edit: fixed spelling
In this blog, you will need a modern browser, preferably a computer. Phones work fine too, but its not recommended.
We will be using InfinityFree.
InfinityFree provides 5GB of web hosting, unlimited mySQL databases and uh some more idk. Though, you are not allowed to provide streaming services, as stated in the Terms of Service.
GETTING THE WEBSITE
Step 1: Go to http://dash.infinityfree.com/register.
Step 2: Register for a user account. With this account you will have access to the 3 hosting accounts you can make. But, the hosting accounts dont use your account password, they have a random password for security.
Step 3: You should be redirected to here. If not, just continue from that link
Step 4: Create a hosting account. This way you will be able to create your site. Select free (unless you want to spend money)
Step 5: Complete the chapta that takes ages. Then you can select a domain.
Step 6: Choose a label or not, remember the account password (for databases, not to log into infinityfree), then click Create Account and youre done!
To make FTP work, you will need to go to the control panel (green button) at least 1 time. This will activate FTP.
The online file manager has many flaws, i dont recommend that
The FTP credentials can be seen at the FTP Details section of your hosting account.
GETTING ACTUAL CONTENT
There are 2 ways of making your site:
1. Working hard with HTML and PHP (the good way)
2. Installing software (using Softaculous) and call it a day
3. Use Site.Pro with the max of 5 pages limit (blue Website Builder button)
I have never used Site.pro so ill just tell you how to do 2?
1. In your hosting account, click the purple Script Installer button
2. Find the software you prefer and click it
3. Click install, fill in all the options and actually install it now
Congrats! You should now own whatever you clicked! I have no idea how Softaculous works so dont blame me
Please note that, the root of your website is inside the htdocs folder. That means, if you upload a file there, it will be site.com/file.extension instead of site.com/htdocs/file.extension. General knowledge but i thought it would be useful
(In case youre interested in learning HTML you can read my bad blog about it here.)
SSL AND SECURITY
Just to make clear, the ?i=1 is a security system to prevent (most) bots from accessing your site, and can only be removed by upgrading.
This is why you need JavaScript and cookies to visit the site. Its shared hosting so DDOS attacta may suspend your website.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It basically makes your site secure (and breaks old devices), excluding any leaks in your code.
HTTPS uses SSL, which means you shouldnt force HTTPS on your DSi-friendly sites.
You can request an SSL certificate using these steps:
1. At the top of any page under dash.infinityfree.com select Free SSL Certificates (this)
2. Click New SSL Certificate, enter your domain name and select any provider EXCLUDING self-signed, because it is not trusted by browsers, then continue.
3. Select Setup CNAME Records. This may take a while, patience is key.
4. Come back a while later and check the progress. If you can click "Request Certificate", it means the CNAME records are set up correctly. Just click it.
5. Once again, wait. Wait, wait, wait and wait until it actually works and shows a lock next to the adress in your browser.
Ta-da, now you have security too!
EMAIL
Well... Zoho mail is the best way. Once again, only modern browsers will work.
1. Go to here since finding it yourself is painful
2. Register for an account. When registered, you should be seeing a setup page
You will need to verify your domain using CNAME records. This is the only way working on Infinityfree.
3. Go to here and setup the CNAME record that is required.
4. After that, wait at least 24 hours and verify the domain. DNS caching (sigh)
After all of that, if correct you will be redirected to here. But, you will need to do some extra steps!
5. Check the notifications. If correct they should judge you about MX and SPF records.
6. Simply setup the MX and SPF records. For this, you will once again need the control panel of the site. Once again, DNS caching (sigh), so wait at least 24 hours again, then click Verify. Ignore DKIM, since it is not possible on free hosting.
7. When your MX and SPF records are set up, you can finally mail people with your domain adress!
Zoho mail has a max of 5 user accounts. You can, of course, make a new domain and a new email adress, but you can only set SPF/MX records for the first domain you created.
Well, that's pretty much all you need for a site... hopefully.
By @ccool9
Kashbanooka
