Server Name Change

I know this will be considered stupid or plain fail but how do you change or create a server name
(so it doesn't just appear as an IP address)

 

dns

 

buy a domain name

 

kk but do i need to buy one or can i run the server just off my computer

 

You have to buy a domain and edit the dns to point to your server.

 

You need to find a domain name registrar, like Go Daddy, and register a domain name with them (typically costs about $10 a year). Then, you need to find out how to edit the zone file for your domain name (it's different for each registrar of course, but only because of site layouts) to have the DNS pointing to the IP address of your server. Also, depending on your situation, you may want to check out a dynamic DNS service, because if you don't have a static IP address, it could change, making the domain not point to you anymore. Those are free though, if I'm not mistaken. And when registering your domain, make sure you don't accidentally sign up for web hosting, unless of course you want a website on your domain, and don't feel like or know how to host one yourself.

 

Thanks heaps

 

moved to correct forum

 

Or just sign up for a dynamic dns - dyndns.org. No point spending money if you don't need to.