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!

NameCheap.com for registration and DixieSys.com for hosting. They're cheap, reliable and have excellent customer support.

Check out daydreamdomains.com . They register domains for $9.75 per year or so.


I think they are a reseller for godaddy.com - might be a little cheaper. I have seen some for around $7 per year but I don't remember the name. I think they are posted in this forum somewhere. Try a search on domain registration.

Hope This Helps,
Robert Saylor

Originally posted by silekonn
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.


Well, if you want big name registration, Verisign would be the one to go to...but BEWARE (http://www.textism.com/article/494/)!!!!!

..that you keep both your Domain Name registration separate from the hosting company. This way if things dont work out at the very least you have still have your domain name

There are tons out there which offer domain registrations..

www.000domains.com
www.joker.com
www.stargateinc.com
www.godaddy.com

And if you're looking for a host and a bargain, try the Advertising forums.

cheers

Originally posted by greggish
NameCheap.com for registration and DixieSys.com for hosting. They're cheap, reliable and have excellent customer support.

The NameCheap.com site looks nice, but it is unclear who is running that business, looks like it's a one man show, I don't like to use services from providers who are unwilling to give a minimum of contact information, I mean at least a business address.... Is this guy in Russia? China? Or the USA?

For the most part NameCheap is a one man operation...or at least it used to be. It has gotten more popular lately and I see more and more people recommending them on different forums so it's possible Rick may have added some staff. I've transferred 20 domains over to them so far and haven't had any problems. NameCheap is an Enom reseller so you are really getting the backing of Enom (which is a large and established registrar) and just going through NameCheap's API and billing. Very safe in my opinion. NameCheap is located in the US.

powerpipe.com

enom reseller and allows you access to access.enom.com

At 7.99$ it's a steal

My 2cents worth here..

http://www.godaddy.com

Been with them two years now and have 17 domians with them. They are very good and you control your domain!

As for hsoting, thats anotehr subject and one that I am looking into..

I have been with:
http://www.amhosting.com
Very good people and they have GREAT TECH SUPPRT.
The only problem why I am leaving is cause I need more space on some sites as well as bandwidth and they are not going up.

So with that said... I am looking onto these places for services..

http://www.hostrocket.com
http://www.ipowerweb.com
http://www.fastwebsites.com
http://www.dixisys.com


BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
http://www.gisol.com
http://www.colossalhost.com
http://www.ehostsource.com

Hope that helps you guys out...If you know of ANY good hosting with GREAT tech support and fast services, let us all know of them..

See ya around..

Hi silekonn,

Here are some answers to your questions :)

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.

For domain registration I recommend Dotster, http://www.dotster.com/. They are an ICANN accredited domain regsitrar and are great to work with.

Stay clear of Network Solutions ( http://netsol.com/ they are far too big and not very helpful if problems arise. The same goes for Register.com ( http://www.regsiter.com).

I have used all three of these registrars in the past and exclusivley use Dotster now. If you have an issue that requires support from Doster you can actually call them and speak with a real person, plus support email is answered within a few hours - this will never happen at Network Solutions or Register.com. I recently had a simple issue with a domain regsitered with Register.com and it took 6 weeks and many, many emails to resolve.

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.

This is usually facilitated by your web host not your domain regsitrar. Many web hosts offer the ability to accomplish this, usually they will clearly advise at their web site that they offer sub-domain support. If it isn't mentioned you should check - as not all hosts offer sub-domains and you don't want to get caught out.

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.
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 think these are very resonable needs and there are many good web hosts who can provide you with a plan that meets these needs and your budget. As hosts are not able to suggest themselves to you in the main forums you might want to post a list of your hosting requirements in the advertising forums - hosts can then make you offers. Beware of offers that include anything 'unlimited' .

I hope this info is helpful :)