How to Check & Register Domain Names
A domain name is the address of a website, much like the address to a home. Also much like a home address, not all domain addresses are available and you have to do research before you can register a domain name. If a domain name that interests you is not taken, you have several different registrars from which to choose. Not all registrars are the same, and the cost of registration can include unnecessary hidden fees and services.
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Instructions
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Go to the Whois website. Type in the domain you want to register in the field labeled Domain Lookup. Choose the extension you want to use as well. Top level domain extensions such as .com, .net and .info are the most popular and are usually the first to be registered. As an alternative to using Whois, you can simply go directly to a registrar who will be able to tell you if a domain name is already registered.
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Navigate to the list of domain registrars. The larger companies such as GoDaddy and 1&1 often offer discount domain prices or package deals for domains with web host sites. Browse the registrars and choose one that offers any amenities you may also need. Keep in mind that the larger registrars tend to have larger, more numerous and more powerful servers, decreasing downtime due to system overload.
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Type in the domain name you want to register. Once you type in the domain name and the extension, submit it. The registrar should be connected to the ICANN database, which contains all the currently held domain registrations. The registrar will also advise you whether your domain name has already been registered. Some registrars will also offer to register the domain for you for a fee once the domain's current registration has expired. If you don't want to wait, however, and the domain name is taken, consider adding a prefix word or separating words with an underscore.
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Register the domain that is available and choose amenities such as email or web hosting. Then pay for the domain. The registrar will need your basic information such as your name, address and phone number. This information will be added to the ICANN database for the duration of your registration. Registrations are typically offered for one, two or five years and with automatic renewal. All of these options can be chosen prior to purchasing your domain.
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Tips & Warnings
Search for promo codes for promotional words you can use to get a discount on your domain registration.
You don't have to purchase anything other than the domain itself from a registrar. You can buy a domain from one registrar and use a different hosting company with the domain.
References
Resources
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