Reply #3: Okay, here are more specifics...

[OneGrassRoot]

First, I was always advised by developers years ago to never purchase a domain name from a host. So, I've always purchased domains from a dedicated registrar (even though most have gotten into hosting and offering website builders and such nowadays), and then developed the site elsewhere. I thus have always had to "point" the URL to where the site was hosted.

My current situation is that I have created a website through a website builder that hosts the site as well. Much easier for a non-programmer such as myself for basic site needs.

I have a custom domain I want to use in conjunction with that site. Rather than the URL showing up as (invoking Dead_Parrot): screwyou.rightwingers.com as it does now, when people go to the home page I want it the URL to be: www.screwyou.com, which is my custom domain, with the "rightwingers" being the name of the website platform I'm using.

Keep in mind that it's only in the last year or so that I have learned that the "www" is itself a subdomain of sorts. I still get confused as to whether to set something up as www.screwyou.com or just screwyou.com. lol

Anyway, in the website platform's instructions about hostname mapping, it gives information as to how to set up the CNAME and the A record at the registrar's site.

Are you saying that for www.screwyou.com (subdomain) I need to set up one thing, and for just screwyou.com I use another? The CNAME is for one and the A record is for another?

Oy. I told you I need DNS for dummies. I have a mental block about this and it's driving me crazy. If I can grasp this concept before bed tonight I will have accomplished something herculean (actually, YOU guys will have accomplished something herculean).

:)