4 replies
Can someone tell me the difference between a host and a registrar (if that is the correct term)? Been reading a few threads about how you should never register and host with the same company. Not sure this is sinking in. Can somebody please tell me the difference?

If you host and register with same company: If you have problems with spamming your email list, they could report you to the host. The host would then shut down your site because of the terms of service and you would lose your domain name.

Domain name is your URL, right?
#host #registrar
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Yes - you understand it all better than you think you do.

    You register the domain-name with a registrar and point its domain-name-servers from there to your hosting company so that when people type in that domain or more often click on a link to it, they get to your website. But the host doesn't control the domain-name, so if you suddenly need to switch hosts, you can. You're in control.

    Did you read this one (it has a couple of links in it, too)? http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post7628717
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Your host stores and serves your website files.

    Your registrar assigns your domain name and "tells" browsers where to find those files.

    Having the same company do both puts you in a vulnerable position. If you have a billing glitch, a payment problem, or simply wish to change hosts, the company can freeze both your hosting and your ability to point your domain to another location.

    The same risk applies if the host is hacked or has some natural disaster (like a hurricane or tornado) that knocks it out of commission. You may not have the ability to direct your domain to a backup host.
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    • Profile picture of the author China Newz
      So at this point, know my host is Host Gator. Who should I register with? Is there a monthly fee for it?
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by China Newz View Post

        So at this point, know my host is Host Gator. Who should I register with? Is there a monthly fee for it?
        Register with someone besides HostGator. Many people swear by GoDaddy (and many swear at them). NameCheap is another choice.

        I use a service at 975Register.com (non aff).

        You don't pay monthly, you pay by the year. The going rate for a dotcom domain is around $10-$12US per year. Before you sign up with anyone, do a quick search for coupon codes. It's a competitive business, and many vendors offer discounts on a regular basis.

        (BTW, what I said is not a knock on HG. I've had a reseller account with them for years, and never had a problem they didn't solve quickly. And most of those were self-inflicted...)
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