ok, stupid question! Can I make up a domain name?

[crgordon]

I am unclear on the whole DNS thing. If I have a server, and a static IP. Can I just make up a domain name (www.mystupiddomain.com) or do I have to buy one?

or..

If I get one from a free domain name service, can I just set it up by that?

Basically I just want unlimited web sites and email accounts.

[MattWil]

If you go to www.domain.kg (http://www.domain.kg) you can get a free domain. Make sure that you get a .com.kg domain though, if you get just plain .kg they try and charge you a couple hundred dollars or something like that. A lot of people say they are subdomains but they aren't because you can change the nameservers on them. You have to make a personal id before making the domain though. Hope this helps! I'm still not sure on the DNS thing though, sorry.

[ 23 September 2001: Message edited by: MattWil ]

[posterboy]

You cannot make up a domain name, because the worlds DNS won't know about it. You CAN make up the front of a domain name, though, such as foobar.yi.org. Now, to do that, yi.org must know about you, and that's easy, just go there, and fill out the paperwork. This is one of dozens of free dynamic DNS services. They work fine even though your IP is static. But, I wanted to get away from the .yi.org, and do it myself. For a few bucks, you can register a domain, then, you have to find a free DNS provider, dns2go or granitecanyon.com, or the like, to "point" the world to your IP. After that, home free. HTH, Ray

[bdl]

When you sign up for a domainname, they _should_ give you DNS as part of the bargain, at least it's been my experience anyway. Just head over to register.com, find out if the domain you want is taken and if not, grab a credit card, shell out the $70. (for two years, $35. per year) and go from there.