An Alternative Domain Name
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Domain Name Alternatives
If you don't want a .com domain name, or the name you choose is already taken but you don't have the money needed to purchase it , you might want to consider an alternative name.
However, you need to know that certain companies do not highlight the differences between alternative names and .com names.
There are 4 alternatives: 3rd level domain names [e.g. name.domainname.com], directory redirection [e.g. domainname.com/name], potential future top domains [e.g. name.web or name.firm], and real alternative top domains [e.g. name.earth or name.xxx].
Alternative names are not as valuable as a normal domain name. Do not spend a lot of money for an alternative name when a .com name is as little as $9/year.
Registering an Alternative Domain Name
There are quite a few registrars that provide an alternative domain name. Image Online Design is a registry for the new WEB extension. Dot God is the home of GOD and SATAN. The site also contains useful information on how to configure your browser for the "Expanded Top Level Domain Internet". ADNS operates the impressive EARTH, USA, .Z and AMERICA top-level domain name. Registrations are approximately $14 95/year. NicPrime offers registration in 34 TLDs ( KIDZ, REAL, PRIMO,
KEWL, etc) and claims over 100 more available soon. The Jomino Group brings over 20 different TLDs including JACKASS, LUTHERAN, METHODIST, XTREME, etc. Registrations at their site are approximately $25/year. Iperdome is very busy developing the domain name per.
Remember that these companies are alternative domain names and your root server will have to be adjusted accordingly. Prices vary for this depending on the level of service you require.
Domain Name Redirection Service
If you are not ready to register a domain name, there are redirection services available to shorten that long URL from free servers.
Come.to Surf.to Travel.to is a great site. This company offers directory redirection with an easy to remember domain name like come.to/mysite, travel.to/mysite or surf.to/mysite. The best part is the price. If you place a tiny 88x31 pixel banner on your web site, the service is FREE.
Free Domain Name
If you want a FREE domain name, EU.org allows a free domain name for individuals and non-profit organizations. Companies, except in exceptional circumstances, will be turned down. The web site is mainly for European users, although anyone can apply for one of their free domain names. Some rules and regulations apply which you are required to agree to, but your domain name is really for free!
Monolith Internet Services has a good selection of free services. This includes a completely free domain name in the form yourname.ml.org. Although this does not have quite the impact of a .com domain name, there are none of the costs associated with a domain name either.
Get a Domain Name Now
It's not too late to register a great domain name. Creative entrepreneurs use their marketing savvy, geography, and imagination to get great Web addresses.
