Depends on what you want to do. If you just want to start a blog, you only need to register at a site like wordpress.org or blogspot.com. If you want to register a domain name, and buy some webspace, then you're looking for a web hoster and domain registrar - I think godaddy is the most popular one in the States?

So I just go to godaddy.com or register.com and purchase? Then it is mine?

As mentioned, if you're looking at something personal and zero maintenance headaches, you can head to a blog site like wordpress or blogspot and sign up. Then you'll have a nice site for yourself.

If you're looking for something professional, you need to look for server host (unless you plan to host it from your home/connection). Then you'll have to install whatever software you want to run the website with. Then you'll need to go to a domain registrar like godaddy and pluck some dough for a domain name to use. Link up the IP address of your machine (or from the server host) and the domain using the DNS IP provided and you'll be up and running. godaddy will give you a domain name, but nothing else. You essentially have say www.foobar.com which points to nowhere. You have to subscribe to a server hosting service if you have the dough, or open your own internet connection traffic and point the domain name to your IP essentially. Then you'll be running the website on your own.

For as long as you pay (and the contract runs), yes. But it doesn't give you an actual website yet - you're just renting some space, which is necessary to build your site. Which you then do by writing HTML pages and uploading them to the host.

That's why I was asking what you intend to do, because just renting a domain name is usually not what people actually mean when they ask about getting a website.

You're talking about securing a domain name for yourself, not a website? Use a search engine and look for "domain registrar". There are millions of them :)

The only free option I know is AlpenNIC. You can't get the popular extensions like .com, but hey, it's free forever...

If you're willing to use Godaddy, you might as well use Google for hosting (it's under their business services), they'll even register your domain with Godaddy for you.

Until you know what you want this is probably your best option. If you want something specific, like Wordpress, just use the main hosting site for said company that produces said software until you decide you want your own.

Contrary to popular belief, HTML5 and CSS2/3 still work fine to create simple websites. I doubt you're generating an ass-load of dynamic content, so updating shouldn't be much of a headache.

Wasn't / isn't GoDaddy in agreement with SOPA and PIPA? Edit: Looks like they WERE, but then customers gave a collective WTF and the company's public position changed.

Which lets me plug www.1and1.com, who came out against those bills from the get-go. This host can give you everything you need in order to make your own site from scratch, plus they have the usual template stuff available. Been a flawless experience for me, though I will admit that my hosting needs are pretty rudimentary.

I was running under the assumption that if he or she was going to run a pro website, it would use dynamic content. Of course, for simple websites, HTML5 and CSS will work just fine.

Then it's just a matter of figuring out how you want to host the site. I wasn't aware Google has hosting services and that maybe the best option to go sans putting a simple blog site up.

Well I want a good domain name for my website and don't want to get ripped off while purchasing one. I also want to be the owner of the domain name in case, in the future, I want to sell it.

I always wanted a .co.at.tf website!

SOPA or no SOPA, when the local government where the hosting company is located wants to get your website down, it will get it down.

Why give a crap about stuff like that?
fenixp.co.at.tf

fenixp cooperative at team fortress?

Blog about me coughing.

I'll definitely read that!

I know it seems a bit long, but that chick pointing at her email address looks pretty happy. That's the only endorsement I need!