Quick and Easy Domain Name Registration

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea

Who Needs Domain Name Registration

If you are planning on a permanent web presence, it is always desirable and will present the most professional image, if you acquire your own top level domain name registration (www.yourname.com.).

Your Domain Name Registration

Your own domain name will cost as little as $4.95 a year for registration with an ICANN approved site such as Go Daddy or a similar domain registrar. It is easy to find out if the domain name you want is still available by using the free search tool available on the registration or any 'WhoIs' site.

Choosing Your Domain Name

The most common suffix is .com which stands for company. Other popular suffixes are .org which stands for organization, and .net which stands for network. Recently other suffixes have been added for states, home businesses and a large variety of subjects in order to make more domain names available.

Many hosting sites will provide free hosting with no monthly charges if you either purchase or transfer your own top level domain name (www.yourname.com) to their servers. So check with your web hosting provider before you register a domain name to see the company policy.

Where to Register Your Domain Name

As with finding a web hosting provider, there are thousands of companies that provide domain name registration. They all provide the same basic services which usually includes domain forwarding and/or parking, a POP email account, an Under Construction page, easy domain name service management through a control panel, and free telephone or email support.

Do It Yourself Domain Name Registration

If you decide to register your own domain name, you will need to have already picked out a hosting provider so that you can provide the DNS server information to the registrar. You will need the two (2) DNS server numbers for the host you have chosen. You will also have to provide the technical information for the host which includes the name of the technical administrator, their email, physical address and phone number in order for them to make your domain point to their servers.

Usually it is cheaper to register your domain name yourself especially if you plan on registering several domain names. You can get package deals when registering multiple domains which hosting providers do not usually include in their services without paying an additional fee.

Web Hosting Domain Name Registration

If you are inexperienced, you may want to let your web hosting company register your domain name. This is usually more expensive than registering the name yourself but can save you the trouble of remembering which domain registrar you use along with which hosting company you have chosen. Some hosting companies also only provide hosting service if you register your domain name through them. These companies usually own the domain name instead of you.

This means that if you decide to transfer your hosting service, you will not be able to use the domain name (www.yourcompany.com) until a specified period is completed.