Domain Name Required
To use Hostgator Web Hosting you will need to purchase and register a domain name. You can choose any domain name and domain extension you like or if you already have one you are welcome to use it for class.

The name of the domain does not matter, that's completely up to you as long as it's acceptable for a public academic setting (no adult oriented names, vulgarity, xxx extensions, etc. - see restrictions below). Choose something inexpensive, under $20, and preferably under $10. If you choose to purchase something more expensive or you choose to purchase add-on services, that is completely up to you but will not be required for class.

While you work on assignments, you will be allowed to make websites with your own choice of content and style (see restrictions below), so if you have a concept for something you want to work on, choose a name that suits that concept. However, the name will not matter for academic purposes.

Select a Registrar
To purchase a domain name you need to visit a registrar's site, get an account, login, find the name you want, and purchase it. You can use any registrar you like. Some suggestions...

• https://www.dynadot.com/
• https://www.godaddy.com/
• https://domains.google/

More information on registrars.

Update DNS Settings
Once you have a domain name, you will need to do things:

1. Find the DNS settings in your domain's settings. Update your Domain Name Servers to the following:
   • ns401.websitewelcome.com
   • ns402.websitewelcome.com
2. Complete the "get a domain name" assignment in Blackboard.

Access your Hostgator control panel
You will have an assignment in the first week of the semester, "get a domain name." Once you complete that and get a grade of 1, that means your account is set-up and your domain is ready to go. Go to https://yourdomain.name/cpanel where you replace "yourdomain.name" with your actual domain. Login using your web server credentials from the "Web Creds" column in your grades in Blackboard, where you will see something like this: u8792225 1a(B#!6a4Ghd which is your Web server username and password (separated by one space). Note: The password is 12 characters long. Make sure when you get your password from Blackboard you get the whole password. Sometimes the password gets cut off if your Web browser window isn't big enough.

Control Panel Features
Once you access your control panel you will see many controls. You really only need to pay attention to a few...

• File Manager: This allows you to manipulate your files directly through the control panel. You will usually do this through FTP, but it can be done in the control panel as well.
• MySQL Databases: This will allow you to create databases.
• PhpMyAdmin: This will allow you to access and manipulate your databases.

Accessing Your Site
Once everything is set up, you can go to your domain in a browser just like any other site. However, your site will be password protected. Enter your web server credentials from the "Web Creds" column in your grades in Blackboard. You may not remove this protection or change your password. There is an .htaccess file in your web server's public_html directory. You may not alter or remove it except as directed to do so in assignments. See below complete for restrictions.

Help
Hosgator has an extensive help knowledge base. Feel free to use it as needed to complete your work.

RESTRICTIONS
This Web server hosting is provided to you as a courtesy to enhance your academic experience and is at at the sole expense of the professor. It is a privilege, not a right, and is subject to the following terms and conditions.

• The account is for class assignments only and may not be used for any other purpose. Any code or assets found that are not connected to assignments will be deleted without notice.
• Credentials may not be shared with any other student, tutor, professor, administrator, employee of ACC, or anyone outside ACC (i.e. share with no one).
• You may not change your password at any time during the semester without prior written consent of the instructor.
• You may not remove the password protection on the root of your server. If you do, your account will be terminated and you will be given a locked down ACC student Web server to complete the course.
• There is an .htaccess file in your web servers public_html directory. You may not alter or remove it except as directed to do so in assignments. If you alter or delete it on accident, notify the professor immediately and it will be corrected for you.
• Code on your server is subject to deletion or modification at any time. It is up to you to maintain copies of your work.
• Material posted to your site may not contain anything not suitable for a public college setting and may not contain any of the following: adult oriented content, extreme religious or political views, anything promoting violence, sexism, racism, intimidation, or criminality in any way.
• Violations of these terms will be subject to account deletion and college disciplinary action including but not limited to removal from the class with a grade of F.