Can I view webpages w/o domain??

[d3c0y]

I would like to know if I can host webpages at Bluehost without signing up for a domain, just use the IP address instead. Is this possible? I've done this before with other hosting services.

[Eriksrocks]

You are required to input a domain when you sign up. This will become your 8-digit account name and will be the main domain associated with your account. However, I suppose there is nothing forcing you to change the nameservers of that domain to point to Bluehost.

So theoretically, yes, you could just use the IP address in the format of "http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/~username" to access your account. However, you might run into problems with support, etc. because you don't truly have a domain associated with your account.

[felgall]

The cost of the main domain is included in the price that BlueHost charge for the hosting so you may as well get a domain with the hosting.

[pengyou]

Interesting question - I have never considered it. I guess it would give you a higher degree of anonymity. It also may exclude you from any search engine activity. Would you mind sharing what benefit this would give you? I would like to learn more.

[felgall]

The domain would need to exist since that is what BlueHost use to derive your account name. Therefore the site would be accessible via the domain name. Whether you publish that name or just use IPaddress/~accountName is up to you.

[Eriksrocks]

Therefore the site would be accessible via the domain name.

Unless you are using an external domain name registered at another registar. You could simply avoid pointing the nameservers to Bluehost.

[felgall]

Unless you are using an external domain name registered at another registar. You could simply avoid pointing the nameservers to Bluehost.

If you use the free domain name that comes with the BlueHost account then the nnameservers automatically point to BlueHost. BlueHost can't set up the account without the domain pointing to it.