The Basics of a Domain Name Registration

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Nuno Rolinho

Why Do You Have to Apply for a Domain Name Registration?

You have to apply for a domain name registration because an internet domain name is your "unique" identity on the world wide web. No domain name can have more than one owner, it's like having your own and only car license plate. There's a worldwide database at The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), every domain is registered at the ICANN. If you want to register a new domain name, then your own domain, your business name or own name must be added to the ICANN's database through domain name registration companies.

What is Registering a New Domain Name?

Registering a new domain name is setting a license of that exclusive name for a variable number of years/months. No one owns a domain name indefinitely and thus someone can apply for a new registration of that same domain name if you don't renew your own registration. This is very important; let's imagine that you have a website for 5 years and you forget to renew it; all the hard work you put into advertising it, updating it or building traffic could be lost if someone else registers it the day after you forgot to renew your registration.

How Do You Apply for a New Domain Name Registration?

First and foremost you should choose a good and catchy name for your new internet domain name. Remember that a good domain name should be short and representative of you or your business. Generally domain names must be more than two characters and less than sixty three. After choosing a good domain name, you should search for that domain name availability; this search should be done through free domain search tools that hosting companies supply.

After that you should fill a normal form; provide your contact and business information and accept the agreement terms. Finally all you have to do is pay for the period of time you want and wait for the domain name activation.

How long Does It Take to Register a New Domain Name?

A new domain name registration is completed as soon as the registrar (your connection to the ICANN) receive the completed form and the respective payment. This process takes minutes or even days, it depends on your location and your registrar efficiency, but it shoulnd't take more than 2 business days (48 hours).

Is There Any Free Domain Name Registration Service Available on the Internet?

Yes there is. You have several services such as "pt.vu" or "no-ip.com". All you have to do is fill a form and wait one or two minutes and your domain will be available. If you decide to choose one of the aforementioned services, your domain should have a "pt.vu" or "no-ip.com" extension. Then all you have to do is insert your homepage IP address so it can redirected to the chosen URL (domain name). The process should be completed in a couple of seconds.