I have a couple of quick questions related to registering domain names. When you register a domain name at X site, do you own it? What does transferring mean? Would you always have to go back and change the DNS through whoever you registered it with?

On another note, if anyone happens to know the answer to this I would appreciate it: In regards to search engine rankings, is it better to have individual domain names for sites or would a subdomain of a parent site do the same job?

I've got a similar question. I just bought a domain from an action at pool com and they didnt mention a time period. Do i own the domain indefinetly? It was a one word domain for only $25 so Im thinking it must be only a year. :confused:

1. When you register a domain name at X site, do you own it?

If X site is a domain registration site like Godaddy or Namecheap, you register the name for a year or a number of years. You then have the right to renew the registraton before it expires. You can park it, launch a website using it, sell it, etc... It may not be quite the same thing legally as "owning", but for most any purpose it is equivelent, as long as you don't let it expire.


2. What does transferring mean?

I usually see "transferring" used to mean moving your domain to another registration provider. Could also mean transferring to a new owner if you sell the name or give it away.


3. Would you always have to go back and change the DNS through whoever you registered it with?

Not always. Just whenever you need to change the nameservers. For example if you launch a website using the name or move your website to a new host provider.


4. In regards to search engine rankings, is it better to have individual domain names for sites or would a subdomain of a parent site do the same job?

Sorry, don't know that one. I'd quess a domain name would rank higher than a subdomain, all other things being equal - but that's just a guess.

the best way would be to check the whois database

whois.sc/domain.com

Originally posted by intransit
On another note, if anyone happens to know the answer to this I would appreciate it: In regards to search engine rankings, is it better to have individual domain names for sites or would a subdomain of a parent site do the same job?

What's your intent?

Originally posted by davezan
What's your intent?

world domination.