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Simple Steps to Get Your Domain Name
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By Jez Lacey
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The Domain Name System (DNS) enables people to navigate theirway around the Internet. Every computer that is connected to theinternet is identifiable by a string of numbers called an "IPaddress" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol"). As the internetdeveloped so did the DNS, so that now a string of letters cancorrespond to a particular IP address. This means that insteadof using a complicated sequence of numbers you can typewww.adomianname.com, which is a lot easier to remember.
No matter what sort of site you are intending building, youshould consider getting yourself a domain name. Your domain nameis your personal web address and can reflect anything youdesire, including your own name or the subject of your business.
There are several reasons why an internet business requires itsown domain name including: * A domain name makes your site morecredible and reliable * The URL of a domain name will neverchange even if you change you website hosting, so that customersare not needed to be informed should you change hosting. *Choosing a good domain name will make your site more memorableto your clients, so that people will recall your company easilywhich spells more profits. * Advertisers and sponsors are morelikely to sponsor websites who have their own domain name. *Your won domain name allows you to set up various emailaddresses for specific uses, e.g. support@yourdomain.com andsales@yourdomain.com
The organization that is responsible for maintaining andco-ordinating the entire domain name system is called ICAAN. TOregister any domain name you need to use an ICAAN accrediteddomain name registrar.
There are numerous domain name registrars and fees for domainregistration vary from $8.95 to $35+. Some web hosting companiesnow offer a free domain name registration as part of theirhosting packages.
Registering your domain name is essentially a four step processas follows:
Step 1: Carefully consider what domain name you would like, tryto make your domain name as concise as possible and specific tothe site you have in mind. Construct a list of alternativedomain names, in order of preference. This is because with thehuge number of websites in the Internet, some of your ideas forthe ideal domain name might have already been taken already sothe more names you can think of, the better.
When deciding on your domain name also consider the top leveldomain TLD) extension you want. The TLD is the .com part of thedomain name domainname.com. There are a variety of domainextensions, and the one you wish to use may well affect theprice you will have to pay.
The range of TLDs includes .com, .net, .org, .info and .name(used with a personal name e.g. JezLacey.name). None of theseTLDs have specific requirements. In addition to these universalTLDs there is also .biz, which is for commercial and businessuse only. Finally, there are also country specific TLDs, whichcan only be used by persons who are citizens and residents ofthat country and by businesses and organizations present in thatcountry where domain extension is applicable, example include.us (USA), .co.uk (UK) and .fr (France).
Step 2: Obtain the IP address or domain nameserver from yourhosting company. A nameserver is a special type of domain thatis used to identify a particular server. After registration youwill need this information in order to set up your domain foruse.
Step 3: Prepare for payment. The usual method of payment withdomain registrars is via a credit card.
Step 4: Apply for your domain name. You can use your web hostingcompany to do this, or one of numerous accredited domainregistrars. Good examples include enom.com, the ever popularGoDaddy.com, Dotster.com and many others.
When registering your domain name, ensure that you are theregistered domain owner. This important because a web host canset themselves as the domain owner, and if they do, then youhave no say in what happens to the domain name. For example, ifyou decide to transfer your domain to another registrar. Forthis reason you should also ensure both the technical andadministrative contracts should be you.
When transferring a domain the new registrar will try contactingthe domain owner first, then if that fails the administrativeand then the technical contact. There have been cases where theweb host has registered itself as the administrative andtechnical contact for a client. They can then make it difficultfor clients to move to other registrars by pending the move orby even refusing. So, stay in better control and avoid this kindof situation.
With these guidelines, you are now well equipped to registeryour own domain name. As good domain names are getting more andmore difficult to find, if you already have an idea for a greatdomain name, register them now before it's too late.
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