OggAgog

Free Web Site

So you want to do things yourself? That's great. This is how I got started. I'm going to give you step by step instructions on how to do this.

Step 1

Decide if you want your own domain name (thegreatestplayer.com is a domain name). It's easy to do and it costs around $10.00 a year. The best deal I've seen is $9.99 a year for a ".com" address. You can get this deal here.

Step 2

You need to get yourself some web space. This service is provided by a hosting company (host). There are two main options. They are:

1. A host with a "Website Builder".
2. A host that gives you server space and has a ready to run web applications installer.

Option 1 - "Website Builder"

The first option is the easiest. It also gives you the least control. If you want to set something up fast, this is the way to go. With this type of hosting, you will usually have some or all of these options:

• Choose a template (the basic colors, graphics and layout of your site)
• Add pages such as: 
  • Forms
  • A Photo gallery
  • Music
  • A Forum
  • A Guestbook
  • Flash
  • A Blog

An easy to use free hosting plan I recommend can be found here.

Option 2 - Server Space

This option is a bit more complicated. It also gives you the most control. Many of these will give you all the options of the "Website Builder", you will just have to work a little harder to install and configure your pages.

What I suggest is to use a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS will give you the flexibility to create a powerful web marketing tool. The most widely used and most supported CMS is Joomla!. Joomla! has extensions which will allow you to do all of the things a "Website Builder" will plus much more including the all important paid downloads.

The host I recommend for this option has these technical features:

• Disk Space - 1500 MB (plenty for about 10 CD's worth of MP3s)
• Data Transfer 100 GB / month (lots of people can visit your site)
• Add-on Domains - 5 (mypage.com, mybandpage.com mydogspage.com... up to 5)
• Sub-domains - 5 (guitarplayer.mybandpage.com, drumplayer.mybandpage.com... up to 5)

It also has these user features:

• Simple Site Builder (similar to the "Website Builder")
• Backups (they will backup your site at regular intervals)
• Up to 5 E-mail Addresses
• Control Panel (access to the configuration and script installer)

Click here to get your free web space

Step 3

Sign up for your free account at your preferred host and follow the directions they provide.

Step 4

Once you have completed the registration process, you can access the "back end".

For Option 1 - "Website Builder" host, the directions are pretty clear.

For Option 2 - Server Space host, the first thing you will want to do is install Joomla!

1. Go to the link "Go to CPanel"
2. Scroll down to the "Software / Services" area and click on:
   
   

   Fantastico Autoinstaller

3. Scroll down to Joomla! and click on "New Installation"
4. Follow the directions provided.

A good place to start to learn about Joomla! is here.

Contact me if you need help. I have Joomla! packages set up specifically for musicians I can install for a small fee. I also have support packages available.