What is the Process to Register a Domain Name?
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Registrars
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If you want to set up a web presence, you'll need a unique domain name. Many on-line companies, like Network Solutions and Go Daddy are in the business of domain name registration; they're called registrars. Most web service providers do this also, either by themselves or through one of the bigger companies.
Cost
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The cost to register a domain varies, but typically runs under $20 per year as of 2009, with discounts for multi-year commitments. The shortest committment is a year. Be prepared to pay extra for catchy names. Companies have staked out thousands of domain names, not to use them, but to sell them. Popular business names can go for tens of thousands of dollars, though most can be had for a few hundred. Your domain registrar can tell you which names are still free.
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Registration
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The registrar's web site guides you through the registration process. Part of it involves creating an account and password with the registrar. Keep this information in a safe place. Once you pick a domain name, you choose the number of years you want it registered. If the registrar has your email address, they'll send you a reminder months ahead of its expiration. The registrar may ask if you want to pay for privacy options. Otherwise, domain name owners are in a public record. The last step is paying for the domain, usually with a credit card.
Use
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After the name is officially registered, it takes from a few hours to a couple days to pass it to all the computers on the Internet. You'll receive a confirmation email with some technical information, a set of two or three Internet addresses called name servers. Save this; you'll need it when you set up your website.
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