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I have a quick question regarding DNS servers and domain names. If I, for example, were to get a domain name, static ip, etc, would I have to run my own domain name server, or would the ISP do that for me? What would be the processes involved?

Malakai wrote:I have a quick question regarding DNS servers and domain names. If I, for example, were to get a domain name, static ip, etc, would I have to run my own domain name server, or would the ISP do that for me? What would be the processes involved?

For a fee, (was $30 about 15 years ago) DynDNS.org will do all the DNS work with a domain name for you. This is nice in that if you switch your domain registration to a different provider all the info will still be in place. Most Linksys routers already are programed to do DDNS with DynDNS.org. Plus instead of only being able to do 5 alias domains, you will be able to do 25 aliases if the need arises.

At least that has been my experience with them.

I had a domain name (non-bbs) about 10 years ago or so, but my webhost or go-daddy did all of the DNS work. A friend of mine worked for the host. So, she set up everything for me, even got a good deal on the host itself: 100mb unlimited storage for like $7 a year, no ads or anything, plus the domain name costs from godaddy.

So, even though I've had a domain name, I still didn't know squat about how to make them work lol

If you have a static IP, then you can set it up yourself easily. Both GoDaddy and Yahoo have low cost domain options. I've seen some bad press about GoDaddy and holding domains hostage though, and I know at least one person who has had that happen. I'd use Yahoo Domains. First year is cheap, renewals vary depending on the services you select (domain only, domain + email, ect) and the lenght of contract you sign up for.

I am a former yahoo domain member, thier price jumped dramiactically in the second year, in the past I have had domains with 1&1 and switched back to them. 6.99 first year then I believe I pay 9.99 every year after, they have a comparison chart thar show yahoo and godaddy's prices. Ver good support from them, yahoo had very little or was way to slow. Also get 5 sub-domains which is plenty for me. In all cases all I needed was a Domain name.

I've been pretty happy with Yahoo. I have 1 web hosting plan and 3 other domains with them. Their price does jump the second year, but that jump varies by renewal period. If you purchase a multi year option they offer lower rates per year.

Their support department has come a long way over the past year. Emailing support is still slow, but calling them has almost always gotten me very fast and satisfactory results.

Yahoo is also looking into offering ASP.NET support. I hope they can figure out a way to offer it. I don't want to move my hositing plan, but I'm going to need the ASP.NET support soon.