How to Register a Domain Name?
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Raj Rao
Importance of a Domain Name
You need to Register a Domain Name if you wish to set-up either a Personal or Business website on the Internet. A Domain Name provides you an address on the Internet that people can remember. Domain Name is nothing but a name given to a network address that connects to your website.
Should You Register a Domain Name Yourself?
Domain Names are registered by designated Registrars of Domain Names. These Registrars are licensed by an organization called Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
There are two ways to register a Domain Name. You can book a domain name through the website of a Registrar or ask your Web Hosting service provider to book a domain for you.
In many cases, the Web Hosting provider books a domain name for free as long as you continue to host the website with them. This is however, not recommended for reasons of security and safety of the domain name.
Know How to Register a Domain Name
It is important to know the process to follow when you register a domain name.
a) The first step is to search for a domain name. You can do this on the website of the Domain Name Registrar like Dotster.com or Register.com or at a neutral site that allows you to query all the Domain Registrar simultaneously, such as Betterwhois.com or Xwhois.com. The second option is recommended.
b) You can also search for Domains using keywords at many of the Domain Registrar. This gives you the opportunity to see several domain names that are available that match your criteria and select one or more for registration.
c) Once you have selected the Domain Name, the process is similar to buying any other product online. You can buy multiple domain names at a time. You are also required to select the number of years of Registration ranging from 1 year to 10 years for each of your domain name. If you are unsure of the purpose of the domain name, it is advisable to register the domain name for one year, on the other hand, if you have an established business which you intend to move to the Internet, it is recommended that you register the domain name for multiple years.
d)Once you have selected the domain name and the period, you can pay using Credit card and complete the registration process.
Tips to Register a Domain Name
a) To register a Domain Name may take about 48 Hours to propagate to all the Servers in the world. Hence, it is advisable to verify the domain registration at a neutral Search Provider like Betterwhois.com after 48 hours.
b) Ensure that the Administrative and Billing Contacts of the Domain name has your contact details including an E-mail address that you check regularly.
c) Do not buy or register domain names that are offered free by the Web Hosting service providers.
If you have any questions about the Domain Registration, do not hesitate to visit the ICANN.org website.
