Where to start?

[tamanoir2]

Hi,
I am completely new at this. I want to register my domain but realized there are so many companies offering this service they all offer it a different prices! Who should I go for? + I want to be able to build my own website easily. I need help!

 

[Stampyhead]

GoDaddy is a good place to start. They have a good reputation and very competitive pricing. You can register your domain and set up hosting through them. Plus, unlike any other host I've ever found, they have great phone support if you ever feel like you need to talk to a person to get an issue resolved.

 

[tamanoir2]

Thanks! But why is the pricing so variable from one company to the other? And do you know if Godaddy has a software that allows you to easily build your own website when you are a computer illiterate like me?!

 

[Nakamura]

The domain prices vary from company to company because of some companys are resellers, for example company B might be selling domains through enom (a domain reseller), enom are adding their bit onto the domain price so they get paid for their service and company B are also adding a bit onto the domains to pay them.

I recommend GoDaddy.com also enter the coupon code "HAK" for 10% discount, if that doesn't work try google.

Why not use iWeb and dotmac, this will allow you to use your domain from GoDaddy, and you can use iWeb to create the site and dotmac will host your site. You can get a 60-day trial with dotmac (http://www.apple.com/dotmac/), so you could try it out without a domain, then if you like you can purchase a dotmac subscription and the domain if you like it.

 

[SrWebDeveloper]

If you're a value shopper (not just cheapest price) look into Domain Discover.

https://www.domaindiscover.com

They have a VERY easy to use web interface for DNS changes, ability to lock domains and hide information from domain phishers (important), and also all the value added services such as webhosting setup per domain. They also offer the ability to auto-renew, manual renew and be reminded of renewal of domains via snail mail or E-Mail only, your choice for all of the above. I'd use them for domain/dns and shop around for a good webhost, to save you the most money. But DD has 3 webhosting packages starting from $17.95 which includes 100MB space, 2GB bandwidth and 5 emails (Unix/FreeBSD which is very stable and not a memory hog).

The free services for any domain include:

• "Domain reserved" or "Under construction" page
• URL forwarding / FrameForwarding
• Multiple email forwarding addresses

• Advanced DNS administration
• One-page website
• Site stats
• 24/7 Customer Support

-jim

 

[Stampyhead]

Thanks! But why is the pricing so variable from one company to the other? And do you know if Godaddy has a software that allows you to easily build your own website when you are a computer illiterate like me?!

GoDaddy has a site builder called Website Tonight. I've never used it so I don't know how good it is or how easy it is to use, but they have some sample sites there that look pretty good. Their packages go for as low as $3.50 a month and that includes hosting and email.

 

[tamanoir2]

Thanks for your feedback! (stampyhead, nakamura,srwebdevelopper) I feel like there is so much to learn but you all gave me a good place start. Cheers!