So I want to start a website...

[Pooky]

Ok, so I've decided that during the holidays I want to start a website. I don;t know what I want to put on it ut, but I want to start one.

Now... I don't have much experience with hosting, web design etcetc. But I figured you guys are really knowledgeable, seriously, you guys are really great and have helped me a lot. .....so maybe you could help me a bit.

So the first thing I think I need is a domain name and some space, now I want a decent domain, not one of those subdomain things (cause I actually want people to visit my site)..... BUT... at the same time, I'm at school and as such, don't have much money, so I'm not looking to spend a lot, even nothing (that would be great). And if I do have to spend money it has to be via EFT.

So can you guys help?

[icyrus]

The first thing you need to do is decide what you want to do with the website. This will make everything easier as if you just want a blog there are many blog hosting providers so you won't have to get into the nitty-gritty of design and hosting.

.co.za domains are relatively cheap and you can use google to host your mail for free which will cut costs and maintenance.

[Aqua_lung]

Free sites...

http://pages.google.com/-/about.html
http://wordpress.org/

[AutoX]

I would suggest, if you want to build a free site that you go to www.synthasite.com

[gdiza]

Yeah...

Get a local host then get a .co.za address, like Pooky.co.za or something.
Then, ask them to setup whatever type of blogging software you want, or do what I do.
Get the URL and setup a tiny site which reroutes to a blog site like ... whatever (I use MSN Live Spaces)

[thisgeek]

If you want a blog, use blogger.com. It's very simple to use.

[AutoX]

I also suggest you browse around online for ideas. Things that you are interested in and would like to have a site about. It will also give you a feel of the design for your site.

[Aqua_lung]

I would suggest, if you want to build a free site that you go to www.synthasite.com

This looks good thanks...

[AutoX]

This looks good thanks...

Its Vinny Lingham's brain child!

[Aqua_lung]

Its Vinny Lingham's brain child!

Never heard of him before, the dude has a site dedicated to himself lol...
This what you plan to do pooky?

[AutoX]

Never heard of him before, the dude has a site dedicated to himself lol...
This what you plan to do pooky?

He is one of SA's foremost net entrepreneurs.

http://www.vinnylingham.com/

[Aqua_lung]

He is one of SA's foremost net entrepreneurs.

http://www.vinnylingham.com/

Yeah I was browsing that site now, seems to be doing very well, good to see locals make it on the net.

[Pooky]

Ok... I don't want a blog... I want a site with whatever I feel like putting on it, pictures, notes, maybe some blog posts, links, reviews.... Whatever.

But I want it to look nice.

Who would you recommend to get some webspace and a domain name from for cheap?

Like: pookystuff.co.za

[Pooky]

Ok texo seems pretty good..... Should I use a .co.za or a .com domain name?

Also any ideas for a domain name?

[eye_suc]

http://www.freecsstemplates.org/ some interesting ideas there

http://www.freegraphicsworld.com/ for some uhhh, yeah you guessed it, free graphics

helping?