, but I registered the last 3 with Justhost.com and I can renew them from the Cpanel, and their prices are on par with most of the others I have used or found by searching when it is time to renew it anyway.
I registered several domain names years ago that was at a reallly cheap price, but come renewal time, it was outrageous! ( a well know registrar ).
They also offer (with hosting, right now @ 2.95 a month, I think ,) unlimited e mail accounts, databases, bandwidth transfer and many more good things.
I have used them for about 7 years now with no problems so far.
I currently have 4 domains registered through them . I have one still through another registrar whom I used years ago.
Some of my current domains are www.Stanwilliamsmusic.com www.Artistpromo.net www.Stans-songs.com www.Vanzants.net and www.Stratozfear.com
After a great deal of searching I can say that DreamHost is the best registar I have come across.
For now I'd rather stick to free services such as Blogspot or Wordpress.com.
I just write blogs and I don't have a revenue so I can't pay for a domain fee.
I have a blog here: http://101webmakingchallenge.wordpress.com/
I've already registered a domain -- www.veronicabeaty.com
After a bit of searching around and reading forum posts I went with Dream Host. I don't have a great deal of experience but I am already finding it more user friendly than 1&1.
I've created websites using a variety of domain providers. When I create sites with Wix, I usually upgrade and use their provider (who charges an arm and a leg after the one year period is up) -- at that point I switch to GoDaddy -- definitely your best bet for the cheapest price. Also, for any of you who do the GroupOn thing, GoDaddy will OFTEN have majorly awesome bargains on there -- Like, pay $17, get $70 worth of services from them. I've also created quite a few sites with Wordpress.COM (org participation is forthcoming ;) and when I create those sites for the purpose of professional and clean looking pages, I upgrade to ensure that there isn't any advertising on there. I agree with those who recommended GoDaddy, because if you are doing your own thing outside of Wix or Wordpress (or, even if you are using those) it's definitely the cheapest way to go based on my own research (and trust me, I've done TONS of research on this!)
--erica 
godaddy.com and networksolutions.com are the good and reliable options, i prefer going with godaddy.com
Go Daddy is only 0.99 for the year. Might be worth if for those who are trying out web design for fun.
Nice recommendation.... I normally stick with ipage.com, but saw this and decided to "check-it-out". I found that their basic package is perfect for this task.
Kuddos
--Red Squall
I think it only works with a promotional code, which you can find here: http://renewalcoupons.com/99-cent-domains-godaddy-coupon-codes/ It's a third party site, so operate at your own risk.
HB
I see... Yeah I actually chose the hosting plan for $1.00 per month (for 12 months), and got the domain free with it.
Awesome heads up though.. Thanks
-Red
I choose Godaddy, because I got deal for .COM, you can get for $0.99 for a year with one free page and email.
Hey guys just a heads up, LifeHacker.com has a deal with DreamHosting where you can get 1 year of great hosting AND a .com/.net/.org etc domain for $20!
I've just used it to get my website started, you can check it out at alexdodd.net, but there isn't much going on there yet but it shows its not a scam!
Seriously guys thats less than $2 a month for both a domain AND hosting! Most places won't even give you a domain for that cheap! Definately go for this!
All I ask in return is you check out my blog and leave some feedback, maybe give me a follow!
