DOMAIN NAMES

DNS (Domain Name Server)
A domain name is a unique name that identifies an internet website. Domain names are easier-to-remember names that we use in place of the all-numeric IP addresses (such as "192.0.34.65") assigned to the host or server of each computer on the Internet.

Domain forwarding

You can purchase a domain name only to use for domain forwarding. Domain forwarding, or redirecting, enables you to use your new domain name to point to any other web site, without the costs normally associated with web hosting.

Web hosting

If you plan to build your own website, you will also need "web hosting". Web hosting is an online service that provides you with space on a computer (called a "server") that is connected to the Internet. This is where you "host" or store all your web site's html files, graphics, etc..

If you're looking for reliable, low cost, easy to use web hosting - take a look at Permaworld Hosting. It's only US$10.00 per month plus there's an affiliate plan.

USING A FREE REDIRECT SERVICE

Some website URLs can be very long and difficult to remember.
 
For example:
http://www.my-internet-isp.com/~myusername/my-links-page.html

You can make a smaller URL that will work for any page on your site
with a redirection service (also known as URL forwarding)

Here's one that I made with snipurl.com.

My long URL:
http://www.coffeefirst.com/coffee/members/t.php?rid=255

My smaller URL:
http://snipurl.com/1xg5

Here are some recommended services.
snipurl.com - shorturl.com - tinyurl.com

Should you ever wish or be forced to change your URL - simply update your account to forward it to the new address.

TRY IT NOW!!

Enter a long URL to make tiny:

PURCHASE YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME FOR FORWARDING

Redirect a LONG URL by purchasing your own unique domain name. Check to be sure the company offers a domain forwarding service. Most services now offer it for free.

Domain forwarding, or redirecting, enables you to use your new domain name to point to any other web site, without the costs normally associated with web hosting.

When someone types in your new domain name in the address window of their browser, it will forward him or her directly to the website you have hosted somewhere else.

Example:

Before the official program launch of coffeefirst, my URL was very long:
http://www.coffeefirst.com/coffee/members/t.php?rid=255

I purchased http://suzcoffeefirst.com

When you purchase a domain name you can have it point to any URL you choose. I redirected my new domain to point to my long coffeefirst URL.

Later I was able to change it when the program launched and the long URL was changed.


USING YOUR OWN WEBSITE

You can create shorter urls by using what it called a "redirect" or "refresh" page if you have your own website. I think this also gives a site a more organized and professional appearance.

Instead of using that LONG url:
www.my-internet-isp.com/~myusername/my-affiliate-link.html

Create a simple redirect page on your website.

1. Create a directory for your program.

http://your-website.com/myprogram

2. Upload a redirect page into that directory and call it index.html
(For directions to create a redirect page - click here)

http://your-website.com/myprogram/index.html

The index.html page is where your redirect file is created. You will create a directory for each program, and each directory will have it's own index.html page.   

Here are some examples of the redirect pages that I use. Because I use an index.html page, I don't have to use it in my link.

http://internet-ez.com/system
http://internet-ez.com/coffee
http://internet-ez.com/GDI

NOTE: You don't have to use my suggested directory structure or even call it index.html. These are examples for the purpose of the instructions. You can create your redirect pages and call them whatever you like.

http://your-website.com/click-here.html
http://your-website.com/abc/click-here.html