How to Set Up an URL for a Web Page (5 Steps)

Purchase a domain name from a registrar. By purchasing a domain name, you will register it as your own and be able to control where the domain resides. There are many registrars available such as GoDaddy, Register.com, Enom, Network Solutions and Dream Host, to name a few. Many registrars also provide web hosting and vice versa. Domain names typically cost between $2.00 to $10.00. per year, as of 2010. '.com' is the most expensive; '.net,' .org,' and '.info' are progressively less expensive.
Open a shared hosting account with a web host. If your website becomes popular, you can upgrade to a VSP or dedicated server at any time. Depending on the registrar you purchase your domain from, you may be able to also host with them. Web hosts typically charge on per month basis and offer options for monthly and yearly payment options. Some of the web hosts available are GoDaddy, DreamHost, HostMonster and HostGator.
Redirect your domain's nameservers, also referred to as 'DNS,' to the IP address of your web host's nameservers. Your domain will have two nameservers, 'Nameserver 1' and 'Nameserver 2.' Your web host will provide you with an address for each nameserver. The addresses will look like, 'ns1.your-host.com' and 'ns2.your-host.com.' You will need to refer to your web host/registrar for the specific address and instructions on how to redirect your domain's nameservers.
Upload the files for your web pages. Log in to the cPanel on your hosting account and go to the 'File Manager.' Click on your domain name to be taken to the root folder for its directory. Upload the index.html file and other associated files for your website. You may also choose to use your host's script installer to install a website automatically for you, which will vary in procedure from host to host.
Wait at least 24 hours for the change to take effect. Once the redirection of the nameservers has completed, your domain name will now be the URL of your web page. For example, by typing 'http://your-domain-name.com' you will be taken to your web page.
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How to Make a Bulletin Board Website

Login to your account on your website hosting service provider's website. If you do not currently have a website hosting package, sign up for one. Various companies offer economical hosting plans for first-time website developers. North America's largest and most budget-friendly web host is 1and1. Another popular, albeit more expensive host, is Go Daddy (links in the Resources section).
Check that your web hosting package supports the MySQL Internet technology. If not, contact your service provider to upgrade your plan to a package that does support MySQL. All bulletin board software require MySQL databases to operate.
Click the MySQL control panel in your account webpage and create a new MySQL database. Most web hosts provide clear instructions and one-click database creation. If the process is unclear, consult your web host's FAQ or call its support team.
Download bulletin board software. There are various options available to website owners. The largest paid software is vBulletin, while phpBB offers similar features for free (links in the Resources section). Compare the technical features of both programs and select the bulletin board software that best fits your needs and budget. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, the download process may take several minutes.
Double-click the file you downloaded to extract the contents of the bulletin board software. Click the file that is named 'README.' Follow the detailed instructions to install the bulletin board software on your website.
Upload the bulletin board folder to your web hosting account. Install the bulletin board directory in your home directory. Thus, the bulletin board will be the first page that visitors see when they visit your website domain.
Access the bulletin board's control panel using the administrator account you created during the installation process. Customize the board as you wish, then save all changes. The bulletin board software is now active on your website. Visitors to your page will be able to create a new account, post messages and reply to messages.
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