I purchased virtual hosting (a) and a domain name (b). The hosting can be accessed through a domain name that is distinct from the actual domain name (b). Once I connect the domain (b) to the hosting (a), will my site be accessible through my domain name (b), or will the hosting name still remain?
Perhaps I made an error somewhere. Please let me know. Additionally, should I remove the original domain name from my hosting? I hope I have provided sufficient clarification.
If you have connected your domain name (b) to your hosting (a) correctly, your site should be accessible through your domain name (b). The hosting name should no longer be visible to visitors. It is not necessary to remove the original domain name from your hosting unless you no longer intend to use it. However, if you no longer want to associate the original domain name with your hosting, you can remove it from your hosting account.
Virtual hosting refers to the practice of hosting multiple websites on a single physical server. This allows users to share the resources and cost of the server while maintaining separate and independent websites. Each website hosted on the server has its own unique domain name, content, and settings.
Domain name linking, also known as domain name pointing or domain forwarding, is the process of connecting a registered domain name to the IP address of a specific server or hosting provider. By linking the domain name to the server, users can ensure that when someone types in the domain name in the browser, they are directed to the correct website that is hosted on that server.
To link a domain name to a server, you typically need to update the domain's DNS (Domain Name System) records. The DNS records contain information about how the domain name should be resolved to an IP address. By updating the DNS records to point to the IP address of the server where your website is hosted, you establish the connection between the domain name and the server.
It's worth noting that domain name linking may involve additional steps, such as configuring the virtual host settings on the server to associate the domain name with the correct website files and directories. These configurations can vary depending on the hosting provider and the server software being used.
When it comes to domain name linking, there are a few different methods you can use:
1. Name Servers: The most common way to link a domain name to a server is by updating the domain's name server settings. Name servers act as a directory that helps resolve domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. By pointing your domain's name servers to your hosting provider's name servers, you establish the connection between the domain name and the server where your website is hosted.
2. DNS Records: Another way to link a domain name is by directly modifying the DNS records. These records specify the mappings between domain names and IP addresses. By updating the "A" record or "CNAME" record, you can link your domain name to the IP address of the server or the hostname provided by your hosting provider.
3. Domain Forwarding: Some domain registrars offer domain forwarding services, allowing you to redirect your domain to another URL. In this case, you would set up domain forwarding to redirect visitors to the IP address or URL of your hosting provider.
To activate the domain name, you need to configure DNS in the hosting settings. After updating the DNS, the domain name will become accessible within 12 hours. Details about the settings, including DNS, can be found in the domain settings provided by the registrar.
Once you have purchased a domain name (b), you have the freedom to connect it to any hosting service. If it no longer meets your needs, you can easily switch to a different hosting provider (d) and connect your domain to it.
You can then return to hosting service (w) or continue this process indefinitely, ensuring the registrar is compensated for the domain name (b) on an ongoing basis.
Point (b) to (a) via A record, and boom, site on (b). But keeping the original hosting domain as an addon is lazy, delete it to prevent subdomain conflicts and SSL cert headaches. If your DNS is a mess, that's on you for not using a decent registrar.