Hello all, I am new to the idea of registering a domain and was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions on where to register. The site will not be huge, but there are several things I do want to be able to do. I do not know much about how the system works, so if some of my questions seem dumb, try and remember you were a beginner once too. My concerns are as follows:

1) I would like to register one (maybe 2 or 3) .com (maybe .net also) domains.
2) I would also like the ability to use what I believe are called subdomains(?)... for example, if my domain registered was mydomain.com , I understand that www. is the subdomain (please correct me if I'm wrong). I would also like the ability to use things like "subdomain1.mydomain.com", and have that take the user to a different part of my site. So, if someone were to type computer.mydomain.com, it would appear that they were just loading a normal website, but it would in actuality be taking them to "www.mydomain.com/computer/". I hope I explained this well enough, and my terminology is good.
3) I also want to have access to at least 5 email addresses at mydomain.com.
4) I want at least 20mb of hosting space to start out with, with reasonable upgrades options for the future.
5) I want to use a BIG NAME registration outfit. I don't want to risk registering through a small fries outfit only to find out they go bankrupt 3 months later and I lose my website... at the very least, I want to have complete ownership of my domain, so if the people hosting my site do go bankrupt, I can go to a different server and still use my domain.
6) I am hoping to build my website with Frontpage XP, so any host that supports this would be helpful, though I do know the in's and out's of FTP.
7) I am not looking to spend $50 a month. Somewhere between $10-$30 a month is reasonably priced for what I am looking for, and that falls into the price ranges I have been seeing so far.
8) No ads! No spam! I hate em both (and don't we all...? ;) )
9) Decent tech support. I'm obviously no web-hosting genius, but I want a business that will provide a quick turnaround when I have a stupid question to ask them.

I hope this isn't asking too much, but I guess I'll find out. If you guys think you can help me out, please post your suggestions in my thread, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks in advance!

Much of what you inquired about is related to hosting (even the subdomains). You should find what you require in a host easily for the monthly price you are willing to pay. Try checking here:

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=4

As for registering the domains, I and many recommend 000domains.com. The site is not much to look at, but it's an OpenSrc registrar so I think stability is assured.

If you want to use a "big domain" registrar, NetSol.com is the way to go. They had a monopoly for the longest time and still charge the highest price. But if you don't mind paying 3-4 times more than you have to, they're the one.

Hi silekonn,

I've been recently on the hunt for a web host as well. For name registration, I would suggest two domain name registrars:

NameCheap (http://www.namecheap.com/) -

The good about NameCheap:
-- Domain registration is only $8.88/year.
-- You get a lot of freebies: Free URL Forwarding, Free Domain Name Server, Free email forwarding, Free online transfer of ownership, Free Domain Name Lockdown, etc.
-- Fast, and it has a good Account area. Easy to learn.
-- A lot of people here seem to like their service.

The bad about NameCheap:
-- Reseller and not ICANN accredited (but they are eNom resellers. And eNom has a good name)
-- While their credit card order page is secured, the first part of registration where you enter your name, address, etc, is NOT secured. Their account area is not secured either.

I like NameCheap and have 4 or 5 names registered with them.

Stargate (http://www.stargateinc.com/) -


The good about Stargate:
-- People here like their service.
-- Lots of freebies: One page website, URL Forwarding/Cloaking, One email address, Online registration/Ownership changes
-- Secured Account area and secured sign up (from beginning to end).
-- Control Panel is well organized.
-- ICANN accredited.

The bad about Stargate:
-- They recently increased their fees from $8.85/year to $13.95/year but if you register more than 2 domains, you only pay $8.85/domain. Still, the next year, you'll have to pay their regular price at $13.95/year/domain.
-- Personal experience, customer support has recently become SLOW.
-- They charge for Domain Lockdown. It's $3.95/year/domain.

I have registered a few domains with Stargate too. :)

Now, for web hosting, I will personally recommend my current host: DownTownHost (http://www.downtownhost.com/). They have provided me with AWESOME service. It's fast, affordable and I'm VERY impressed with their customer service. Jorge, the owner, is a regular member here. He's very patient and very very helpful. You said you need a 20MB plan to start, that's their cheapest plan too. You can upgrade too! Go check out their pricing plans (http://www.downtownhost.com/hosting/hosting.html). They also have forums (http://forums.downtownhost.com/) if you have any more questions. I don't work for them, I'm just one of their customers. I'm so impressed and happy with their service, I thought you might want to consider them.

Your question #2 is covered by DownTownHost, I believe. Better double check with them. I have subdomains with them as well.

For your question #3, they have 10 email addresses for the 20MB plan.

Well, many of your questions will be answered just by looking at their pricing plan (http://www.downtownhost.com/hosting/hosting.html). :)

Good luck and IM me if you need more help. :)

Jessica :)