i am getting ready to change hosts and feel that ipowerweb has my domain name hostage-- i have to wait for them to "handle " it- maybe everyone does it this way-- anyway-- once i release myself from them and before i join with someone else - what can i do not to be in this situation again-- is a registrar something i can choose--
if so
any suggestions for a good one that allows me to change my host online without lots of - or any- fees, hidden or otherwise?
sorry getting grumpy

buy your domain name at a registrar such as eNom or GoDadddy. That way your host has no control over it. That is my advice.

Hey there oaks; only a few services out there require manual changes and I know from experience that they can be a real pain! There are many many popular registrars out there but I would personally recommend NameCheap (www.namecheap.com). I have 20 domains registered there and they provide an excellent level of service, as well as online changes :).

Good luck and if you have any problems, just drop me a PM or ask again here :).

Luke