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Tip

There can be an issue with host-provided domain names: if you find yourself not satisfied with the host's service, you will want to switch to a better host. This means moving your files, data and domain name to that other host.

The files and data are easy to move, but depending on the host, you might have a hard time getting your domain name back. Since they bought the domain name for you, technically the domain belongs to them, and they can either forbid you to transfer it to another host, or they can make you pay for it. And since the domain name is your brand and your address on the web, you must obey the web host's rules.

That is why it is often recommended to get your domain name from an independent domain name registrar (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_name_registrar). Technically, you can never buy a domain name; you can only rent it, most of the time for a yearly fee. This gives you the right to use that domain name, but as soon as you stop paying for it, it is not yours anymore and anyone can grab it for himself. So while you pay

In addition to paying for the registration of the domain name in addition of your web hosting, but domain name registration, you will also have to pay for web hosting. But at least you are remain free to move to a better host at any time, for no supplementary fee: you just have to change the domain name's name’s DNS addresses, and within . Within 24 hours the move is propagated to , the change will be spread across the world.

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If you would rather get your domain name from an independent registrar, here are some that you can trust:

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