Advice on Setting up a Domain+email Hosting

KBZ on 24/01/2015 - 11:39
Last edited 24/01/2015 - 11:39

Hi Guys,

I just need some advice regarding setting up a domain+hosting for a family business, the current email we are using is just some basic freebie that we got from our internet provider but it's been down for 2 days and has been unreliable recently so we want to move on to something more reliable and preferably with our own domain.

I'm not that technically diverse, but more than willing to learn if just pointed to the right direction.

I'm thinking of using FastMail and getting a domain at namecheap.com (I got quoted about $14 a year for the domain I want) are these good providers? I did some research and FastMail does seem to be getting good reviews domain sites hard to find independent reviews but I hear I should avoid GoDaddy?

Reading their 'How To" The process seems quite simple is their anything I need to look out for?

Internet

Comments

  • airzone on 24/01/2015 - 12:16

    You can just use their name servers and it makes it easy. Be wary that changes take from 5 minutes to 24 hours to replicate

    • KBZ on 24/01/2015 - 15:44

      Thanks for the response mattgal, I've been meaning to do this for the business for a while so this whole issue has definitely catalyzed the process.

      Currently we are using POP3 so all the messages are saved on to our local server so not much problems there. Do you think we should be moving on to another protocol?

      you should also know how to change the mx dns records for your domain (or set up a backup mail relay) in case your email hoster goes down for an extended period of time.

      This flew over my head so ill read up on that.

        • KBZ on 25/01/2015 - 11:48

          Ah I see thanks for the clarification.

  • bjdchwr on 24/01/2015 - 13:31

    In my opinion, the GoDaddy is OK for domain registrations and I just use VPS or virtual host elsewhere.

  • GOFYS on 24/01/2015 - 14:58

    Try crazydomains.com.au. Cheap enough to get you website and email without searching the planet, and easy enough to navigate through signing up for Hosted email, and progressing to website etc..

  • pennae on 24/01/2015 - 16:14
    +3

    Or run Google Apps through cheap domain hosting (eg Dreamhoast) :) Gmail is reliable and so easy to manage.

    • deepdag on 25/01/2015 - 07:23

      I second this. Google apps very easy to set up. It took me just few mins to get it up & running.

      Also be careful while choosing the host as fair few went bust in last two years.

    • Noblejoker on 25/01/2015 - 22:34

      Totally agree Run Gapps myself for years
      Although you need to know it is no longer free for personal or business (only educational)
      There is a paid version but it is pretty expensive and pay per user
      I think Microsoft has a similar free option
      Outlook (hotmail) is nowhere near as good as gmail IMO but if you are using through desktop it may do

  • zrach on 24/01/2015 - 20:15

    try dreamhost

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2015 - 20:26

    I'd recommend using any domain registrar + cloudflare DNS(free) + Zoho mail (free).
    I use Zoho mail and haven't had any issues.

  • KBZ on 24/01/2015 - 23:08

    Hi Guys,

    Thanks for all the responses,
    I ended up getting the domain at namecheap.com and just used Fastmail.
    Just a quick question if I do decide to move to a different hosting whether it be it Google/Dreamhost/etc.

    If I just change the nameserver on my domain admin page (to my new host) it won't interrupt the flow of emails coming to me as long as I keep the same email i.e [email protected] right???

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2015 - 23:20

      Everything changes when you change the nameserver. (Meaning you won't get emails anymore)
      Your best bet is to use NameCheap's default nameservers, and just use their DNS hosting to create A records pointing to your hosting, and MX records pointing to Fastmail.

      • KBZ on 25/01/2015 - 11:45

        Yep that's what I did and just sent a few test emails and its working, just asking if I decide to change hosting companies in the future I'll need to configure namecheap to redirect dns queries from my old host to the new one; and as long as I keep my email address format (same prefix [email protected]) I shouldn't have any interruptions with my email as in I won't have to tell my contacts what my new email address is.

        • KBZ on 25/01/2015 - 15:11

          *?

        • KBZ on 25/01/2015 - 22:17

          Oh wow I thanks for pointing that out palm to the face moment.

  • timmypete on 25/01/2015 - 01:14

    I see the OP has already pulled the trigger with Fastmail. I'm an existing and very satisfied customer using my own domains.

    With the question on changing domain hosts, a lot will let you set DNS records in the five days between initiating a transfer and it completing. It's worth checking this is the case beforehand, but if done the transfer is seamless.

    I did this transferring a domain from Enetica to Serversaurus (which like Fastmail is Melbourne based and a great service), but I'm sure there are dozens of hosts who do the same.

      • KBZ on 25/01/2015 - 11:46

        Yes that's correct just redirecting the DNS queries to FastMail.

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