How to Update a Domain Name Server With a Central Registry

The U.S. Commercial Registry reports, "a new company joins and reserves a domain name every two minutes of every business day."

Most entrepreneurs benefit from marketing through social media, such as the Internet. Users simply register for a domain name to advertise in an open-market situation. A domain name is an Internet address that features a unique name and an extension; the acronym, "www," which stands for "world wide web," precedes the name and extension.



To register, entrepreneurs must go through a central registry or registry franchise. There are several. The U.S. Commercial Registry reports, "a new company joins and reserves a domain name every 2 minutes of every business day." A registry company, Network Solutions Inc., heads the central registry, however, InterNIC (the Internet Network Information Center) manages most domain names registered in North and South America.

Things You'll Need

• Domain name
• Identification
• Payment
• Registry Website

Instructions

1. Do your research. Before deciding on a domain name, complete research to summarize your goals. Focus on major themes, and go online to research competitors' domain names.

2. Choose your domain name. Use letters, numbers and hyphens to construct a unique domain name; be sure to have no spaces in the name. Try to construct at least three possible domain names. The best domain names are easy to remember.

3. Go to Central Registry or Registry Franchise to register your domain name. Use the "NSI," or Network Solutions Inc., website to register. If you don't wish to register with the Central Registry, Yahoo! also offers registry solutions.

4. Modify your domain name by using a different number or letter sequence, if your domain name fails the initial check made by the registry. Also, change the extension. For instance, instead of using the ".com" extension, use ".net."

5. Place your order and make the payment with the registry website. Make sure to enter correct contact information to receive confirmation.

6. Wait to receive your confirmation, from the registry, that your domain name is set. Test out your domain name by entering the address in a web browser.

Tips & Warnings

• Domain names remain "fully portable" personal property and can be transferred after your service contract is terminated. Keep records of your domain name in case you would like to sell it or add a website to it.

• Although NSI is the central registry, there are dozens of franchising registries available and waiting to serve you. Complete an online search to locate other registries.

• Traditional trademark law is applied to domain name disputes. Your rights are protected. Obey trademark law to ensure you do not infringe upon the rights of another user.

References

• Yahoo! Small Business: Registering Domain Names
• "The Domain Name Handbook: High Stakes and Strategy in Cyberspace;" Ellen and Peter Rony; 1998