Buy a domain

Domains and web hosting are closely related, but separate services. A domain is the name used for your website. For example, hosting.com is our domain. Hosting, on the other hand, is what is needed to have your website appear online. Hosting is the space on a server where the files that your website is made of are stored.

Yes! To ensure the smoothest transfer process possible, you will want to make sure you have the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code from your current domain registrar, the domain name is unlocked and the domain’s contact information is current.

DNS propagation can take 24-48 hours to finish once you complete your domain’s nameserver settings update. You won’t be able to use your domain during this period. You can bypass DNS to see your site with the host’s file or a Shared URL though. Follow these instructions to learn how to view your domain during this time.

In addition to offering transfers and .com Domain registrations, hosting.com also offers high speed hosting solutions to help you get your site up and running. Whether you have a brand new site or an enterprise level eCommerce website, hosting.com has a hosting solution that will fit your specific needs.

Domain extensions were also created alongside DNS in an effort to organize domains into logical categories. These extensions were also called top-level domains (TLDs). When launched, each TLD option served a specific purpose. While this is still somewhat true today, the rules regarding who can register a specific domain extension is not even close to as strict as how it used to be. There were 7 domain extensions that were launched in 1985. These TLDs were:

.com – The .com TLD was intended only for commercial-based websites. .com has since grown into the most popular TLD option, and the competition isn’t even close!

.edu. – Designed for US education institutions

.gov – Used by United States government agencies

.mil – Designed for United States military entities

.net – Originally intended for sites referencing internet information

.org – A non-restricted TLD that is an abbreviation for “organization”

.int – Launched specifically for intergovernmental organizations and international treaties

Location Specific Domain Extensions

Those first 7 domain extensions were also commonly known as gTLDs, or generic top-level domains. Sites within a gTLD are intended to cover the same topic or category. ccTLDs, or country code tep-level domains, is another classification of TLDs. ccTLDs were launched with the intent of classifying websites based on their geographical location. Much like how gTLD restrictions are no longer enforced or regulated, ccTLD registrants are widely no longer location restricted. However, this is not the case for all country-specific domain extensions. The first available ccTLDs were:

.us – United States-based sites

.uk – United Kingdom-based sites

.il – Israel-based sites

Shortly after the first 3 ccTLDs were introduced, a number of other options were launched. These ccTLds were:

.au – Australia-based sites

.de – Germany-based sites

.fi – Finland-based sites

.fr – France-based sites

.jp – Japan-based sites

.kr – Republic of Korea-based sites

.nl – Netherland-based sites

.se – Sweden-based sites

A domain transfer is simply the process of changing a registrar of a domain to a new designated domain registrar. When you transfer your domain, all of the domain’s billing and administration information are also moved to the new domain registrar.

Not all domain registration companies offer web hosting. Likewise, not all web hosting companies offer domain registrations. At hosting.com, we offer both! At hosting.com, we offer the quickest, easiest and affordable domain registrations. Not only that, you’ll also get the benefit of our our high performance web hosting. When your domains are registered with the same company where you host your websites, you greatly simplify the administration portion of managing your websites.

If you host your sites with hosting.com, you’re already aware of our user-friendly, high performance platform available with our Shared,Reseller, VPS and Dedicated Servers. Just think of how much more convenient it will be for you when all of your website data (domain and hosting) are all located with a single company. This is even more convenient when you own and manage a number of websites.

At hosting.com, we have world class web hosting support. Our Guru Crew team is known for being extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If your domain is registered elsewhere, our team may not be able to assist you as quickly since they do not have ready access to your domain registration information. You will have to request assistance from your domain registrar in some instances, who won’t be able to offer the same top-notch service that our team is able and trained to offer you.

If you follow the tips we have listed above, you should be able to transfer your domain without any difficulties. Are you ready to begin transferring your domains? Here are step by step instructions on how to complete your domain transfer from your current domain registrar to hosting.com.

To begin, you will first want to log into your My hosting.com customer portal.
At the top of your My hosting.com account, you will see Domains within the menu. Click Domains to view the drop down and select Transfer Domains To Us.
You will be directed to our Domain Transfer form. Simply enter the name of your domain into the Domain Name text field. You will also need to enter an Authorization Code into the appropriate text field. This is where you will want to enter your EPP/authorization code. Click the Add To Cart button once you have completed these fields.
You will directed to the Domains configuration page. This is where you can add a number of features including ID Protection. You will also be able to set custom nameservers if you desire them. Click the Continue button once you have completed the configuration for the domain you are transferring.
You will be shown the price of the domain transfer. Click Checkout to continue.
Complete the checkout form with your information, billing address, domain registrant information and your payment details. Review the Terms of Service and click the Complete Order button once you have filled out the page.