Ok, I'm probably gonna come off sounding like a complete idiot but.. Just how do you get a domain name and a webhost together to make a complete website?? I see people talk about it all the time on here, and i understand that it's something about DNS.. but really, it all just isn't making any sense.
I just need some really in-depth but simple (ie: not technical, but explaining every nitpicky detail of the process) explanation.. because i don't know much yet, and this is just really confusing to me.
Is the domain name linked to the webhost through email? or.. what? is there some sort of identification that links them together when people search for it? i've never really gotten much of an answer while I've been on this board..
You link your domain name by setting up nameservers. Name servers link your domain name to a server which hosts your files. Ie. you reg. the domain 'DOMAIN.COM' (pretty clever, uh?). Now, you order a web hosting account at one of 'HOSTING.COM's servers. In order for your domain name to point to the server that will host your website, you need to setup the nameservers provided by 'HOSTING.COM' in your domain name's control panel, IE. 'NS1.HOSTING.COM' and 'NS2.HOSTING.COM'. That way, the domain name will point (resolve) to the server that hosts your website.
ahhh... so it's sorta.. like peices to a puzzle; they're all there, with the necessary parts to connect to each other.. ok. That helps alot! Now my brain isn't so muddled!
It may also be named different than the hosting service if they have multiple DNS servers, offer "generic" DNS servers for their resellers, etc.
It could even be your own domain like ns1.yourdomain.com an ns2.yourdomain.com if they allow you to use their name servers using your domain name. In this case, you would create the subdomain nameservers where your domain is registered and point them to the IP number of the host DNS server such as 255.255.255.255. You can usually do this if you have a "reseller" hosting account and want the nameservers to reflect your rathter than the main host's identity.
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simple.
1. contact your webhost and ask for nameservers and ask them to attach your domain to your webhost account. you cant simply point the domain to your website if its not configured at there end it wont work.
2. contact your registr for your domain or there help section and find out how to configure name servers
3. enter the name servers in step one into the control panel in step 2
4. wait 24-72 hours for settings to apply
5. done.
differnet registrars do things differently and web hosts do things differenly they will be able to assist you with what you need.
1. Buy a Domain
2. Set the domains nameservers to what your hosting company gave to you.
Usually (ns1.hostingcompany.com, ns2.hostingcompany.com)
3. Wait 24 hours for the nameservers to resolve to the host
4. Login to your hosting account and start building your website.
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If you need website building tutorials, I would suggest finding a basic html tutorial site such as htmlgoodies.com which will really help.
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Thank you Zeeble.
redking, in case you didn't notice, you are in the "Domain Newbies" discussion area, and although there are places where comments of this nature are appropriate, this is not one of them. In the future, kindly refrain. Warning administered re: Rudeness
i have to say its refreshing to see a new bees post,
i remember learning the dns from a friend just abo0ut a two years ago
and its leaps one into fast track of websites,
so you learn to set the dns , which is easy you will be live in no time
have fun and welcome and goodluck to you, its an amazing world this internet. and most people here are great , though as you know in life there are always those few ones
really..really..confused. 
