How to buy a domain name and server space

Whether you know it or not, you probably already have some form of Web space. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) include a few megabytes of server space with Internet accounts, so check with your ISP for access instructions. You can also post a site through free hosting companies like Geocities and Tripod. The pros and cons of free packages are discussed on the domain name page, but this method generally works best if you're unsure about the long term prospects of your publication or you're publishing a small site. If you're positive you'll be using a free service, the information in the Buy area won't be useful to you. You're better off skipping ahead to this site's Build section.

Those of you who know your publication is going to be a serious endeavor should forgo the ISP route and make an investment in a domain name and server space. Both of these topics are covered in the following pages.

Let's start with the domain name.