Domain name question!!! PLZ HELP

[Niskyspy]

Hi, I am trying to start a server to run a local car forum and I would really like somehow get a domain name like www.capauto.com or .org and I was wondering if there is anyway to get it for free. I mean all I need is something that can link my server IP address to the domain that I want. If there is a free way of doing it please post, and if there is none please post the cheapest place were I can get the domain that I want.
Thank you

[PrntRhd]

Yahoo and some others provide domain names registration with minimal fee ($15 or so).

[pangea33]

I like GoDaddy. They only charge $8 a year including registration. You get a free email account if you're hosting nothing. You can use them as your registrar and host elsewhere too. http://www.godaddy.com/

[Niskyspy]

Thanks, I guess I am just gonna buy a domain and link it to my server!!!

[Niskyspy]

Hi, I am trying to start a server and I am totally lost. As of now I am running my 8gig HD cuz my 160gig died before I could try it with a server, so I am doing this with 8gig's just to see how it all works and then by the end of this week I am going to do a whole new install and all.
I've just installed the damn windows2000server and right now I am trying to start a website but nothing works. I tried starting phpBB forum but to start it I need change some things in config with CuteFTP, but for some unknown reason CuteFTP doesnt want to connect to my server, so I cant upload anything or change the settings.
If any one kno's of a website that has info on how to start a server and ran a website on it please gimi a link.
Thank you

[pangea33]

These two threads are obviously very much related. I feel that they need to be merged so that the info is kept together. The seperate threads appear to have been posted with good intention, and adherence to forum recommendations/rules. I would still like request that a moderator merge them, because I can't do that.

Threads to merge:
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42210
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42189

I'm going to attempt to put together some coherent answers to your questions, Niskyspy. It's a little complicated though, so I can't just give you an adhoc response. Please don't move on this just yet, because its definitely not as easy as mapping a domain name to you box (server) at home. I'll try to give you some more to chew on very quickly.

If I understand correctly, and you are talking about hosting from a home machine on broadband. You'll should start your research by reading up on the technologies described at these links. Check out the FAQs and whatever info pages you can find.

http://www.dyndns.com/
http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/custom/faq.html

http://www.no-ip.com/
http://www.no-ip.com/services/managed_dns/free_dynamic_dns.html

[pangea33]

I believe that this thread should be merged with the one that I am pasting here. They are both about one larger question. Please correct me if I am in the wrong.

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?p=260315

[EDIT] I believe you have a valid point pangea33...threads have been merged... ;)

[pangea33]

phpBB only works with PHP. Have you actually installed a PHP environment on IIS, or are you using the stock IIS install? There is a lot, and I've already requested a thread merge. Please respond in the other thread, that's the only place I'll be looking from now on.