I am a newbie, just started learning linux. I have setup a centos server on one of my PC at home for my business I am starting. I am able to access the IP address via port forwarding on my router. But I would want to setup a FQ domain name for it, something like www.abcdefgh.co.uk. What is the best way to do it? What are resources do I need? can anyone help please?

EDIT: is it something worth doing? or am I better off buying a WEBHOSTING package and save time and hassal?

If you just want to play around then you could easily start by "linking" your IP address to some host name using a dynamic DNS service like Dyndns or equivalent and move on once you gain experience. On the other hand if your business is going to depend on the availability of your web site then, given your level of knowledge, you might consider shelling out cash for web site hosting so you can actually focus on growing your business until you're confident you know how these things actually work.

You need to contact a domain registrar to register your domain name.
Then, you set up a DNS 'A' record (usually via the registrar's web form) to resolve the name to an IP address.

You will need to do this whether you are using your home server or a hosted solution.

You can always start with it pointing at your home address and change it later if you want to move/replace your server to a webhosted one.

thank you guys all for reply.
I am playing with free DNS and lets see if it suffice, if not I will go for hosting packages with domain name.

There are a number of ISP's that block use of port 80. You may have to set a different port number for your web access.

As noted above, you can't easily use a dynamic home ip address. A FQDN almost always needs a static IP address. See if your isp allows hosting of a web page and if you have a static ip.

Your time is well spent I'd think IF you want to learn these tasks. A business hosted web site does cost but they usually provide tools a small business might need. Some even offer payment support and certificates. They do suffer from lack of security. Their admins and others could use your data.

Thanks Guys a lot
I have Static IP, I am using port 443 for Selfsigned SSL and its open by the BB provider.....

Now What I Have figured out is I am able access the IP with Dynamic DNS service like NOIP. I have configured a Free hostname with DNS HOST (A) type, selected dynamic DNS provider on my router and it was good to go.

I was wondering if I buy a domain name that I like, say for example from GODADDY.com, will I be able to configure that domain name just like the way I did for Dyn DNS?

Yes.

Ok. I have managed to run my webpage from home server.
Here is current setup

Bought domain www.abc.com from godaddy

Setup DNS A record on godaddy to point to home router static ip: 12.34.56.78

On my router opened port forwarding 80 and 443

On my centos server listening to 80 & 443 (did not setup any BIND)

Nameserver on cent os server is 11.11.11.11(provided by my router/broadband provider)

But godaddy's name server is n23.godaddy.com


Is there any wrong with my setup?
Can it be improved to ensure security and performance?