📚 Main Topics

1. Creating/Logging into Cloudflare Account

   • Navigate to Cloudflare and log in or create a new account.
   • Select the appropriate account if managing multiple.

2. Adding a Domain

   • Click on "Add a Site" and enter your domain name.
   • Option to purchase a domain directly from Cloudflare or use a registrar like Dinod.

3. Selecting a Plan

   • Choose a plan; the free plan is suitable for most users unless specific needs arise.

4. Adding DNS Records

   • A RecordAdd the IPv4 address of your hosting server.
   • AAAA RecordAdd the IPv6 address of your hosting server.
   • CNAME RecordRedirect www to the root domain.

5. Changing Name Server Settings

   • Update the name server settings at your domain registrar to point to Cloudflare's name servers.

6. Finalizing Setup

   • Enable automatic HTTPS rewrites for asset security.
   • Keep "Always Use HTTPS" off until the server is confirmed to handle it.
   • Save settings and wait for DNS propagation.

7. Confirmation of Activation

   • Wait for an email from Cloudflare confirming the domain is active.
   • Check for the removal of red exclamation marks in the DNS records.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Cloudflare can be used as a DNS server to enhance security and performance.
• Properly configuring DNS records is crucial for the domain to function correctly.
• DNS changes may take time to propagate, and patience is required during this process.

🧠 Lessons Learned

• Always ensure that the correct name servers are set at your domain registrar to avoid downtime.
• Familiarize yourself with the types of DNS records (A, AAAA, CNAME) and their purposes.
• Monitor the status of your domain on Cloudflare to confirm successful setup and configuration.