RE: FN-FORUM: hosting for the UK?

date posted 21st January 2008 20:14

> Also, maybe someone can clarify the following for me: when I buy a
> domain name from somewhere, for ex. www.clairetoche.com, and a hosting
> package from a different source, who is responsible for emails?? It
> probably sounds like a basic question but I keep getting confused,
> especially when hosts offer email accounts as part of their deal. If I
> already own a domain and therefore unlimited emails, do I still need to
> get a hosting package which offers email accounts? I am currently
> building a new website for a company that already has a host (that they
> want to change from) and multiple [EMAIL REMOVED] (which they are
> happy with/they receive emails directly through to their 'Outlook
> Express'), would they need to alter their mail service in any way? Or
> could they carry on as they are and ignore the 'email' part of the
> hosting package??

I would buy your domain and hosting from the same company. If you already
have a domain registered but want to host with another company then you have
two options:

1. Update your domain 'nameservers' to point to your new host (they can tell
you what you need to do). This will direct all email and http requests to
your new host and so your old host will not be responsible for either (but
you will still pay them for your domain name renewals). I wouldn't mess
about having email managed by one host and web hosting with another host.
This is likely to get difficult, confusing or lead to problems - or all 3.
Plus you can't just update your nameservers if that is what you want to
achieve, it is more complicated. If your current domain registrar/host won't
let you update your nameservers move to option 2.

2. Transfer you domain to your new host. This may cost money, either to
transfer away from your old registrar or transfer into your new
registrar/host, or both. The cost is probably worth it in the longer term.
That is, the cost in terms of making your life easier, not necessarily any
actual financial savings.

If you update your nameservers or move to a new host you will have to update
your Outlook settings to pick up and deliver email through your new host.
Again, your new host can tell you what you need to set.

If you decide to transfer your domain to a new host there are some steps you
can take to ensure you don't loss any emails and that your website doesn't
go off-line. If that is what you decide to do then ask another question on
the forum, I won't try and confuse you further now!

Nick