talkmagic.co.uk

I have mandrakes permission to ask this so I hope you dont mind. I have recently started my own forum for work colleagues and I am having trouble eliminating the annoying adverts google stamp all over it. Does anyone know how to erase them(I suppose theres a fee involved somewhere). On this forum google dont send adverts so I am hoping some nice person might know.

Many thanx again mandrake

Kev

Hi Kev,

What forum software are you using? Or is it just google groups?

Anticipating the question, TM is hosted on the Forum owner's own servers so we don't get those Google ads.

Mandrake, by own servers do you mean own domain ? And if thats the case maybe thats what I need to do.

storm01 wrote:Mandrake, by own servers do you mean own domain ? And if thats the case maybe thats what I need to do.

Layperson jargonbusters:

1. Domain
A domain is just a word or name which references in a more 'human' way an IP address of a remote server. Think of it like a postcode. Instead of saying:
"The most central part of Wales on the Shropshire Border between Montgomeryshire and Powys" we just use SY21.

And then, instead of:
"A property within 100 square feet which is on a road below Breidden Hill, just off the Bxxx road, in the region of the most central part of Wales on the Shropshire Border between Montgomeryshire and Powys" we just add SY21 8DH.

Simple, see.

A domain is similar. It usually just points places. 'mydomain.co.uk' can point at different servers depending on what you're using it for... for example, email... www.... ftp... https... etc. Therefore, the 'visible' domain name is literally just that. A name, which you pay for, which has hidden (but useful) sub address routing.

'Free' domain names are usually a really bad thing to get into, as they're volatile. Much better to spend about £7 every 2 years (for a .co.uk) domain and have full control, AND be able to choose what you want. A 'free' name will always look generic.

2. Domain hosting
Whether you own a domain, or not, hosting is required for email, webpages, online shops, forums, etc.

Hosting takes many forms... free hosting is 'shared' on a single server usually, and in order to counteract the 'never get something for nothing' argument, these servers usually plaster your pages with advertising, which gives them revenue.

Your own, private server (or hosted server) is a bit different. You have varying levels of control (depending on requirement and pricing!) and can have your own email servers, web servers and even databases.

Much like Domain Names compare to post codes, think of Domain Hosting as buildings...

A 'free' building will let you keep your stuff there and use it as an address to point your 'postcode' to, but the penalties are that in order for them to pay for it's upkeep, they will plaster your building with advertsiing boards and restrictions of service. This is fine for amateur sites and blogs. But for professionals, it's a no-no. And... much like renting a property, you don't have full control of the property's looks, or configurations.

However...

A paid-for server 'building' is pretty much like leasing. The building is basically yours for as long as you pay for it. You can paint it whatever colour you like, put your own signs outside, add bits, remove bits and generally treat it as your own. I

And...

An 'owned' server is totally your own. You are solely responsible for it! In the case of 'home servers', you need a static IP address AT LEAST, and a reliable internet connection!

3. Pairing up of Domain Name and Domain Hosting
If you have your OWN domain name, you can point it where you like... your own servers, a co-located server, a shared server and even a 'free' server.

If you DON'T own a domain name, and are using a free one, you're usually tied into a hosting service too.

in short... it certainly sounds like you're using generic 'free' services. For spending a few pounds, you can get your own server & domain. With no ads.

The decision is yours.

For instance... TalkMagic is a privately owned domain name, with a privately run server. The software running for this forum was installed by the owner, and hand-tuned.

If you don't know much about domains, servers and scripting, you are way better off choosing a 'ready made' solution and putting up with the restrictions.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/officelive/fx102390721033.aspx?lc=2057 three good examples in one place, I'm using the free one at the moment, no adds, free photo and video depo, web designer, etc.
and when iv'e paid off some big business debts I may upgrade and start writing some of thoughs manuscripts some members have been asking for.

Thanks very much for all your advice, this is exactly what i needed to know, I understand now where I was going wrong. Thanks again.

Kev