Purchase your own domain name along with a hosting plan. Since this
course does not have a required textbook, you could use the money
that you would normally pay for a textbook to help cover these costs.
If purchasing your own domain name, you may initially be faced with several
challenges. You may temporarily even hate this course and your instructor!
But by using this option, and overcoming these challenges, you will learn
skills that will make you more marketable in the future.
Furthermore, you will now have your own permanent location for storing and displaying
electronic information (e.g., resume, online portfolio, pictures, etc.).
A location that you can continue to develop after graduating from NSU.
My experience is that most students take more pride and create a more
professionally marketable website, when working with their own domain.
You might even use the assignments that you create in this class to
begin your online portfolio. You will find that most job opening
in computer technology, require an online portfolio. Below are a few actual
job advertisements:
- "To apply, email your resume and a link to your online portfolio to ..."
- "Interested candidates should submit: Creative assignments reflected in a strong online portfolio ..."
Give your domain name
careful consideration before purchasing. Ideally, your domain
name should be short and memorable. Personally, I would recommend
going with a ".com" extension.
Personally, I have been using
GoDaddy for several years, and I
have been very pleased with their products and support. Furthermore, if you
use GoDaddy, I will more easily be able to answer your questions.
If using GoDaddy I would recommend using
their default operating system "Linux". This will come with 1-click install of
125+ free applications. In particular, one application that you might want to install
down the road is WordPress.
Note: The prices listed on their website can typically be lowered by "calling" their
Support line.
Another less expensive option is iPage.
According to one source, for around $40, you can get your domain name,
an SSL certification, and hosting for a year.