How about having a fake domain name


Step-1:
So you want a fake domain name for your development web server, such as .com, .net? Okay here is the way to get it, but it will only work in your own computer. Okay let's start now.

Find the file named HOSTS. It resides somewhere inside C:\WINDOWS in Windows 95/98 and ME operating systems, C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC in Windows NT and 2000 operating systems and C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC in Windows XP and 2003 operating systems.

Open the file with Notepad. Well everything described in detail inside the file. You will see that the

127.0.0.1       localhost

is the last line. Go at the end of the line, press Enter for a new line and type your computer's IP address and your desired domain name there. See the output below:




In the output above, I entered 255.0.0.9 for my IP and www.shuvorim.com for my desired domain name.

If your ISP is not using a proxy server, you can skip the browsers settings sections described below and go directly to the Test your domain section.


Settings for Internet Explorer:
Now you have to tell your browser that whenever you enter the domain name, do not search it on the Web. Here is the setting for Internet Explorer. Open Tools -> Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN Settings... -> Advanced, now type the fake domain name in the Do not use proxy server for addresses beginning with: dialog box. See the picture below:




Settings for Firefox:
Chances that you are using the popular Firefox web browser. So, here is the setting for Firefox. Open Tools -> Options -> Connection Settings..., now type the fake domain name in the No Proxy for: dialog box. See the picture below:




Settings for all other browsers are identical. So, only the popular ones given above.


Step-2:
Okay, now you are ready to browse with your own domain name. Open your browser, type your domain name and press Enter. I got the following output :(




You must have a web server installed on your machine, such as IIS, Apache, PWS, Zeus, Xitami etc. The whole procedure will not work otherwise.


Other Helpful Resources:
http://msdn.microsoft.com