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Hello all,
I was using wordpress via hostgator over the last year. My subscription ran out so I decided to update it today. I just paid WordPress for my domain name for the next 5 years but now I'm confused. Why do I need HostGator? And whatever HostGator offers cant I just buy it through WordPress?
Thank you for the help!
Update: Dreamhost is like 3 times cheaper so I'm going with that. Thank you all for your help!

The basics:
* WordPress is a software that is distributed on [wordpress.org](http://wordpress.org) .
* [https://wordpress.com/](https://wordpress.com/) sells hosting packages exclusively for WordPress (‘managed WordPress’), and probably domains, but I’m not sure about that.
* Hostgator offers [managed WordPress](https://www.hostgator.com/managed-wordpress-hosting) as well as domains.
* Managed WordPress just means someone runs WordPress for you – there are many reasons for choosing managed WordPress. In fact, it’s basically the default choice unless you have your own IT team. So, don’t worry about that right now.
What you need to find out now is:
* Where your domain name is registered
* Where your website is hosted