Confused!

[al_NYC]

I started looking today into creating a website. it's all greek to me though I am confident it can be done because many people are doing it with services like Hostgator and others.
here it is:
I am a scientist, i just want to create a site that will centralize info and links on one specific research topic with a page where people from my field can contribute ideas- a sort of online forum i guess. I am not selling anything. Pretty simple I think but then I start reading about linux and all sorts of jargon about webdesign and it's overwhelming

questions:
1. will I own my domain name if I sign up with Hostgator?
2. I was looking at getting a shared webhosting (private) with the webnight service. does that sound about right?

THANKS
pre-hatchling

[GatorLBrower]

1. will I own my domain name if I sign up with Hostgator?

Yes, you will.

2. I was looking at getting a shared webhosting (private) with the webnight service. does that sound about right?


I do not quite understand what you are asking here.

[gwyneth]

One source of confusion for many newbies is the distinction between registering a domain and hosting one.

You can register your domain with Host Gator or with another registrar, and host here.

If you decide to register a domain when you sign up for hosting, make sure you've paid for it (otherwise it didn't get registered) and be aware that you'll be getting some additional, separate details from those you will receive about your hosting account.

[sandy.tang35]

It happens with some post but don't get confused.