Domain name

hemophobic

I have found a domain name I like and it is available. Does it matter which company I register it with? Not planning on starting the websiteyet just want to secure it.

gb12345

You can register it with whoever you want and then transfer it to your preferred host at a later date, but there might be a charge for doing so. So it might be better to look around at hosts and find one that you will be happy with when you are ready to set up the website and just buy the domain through them. You can then add hosting on later.

One thing to be careful of is that some of the cheap registrars actually register the domain in their name and can then hold you to ransom if you want to transfer it.

Another thing to consider is that some hosts will allow you to park domains, so that they display adverts and earn you a small income while you are preparing to use the domain.

cleg100

Domain names do actually vary in cost depending on the registrar you purchase them from, but it's probably more important to find a company with a good reputation and that has a decent, easy to use control panel rather than just to concentrate on cost alone. Finding a registrar that is ICANN accredited (ICANN-Accredited Registrars) is a good idea as it indicates a more reputable company.

I have a load of domains and generally split them between 123 Reg and GoDaddy who I have always found to be decent.

When it comes to actual web hosting you don't have to transfer a domain name to use it with a host, you can simply change some settings and point your domain name to the hosting company you want. For example, you could register your domain with Company A and then later buy your web hosting from Company B. You could then change the nameserver settings at company A to point your domain name to your hosting package with company B. Don't feel that if you register a name with a certain company that you have to have hosting with them. I also find it better to keep hosting and domain name accounts separate as it's then easier to switch hosting packages and you can avoid any transfer fees.

buglawton

Just avoid "British NIC" - I had to wrench my Domain out of their cold dead hand once they ramped up the renewal cost.

These co's are supposed to cooperate fully should you wish to move your domain to a new registrar

British NIC refused to reply to any contact attempt (but their renewal payment gateway was working, funny that). So I had to pay an additional fee to Nominet to get an override procedure done.