Subdomain Setup Using cPanel
Subdomains are an easy way for you to set up another site for testing, another Thesis blog, or other purposes without going to the expense and bother of getting another domain name. The process is quick and simple. This article describes how you set up a subdomain in cPanel, which is used by many hosting services. The process is similar for other programs used by hosts.
A caveat: Some hosting services do not allow you to set up subdomains. If you are uncertain, check with your hosting company. Also, if you intend to install Thesis, you need to make sure you are not exceeding the terms of your license.
Figure 1: Subdomain Chart
Subdomains can be thought of as children of your current domain. They do not stand alone, but are dependent on the main domain. A subdomain can be distinguished by its URL in which the subdomain name comes first, then a dot, then the domain name, like this:
subdomain-name.domain-name.com
As you can see in Figure 1, thesisthemetools.com is the domain. It is the parent of two subdomains, thesisdemo and thesissandbox. You have to type in “thesisdemo.thesisthemetools.com” to get to the Thesis Demo subdomain, and “thesissandbox.thesisthemetools.com” to reach the Thesis Sandbox subdomain.
Subdomains, other than being the children of a parent domain, act just like any other site. You can install WordPress and Thesis and have a full-fledged blog. The only difference is their status as children and the extended URL that you have to type in.
Let’s get started:
Figure 2: cPanel Domains Panel
Log into your hosting service and get to the main page of cPanel. Scroll down until you see the “Domains” panel. On the left is a button for Subdomains. Click it.
Figure 3: Create a subdomain dialog
You will be presented with a dialog similar to the one in Figure 3. First, enter the subdomain name you have chosen. From the pulldown on the right, select your parent domain name. If you hit your tab key at this point, the Document Root usually will be automatically filled in for you. Should you be uncertain about the root folder you should use, contact your hosting company. After you have completed all the information, click the “Create” button.
Figure 4: Your subdomain has been created!
The computer will ruminate for a few seconds, then present you with this dialog. You have a new subdomain!
I hope this article has been easy to follow and valuable to you. I invite your comments and questions. If you want to get in touch with me by email, click on the “Contact” button in the nav bar.
©2009 Michael L Nichols. All rights reserved.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a breath of fresh air. It would have helped so much if someone had said that there are diiferent kinds of sites that our websites are on and a cpanel is one of them. Thank-you
Is there any advantage in terms of ease of use in putting up a subdomain as opposed to a separate website. I have to put up my site in Japanese and in English. I was thinking of getting a Japanese website ending (co.jp) and putting up a separate website. I am hoping to have a button that will allow readers to go from one website to the other.