Does anyone know the site to register a domain directly without going through a webhost and getting charged for the pleasure?

 

Used these in the past, no need to buy any sort of hosting package, pretty cheap. http://www.123-reg.co.uk/

Doubt there is anyway to register a domain for free though?

 

you need to go thru a domain name registrar, there will always be a cost

the cost will depend on the services purchased

so you could go to to "top" level registrar -- www.netnames.com, and they will still charge,

or you could go to a reseller (they may re-sell from netnames) and buy hosting services and they may well bundle free domain registration with the service

 

Unless you have your own server connected into the internet, you will have to pay someone for putting your domain (and whatever website pics and text you put on it) on their servers. There is a vast range of hosting companies who do this and some are cheaper than others, also some allow you more freedom to make changes without having to pay them to do it. You pays your money and makes your choice in this area! I have several websites and host them all on a friends server, I dont know if he is cheaper or more expensive than others, but I have a development licence so can make changes as often and as complicated as I like without having to ask his permission. It all depends what you want to do with your domain. Liz

 

I use Fasthosts for all my hosing and domain names and since I have been trading I have not had any problems and there customer service is A1.

I think at present they have a offer on Hosting and domain names.

 

Buy from Google. http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html

There's is no better value proposition or product offering, by your domain from Google and it's $10 a year all in. If you only use the email then you're still by far better off.

 

i use 123-reg, best i have found for ease of use and no hassle.

What ever you do do not choose 1&1 / one and one for domain names they make all there money on renewing people when they have cancelled.

 

It depends what domain name you want. A .co.uk domain is cheaper from 123-reg.co.uk so is much better value there if that's what you want.

 

be aware that part of the services offered by registrar's include the maintenance of the domain etc -- if you let the registration lapse it is possible to loose it - they will handle this for you (and DNS etc)

 

Crazy talk. Better value isn't all about saving a pound.

 

Nope, crazy talk is what you are spouting by not understanding what you are telling people.

Buy a .co.uk domain with 123-reg.co.uk and then, if you want, create a free Google Apps account with said domain name which will give you exactly the same services but with less cost.

 

i agree with fasthosts