How to Check on the Availability of Domain Names

A domain name registration is the first step toward publishing it on the World Wide Web.

Domain names can often prove difficult to acquire. Because of the increasing number of active domain names on the Internet, obtaining the address you want is like a game of chance. As of October 2010, DomainTools.Com has listed over 123 million active Internet domains. To check the status of any given domain, you may use one of various domain name outlets available on the Internet.

Instructions

1. Visit a domain registrar, particularly one that specializes in checking the status of any website. Popular choices include WhoIs.net, InstantDomainSearch.com and CheckDomain.com.

2. Type the main address of the domain name you are interested in. Typically, these services greet users with a search field on their home page, conveniently allowing you to check the availability of domain names.

3. Register or reserve the desired domain name. If it is not available, the registrar in question will provide basic information about the domain name's owner, preventing you from making a purchase. Otherwise, you will be typically given the option to register the domain name, which may range in price from $1.99 to $15.00 per domain, as of October 2010.

References

• Domain Tools: Domain Counts & Internet Statistics

Resources

• Check Domain: Home
• Instant Domain Search: Home
• Who Is: Home