The Technical

Domain Name Configuration

While I've used Network Solutions for some of my domain name registration and configuration, I maintain most of my domain names with GoDaddy.

GoDaddy provides a lot of options, from domain mapping to email forwarding. I'm very familiar with the various features provided by GoDaddy, and heartily recommend we use them to purchase and configure your domain name.

It's been brought to my attention that GoDaddy's commercials are pornographic. I checked out the CEO's blog, and was dismayed by what I found. It's tragic, considering that Bob Parsons had headed up a business that provided Bible software. I no longer support GoDaddy, and am actively looking for an alternate domain name registrar for my domains and those of my clients.

Website Hosting

I've currently got a "Dedicated-Virtual" account with Media Temple and a "Pro" account with TypePad. Depending on what kind of functionality you're looking for, you can select from either of these hosting solutions, or I can help you select another kind of service (e.g., Ning.com if you're looking to build a social network).

Dedicated-Virtual features include:

  • You can have as many POP email accounts or email forwarders as you'd like
  • You'll have webmail access to each of these accounts
  • You'll have your own "control panel" with which to create additional email addresses and add/configure features to your website
  • You'll be able to FTP files to your website
  • You'll have lots of server space and bandwidth
  • Hosting fees are typically very low
  • It's more difficult to add pages and update the site if you're unfamiliar with HTML

TypePad features include:

  • It's easy to add new pages and update existing pages
  • Others may contribute to your site by using their own login and password
  • Hosting fees are typically very low
  • You won't have FTP access
  • Your email addresses will be "forwarded" to an existing email address that you might have; POP accounts and webmail will be unavailable

Benefits of another type of hosting service include:

  • If you're looking to create a social network like MySpace or FaceBook, I'd recommend going with Ning.com. It's a powerful platform, and allows for a great deal of customization.
  • Hosting fees will be an additional expense for you