domain name

[wolfie]

i signed up at a web hosting site and paid for my name for 2 years, is that my name so if i wanted to go someplace else i can take it with me?

[faulkner132]

Yes. Usually registrars will provide you with a way to control your DNS and/or name servers so you won't have to "move" your domain name, just update the DNS/name server entries to point to your new site.

[tragic]

Like Faulkner said, you own your domain. Just update your server entries for your host. It's really easy. Most of the time you can even have them do it while talking to them on the phone. They usually do it for you. Just another added bonus of a domain.

[mairving]

It does depend on the host. Some hosts will register your site in their name and give you a great price...until you want to leave then they charge you a hefty exit fee. As long as you own the domain though, you can do with it what you want to an extent. Just open an account at your new host, transfer all files and make any corrections to scripts and then change the nameserver at the registar to the new host. Once it has propragated tell your old host to cancel your account.

[1badtech]

Originally Posted by wolfie i signed up at a web hosting site and paid for my name for 2 years, is that my name so if i wanted to go someplace else i can take it with me?

That domain is yours and only yours as long as your paying for it. You can actually transfer that domain to any registrar like network solutions. Most web hosting and registrars will let you make changes and transfers online.

[Urban Earth]

As Mairving said, it depends. If you want to check who it belongs to do a 'WhoIs' search. Many companies register it in their names and let you use it. If you decide to leave or they go out of business you are SOL.

AJ

[faulkner132]

Most of the smaller "bargain" hosting places which offer free domain registration and renewal will register it in their name and never will give you the domain, or like Mairving said, will charge you a fee to leave. This is how they keep you a customer.

Personally I register all my stuff at GoDaddy.com and just pay the extra $8 per year. Also GoDaddy gives you complete control over your DNS and name servers, which is all you really need.