Hi all,

Actually, there are a few questions that I need to ask and please excuse me if they sound stupid to you. Since this is going to be my fist site.

Well, I thought of a domain name that I quite like and when I type in the address, I get the error host not found. however, when I did a search on sites like allwhois, it says the name is registered, does that mean I can't use it?

Also, when I register my domain name, do I have to worry about the difference between www.something.com or simply something.com. Do I have to clarify which one I want to use?

Lastly, do you guys think it is a better idea to register with a hosting company when I join their plan or shall I go for an independent company. If I register with my hosting company, would there be potential problems when I want to switch company or something?

Thank you very much.

If you didn't register a domain name then there is no way it can be working. You need a host and a registered domain name.

You should register your domain name with domain registrar, because they tend to have cheaper prices.

If you do a WHOIS on a domain and it is registered, then you cannot use it, unless you were the one to register it.

When you register a domain you just use domain.com, you don't need the www.domain.com.

If you register a domain with your host, there shouldn't be any problems when it comes time to move on to another host, just make sure your name is the admin contact on the domain.

Hope this helps...

It shouldn't be much of a problem in my experience if you want to transfer your domain from one host to another. Some but not many that i have seen charge for the transfer so maybe try to get a host that doesn't do that. On the domain front i would see who the domain is actually registered to, if it isnt a name and is i think they are called Tucows it could be a domain name company that own it and not a person so you maybe able to buy it. Thats all i know, anymore questions, there are other people more in the know than me who can help.

If I understand your question right, all that means is yes the domain is registered (if it's appearing in the whois record), but it just hasn't been pointed to an account - that's why you get the error (I presume the whois record lists it as a currently registered domain, rather than expired)

www .domain.com and domain.com are the same thing. In general just register it as domain.com (without the www.) and you'll be fine.

Using a registrar is something we suggest though will register a domain for people if they prefer it done that way. The reason we suggest they do it themselves is, it gives them a chance to learn the ropes of how to do it, so next time they're an old hand at it. It's not hard to do, and you're assured of having that name registered correctly, under your own name... some hosts are a little strange about that and do things they shouldn't.

There won't be a problem with having a host do it, if they do it right. You will have a more direct connection to your domain however if you do it yourself. Any decent host will guide you through the process on how to do it.

Greg Moore

Well, I thought of a domain name that I quite like and when I type in the address, I get the error host not found. however, when I did a search on sites like allwhois, it says the name is registered, does that mean I can't use it?

Many people register domain names and don't point them anywhere. The best way to search for a domain name is just to do it through whois. This way you know instantly if one is actualy available, not just bought but unused.

In answer to you above question, no you can't use it if the whois record says its taken.

Also, when I register my domain name, do I have to worry about the difference between www.something.com or simply something.com. Do I have to clarify which one I want to use?

Technicaly there is a difference, but they both really mean the same.
If you access your domain with the www or without is up to your host.
www.something.com will always work. something.com may not work depending on your host.

Lastly, do you guys think it is a better idea to register with a hosting company when I join their plan or shall I go for an independent company. If I register with my hosting company, would there be potential problems when I want to switch company or something?

Use a registrar. The main reason being that if you use a registrar to buy a domain and you host is cr*p then you can just point your domain to a different host.

Buy a domain from a host and more often than not, they actually are owned by the host. If you have problems with your host they also have a habit of just turning of your site and selling your domain.

And as palm says, they tend to be cheaper.

a couple are:
Directnic (http://www.directnic.com) ($15p/y)

Stargateinc (http://www.stargateinc.com) ($8.85p/y)

hope all that helps:)

hehe, there was only one reply when I started my post - impressive :D

Greg

Thanks a lot guys, really appreciate your help.

hehe, there was only one reply when I started my post - impressive

ditto.