Setup and Connecting?? : FFXI General Discussions

Ok first off, please don't ban me I'm not exactly sure where i would ask this. I've looked in a couple of places but im just confused. I want to start a FFXI account and I don't know how I would connect to your server. And is it a free server or just a private server?!? There are so many links that send me places I don't know what to do with...
I know its a noob question but yeah ... Can someone help ?

TU don't run any private servers; the only functional server at the moment is the official Square Enix one, for which you need to buy the game.

doesnt exist, some people are making it but it still isnt a private service you can do !@#$%^&* in it. and since discussion isnt allowed...

LOCKED