OK, I'm really starting to rack up the hosting fees. I have a bunch of sites on Dreamhost (shared server) and also have a dedicated server over at 1and1. I am always eager to learn new things, and server admin is on the list of things to do. I was thinking of setting up my own server and going out on my own with it. Here's my question. Will I still need to keep hosting with Dreamhost, for the sake of domain registration? How does this work if you run your own server? Also, if anyone has their own server, can you share some advise, maybe some things to look out for? Thanks.
About the only thing I can help you with You should be able to transfer any domains registered at DH to another registar if you pay the additional one year reg fee (they are all the same on this point). You can test this by transferring one choosing the option to keep the nameservers the same. The transfer process once completed should have no result on your being able to view the domain. After the test you can transfer the rest. I suggest the test because some hosting companies hold your domains hostage. I really think DreamHost is better than than that but some other companies are NOT. Once you have all your domains under your control you can set the NS for whatever you want. I believe it is always best to keep your registrations and hosting at different places. A few registars for you to shop would include godaddy, domainsite and namecheap all are dot coms. edit: 1and1 is not one of the better players for transfers IMO.
So with Godaddy, I can register a domain and not pay any other fees? Just register, then set my ns then go on about my business?
Yes that is correct. During the process they will try to upsell there other services but you can just skip it. All you need to pay is the domain transfer/registration cost.
Yep. With any of the ones I suggested and quite a few others. They will all require you to pay for one additional year of registeration to start the transfer process.
as suggested below separate domain registration and hosting I do so ever since it makes you keep full control about your NS and hence host change/server change can be done within minutes when needed when having your own server - make sure it is on a CLEAN IP the benefits of clean IP vs my earlier 1and.com http://www.kriyayoga.com/familyforum/posts/554.html can best be seen at the INSTANT traffic increase I had when moving to my own root server away from 1and1 http://www.kriyayoga.com/love_blog/post.php/702 latter was a most surprising side effect what to look for in addition with your own server have exactly same OS / subversion as you have on your laptop - laptop NOT desktop as a root server owner you will need to have all mobile 24/7 accessible anywhere any time - hence i strongly recommend to use laptop to manage all sites. look for fast CPU - large RAM and dual HDD or even raid if needed take reputable dedicated server hosts rather than cheap -price never should matter only stability and quality of HW and SW. i followed the recommendations of professional friends with years of positive experience on my current host - I am very happy with my choice in ALL aspects - at 69 euro/months the price is perfect as well - the 30+% traffic increase is FAR more than the extra cost of own server. the very first months adsense INCREASE pays for full one year dedi server! having SAME - exactly same - OS offline as online allows you to simulate or test any config and any SW you want to install ... this is something most beneficial, every update every install all can be seen on localhost before going hot online
Hi, I have my own server.. First of all make sure you are good with SSH(If it's linux server) if not then purchase or use some free control panel such as cpanel,webmin etc.Make your php.ini file more secure as there are alot of hacking case these days Good Luck with Server Administration Saad