The Difference Between SubDomains and Add-On Domain Names Basics

Let us assume that you have a very good domain name with you. Did you ever know that you could add and compliment another domain in addition to your existing domain name? These domain names are known by the names like sub domains or add-on domains. However, they are almost like slaves to the main domains and they at under the command of the main domain name. These domains are simply the sub directories designed and added to the main domain name at the time of hosting them. This is because they do not posses their own control panels. However, such domains will have their personal index files and CGI Bin folders to help them make unique and special for your web site.

Before you create one of these sub domains and ass-on domain names, you may wish to understand the main differences between them. In fact, the only thing that is common to them is that you can add them to your main domain. They are the additional domain names that can act as subordinate to the main domain name. With an add-on domain name, it will have its own stand-alone URL after its creation. On the other hand, a sub domain is a simple URL that creates a link to the mother domain name.

Example: Add-on domain: www.orchidflowersinthewild.com Sub domain: www.blog. orchidflowersinthewild.com Another significant difference is the cost involved in creating these domains. Add-on domain always comes with a fee attached to it while sub domains are free and you can create as many sub domains as possible with your web-hosting package. You will need to pay an annual fee to register and use an add-on domain name. Add-on domains always share your resources from your existing web-hosting package. It means that you will get additional features from an add-on domain name just like your domain name. It will also possess its own FTP link and other related utilities.

Procedure to add an add-on domain name: Initially, search for a domain name and register when you find it. Once you buy that, you can link its DNS to your web-hosting server. Once you add it to the server, log on to your account and check for its listing in the control panel. Now, fill the name of the domain and install it in the main directory. Wait until you complete the installation process.

On the other hand, you can easily create a sub domain within the main domain name directory. Sub domains are very useful if you are planning to add more web pages within the parent directory. For example, if you want to add a blog to your web site, then you can create a sub domain like www.blog.orchidflowersinthewild.com. You can place a link on the main page of your web site and when a user clicks on the link, he or she will navigate to the blog page. Almost all web-hosting packages provide unlimited numbers of sub domains with the purchased hosting package.