How to Register a Domain Name & Use My Own Disk Space

Choose a domain name that properly identifies your website.

A domain name is a method of identification as well as an address for a particular website. No two sites can have the same name. Whether you already have a website on a web host and want to build another, or you simply want to add a domain name to an existing domain name, the process remains the same. In order to make the site work properly, you have to assign the name to your space.

Instructions

1. Find your web host's name servers, also known as DNS server names and write them down. When signing up for your disk space, the host sends you an email with these addresses inside. They will look something like ns1.webhost.com and ns2.webhost.com, with the web host's own domain instead of "webhost." If you cannot find this email, call or send a message to the company.

2. Purchase a domain name from a reputable website. Popular examples include places like Go Daddy, Buy Domains and Active Domain (see Resources). Make sure you choose a domain name that is relatively easy to remember.

3. Sign into your domain name account once you receive confirmation of purchase. Look for a link to manage your domains or a link to manage DNS or name servers directly. Each domain registrar will differ in set-up. Once you find the right area, you will see spaces to enter the name servers.

4. Enter the name servers in the space provided. In most cases, you will have more than one name to enter. List them in numerical order, or the order they appear in your welcome email from your web host. Click "OK" or "Apply" to point your domain name to your website.

References

• The Site Wizard: How to Point a Domain Name to your Website
• Network Solutions: Managing Domain Name Servers

Resources

• Go Daddy
• Buy Domains
• Active Domain