When you move an existing website to GUDHOST, you may want to check it on your real domain before you point the domain at us. You can do this on your own computer by editing its hosts file, which overrides DNS for that computer only. Everyone else keeps seeing your current site.
For most checks, the temporary address under Websites in your account is simpler. Use the hosts file when something only works on your real domain.
The line to add
Find your site's IP address under Websites in your account, then add one line to the hosts file, replacing the example IP address and domain with yours:
203.0.113.10 example.com www.example.com
Put the bare domain, www and any other subdomains you want to test on the same line.
Windows
- Search for Notepad, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
- Choose File → Open, set the file type to All files and open
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. - Add the line at the end and save.
macOS
- Open Applications → Utilities → Terminal.
- Type
sudo nano /etc/hostsand enter your Mac password. - Add the line, then press Control + X, Y and Return to save.
- Run
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderso the change takes effect straight away.
Linux
Open /etc/hosts with administrator rights, for example sudo nano /etc/hosts, add the line and save.
While you're previewing
Your free SSL certificate is only issued once your domain really points to GUDHOST, so your browser may show a certificate warning on https:// during the preview. That's expected.
When you've finished, remove the line and save the file again. Otherwise your computer keeps ignoring the real DNS for that domain.