Anyone familiar with Microsoft Office Live?

[rhett o rick]

I currently have a website via WordPress. For a couple of reasons I would like to switch over to Microsoft Office Live. As the website is for a food-bank, I would rather use the free Microsoft site vs. WordPress that costs. Secondly, WordPress isnt real friendly for a novice and doesnt handle photos in a good manner (as far as my knowledge).

First, can I switch the domain name from one to another site? If so, how?

Second, can I start building a sit in Microsoft Office Live before I give it a domain name? So I can build the site and test it without interrupting the other site.

I hope this makes sense, I am a novice.

[RoyGBiv]

1. I can't help you, but ...

WordPress doesn't cost a dime. WordPress is blogging software that sits on a server and allows you to interact with it easily to create a blog. Some of the tools others have created to work with WordPress and some of the 3rd party themes have a cost associated with them, but you don't need any of this.

You may have to pay for server space if you want your own URL or if one of the free hosting services doesn't fit your needs.

Sorry I can't help you more, but I wanted to clarify that. Some companies that will eventually charge you are pushing marketing campaigns right now that try to make OpenSource look like it has a huge price tag associated with it when it fact it often has no price tag at all.

[JeffersonChick]

2. How are you using WordPress?

First: There are two ways to use WordPress:
1) A free website at wordpress.com. Somewhat limited customization
2) Paying a webhosting outfit to host your site (such as GoDaddy), and using the WordPress's free publishing platform.

Second: Yes, you can switch your domain name to a different host. Assuming you have purchased your own domain name (such as "mydomain.com" rather than "mydomain.wordpress.com"), and assuming you are hosting your site on a third party webhost, here's a step-by-step:
http://www.isitebuild.com/hosttransfer.htm


Third: Yes, you can start building a site on MOL first - you'll have to use their free "fourth-level domain" (see: http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/en-us/free-business-website). Then when you're satisfied that you want to use MOL instead of WordPress, you can change the domain. You can also export your files from Wordpress to MOL.

Hope this helps!