Can one of you techies explain why a website wont work without the www before it?
 

Can one of you techies explain why a website wont work without the www before it? Like whatever.com as compared to www.whatever.com. Can someone tell me why that happens, and how to fix it.. or what to tell my web host how to fix it? Any help would be appreciated.

dns
webserver config
pick one

www. subdomain name?

thisisntworking.com WONT work.. but


www.thisisntworking.com WILL work....

you using apache?
google serveralias

You havn't set up your NS records properly on that domain. Generaly a proplem with Cobalt Raqs, make sure both http and www NS records are properly done. :thumbsup

Apache.... I just have to tell my web host to set up the ns records properly?

<VirtualHost 111.22.33.55>
DocumentRoot /www/domain
ServerName www.domain.tld
ServerAlias domain.tld
</VirtualHost>

The WWW before a domain name is actually a subdomain, such as apple.slashdot.org, and is also optional, but incredibly frustrating if not there.

If you're using plesk etc, it's a simple button click to fix, or the suggestions above.. but if you were wondering why it doesn't work for some sites - it's because it's a convention, not an enforced rule