How to Set up a Personal Domain Name

Do you have a personal Web site? Join the Net-savvy by staking a claim to your own domain name. But hurry...names are limited!

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Visit a domain-name registrar online to see whether or not your domain name (smith.net or jones.org) is available. See the More Resources section below for a good suggestion on where to start.

2. Select a host company to keep your domain name for you. You can ask your Internet service provider, which may provide this service for a fee, or you can search the Internet for Web site hosting companies. The host company or provider will create your Web or e-mail address with the appropriate routing information.

3. Buy your domain name by registering it either through your host or with a domain name registrar. Provide your credit card number and any technical information - available from your Web host - as needed.

4. Wait a day or so for the new domain name to be processed, then give it to your Web host to attach to your Web page (for instance, www.smith.net).

5. Build your Web page.

6. Provide your Web hosting company with your new e-mail address ([e-mail]) with instructions to route your e-mail accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Fees vary according to the host company. Some will host your Web site for free in exchange for the right to post ads on your Web page.