New to Domain Ownership

[WingedYoshi]

Hey there. I'm new to owning my own domain, though I have worked as Web Admin and other such titles for a while now. I'm about to actually buy a domain name and a Hatchling level hosting account from here, but I'd like to be sure of what I'm getting into.

First of all, I'm not sure whether or not I should get a .com or a .net, or how I will be getting my information when I have gotten the account.

What I will be using the host for is my site, of course, as well as a forum with MySQL. Is there anything I should be notified of before hand about running a forum and a website before I get into it? Thanks!

[GvilleRick]

It really doesn't matter what domain you purchase, just a matter of personal preference. Personally, I would get a .com for the domain you want to use if it is available.

Once you purchase your domain and hosting account you will receive an email with the information you need to access the account on the server. It will include the username and password, the nameservers you will need to use with the registrar, and the IP address you can use to access the account until the domain has propagated.

There are forums available for installation from the cPanel (control panel for your account) and you can install most any forum you want. Users here in the forums are willing to help with any problems you might run into.

[WingedYoshi]

Awesome, I really appreciate the help.

Thanks! ^^