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Registering a domain name is a pretty straight forward process. In fact the hardest part of registering a domain name is coming up with a name that has not already been registered. There are some people who have never registered a domain name, they have left it up to a third party or have always used free hosting. Here is simple explanation of how to register a domain.

The first thing you need to come up with is the name itself, this believe it or not is the hardest part. As there have been so many domain names registered there are not many choices left for keywords to use in your domain name. There are two routes you can go down for choosing your name, using keywords or thinking up your very own word.

Which ever route you choose you are going to need several ideas for a name so jot lots of ideas on a piece of paper first. Write down a list of keywords that you can use in any combination or come up with a list of your own made up words. I chose NameSearchDomain for my site but only because most other combinations of the words that I wanted to use had already been taken. You could of course try making up your own word such as Google, it’s both catchy and memorable.

Once you have a list of possible names you will need to find out if they are available. To do this you will need to visit a domain name registrar. I use Godaddy but I would not recommend them to a first time user as they offer too many extras which could easily catch out a newbie during registration. I would suggest you check out a few forums such as DN forum for recommendations, visit a few sites and see which you feel comfortable with. For dot com names look to pay around ten dollars.

Having found a domain name registrar then you need to go through your list of names to see if they are available. To do this just type the name into the search box and select an extension, it is usually best to use .com because of it’s popularity. If a domain name you have chosen is available for registration then you will be given the option to register it. All you need to do now is follow the on screen instructions and the brand new domain is yours.

Once you have registered a new name you will need to point it towards your web space, this is presuming you are purchasing the name to create your own site. To do this you will have to provide some DNS information, you can get this from your web host. You should have two addresses, probably both starting with NS, probably NS1 and NS2, you need to add this information into your domain name registration account under Domain name servers. You will usually need two, a primary server and a secondary server. This will take a while to propagate through the internet servers, usually anywhere up to 72 hours. Once the DNS information has propagated then you will be able to type in your domain name in a web browser and arrive at your web site.

This is pretty much an overview on what you need for domain name registration. It should provide you with a grounding for being able to register your own domain. An important word of advice before you register your domain, all sales are final, that means once you have purchased a domain name there is no refund. A final tip, the longer you register as domain for the more discount you usually get. I would advise only registering for a minimum of 1 year initially in case you get cold feet later, you don’t want to be stuck with a useless domain name for 10 years.

Allan is the webmaster at NameSearchDomain.com where you can find out all about Domain names.

With one of the fastest growing business costs being the internet, knowing how to get free domain name registration on the internet can actually go a long way in making things run a little more smoothly. Whether you have an online business or simply a website for your real-world business, your web presence is important. At the same time, you do not want to have to worry about the cost of domain registration in addition to your monthly hosting fees, web design fees, and possibly even email hosting as well. So what is the answer? Here are a few tips that can help you learn how to get free domain name registration on the internet.

Learning how to get free domain name registration on the internet is not difficult. There are really a couple of strategies you can use to avoid those extra nagging fees for your web presence. You can work through either an online registration and hosting company or a local company that will serve the same functions for you, but will do so from close by so that you have more human contact.

When working with an online domain name registration and hosting company, you can really afford to shop around and get the best deal. The best deal, in every case, should include free domain name registration. Any hosting company worth their salt on the internet will at least toss in the domain name registration for you. If they do not, you have to ask yourself what they are really doing for you. Using a company for your web hosting, email, and domain registration is how to get free domain name registration on the internet with little or no effort.

Another recommendation for how to get free domain name registration on the internet is through a local hosting company. You will be able to get the benefit of face to face work, while still using a company whose primary function for you will take place on the internet. Like the companies online, if you are going to use the company for internet hosting and email, you should ask them about getting free domain name registration on the internet. It is a saved fee for you, and compared to what they are getting, it is a small cost for the hosting company to eat. If they do not seem eager to offer to throw in the domain registration for you, then it may be time to take your business or personal internet needs elsewhere.

Though domain name registration is not a huge cost, it is a recurring annual cost. In addition, if you have a larger company or want a major web presence, you may want to register multiple domain names. Either way, knowing how to get free domain name registration on the internet can save you money. How much money you save will depend on a lot of factors, but no matter the amount, it is still money in your pocket. So insist on free domain name registration from your internet hosting company and put more money in your pocket.

Domain names are site names that provide rememberable names to stand in for numeric IP addresses. Before getting a web site on line you need to have a domain name. These are the familiar web addresses such as yahoo.com that most browsers use to find a particular web site. Domain names, in fact, are pointers to a particular IP address and we use them because they are easier to remember than a series of numbers. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system that stores information associated with domain names in a distributed database on networks, such as the Internet. The DNS is what makes it possible to attach hard-to-remember IP addresses (such as 193.456.28.8.) to easy-to-remember domain names (such as “web-hosting-guide.org”)

All websites have an IP address in the form 193.456.28.8. The domain name system translates these numbers into names such as google.com. All domain names are registered in a central registry maintained by InterNIC, a subsidiary of ICANN – the organization which certifies domain name registrars. Domain names are filtered through Domain Name Servers (DNS) which link IP addresses with domain names. Each web site usually has a primary and a secondary DNS – duplicates that increase reliability.

The first step in registering a domain name is to choose it. The name can be almost anything you want, but to be most effective it should reflect the nature of your website. If you are selling scented candles, for example, it helps to have a domain name that has some reference to candles – scented-candles.org.uk for example.

The rules for domain names are simple – only letters, numbers or hyphens are allowed. Other than that, a domain name is limited to 70 characters, but you are advised to keep it as short as possible. Domain names can be upper or lower case – case is ignored by DNS but you can use a combination to make the name more recognizable. Since DNS is case-insensitive, yahoo.com can be advertised as YAHOO.COM.

Every domain name ends in a top-level domain (TLD) name, which is always either one of a small list of generic names (three or more characters), or a two characters territory code. There are several extensions available. The most common is .com – it has even entered common vocabulary as a way to express Internet activity – (I own a dot com business). Other extensions include .biz (for commercial sites), .org (for non-commercial organisations), .net (for organisations involved in Internet infrastructure) and .name (for personal names). There are also extensions with more specialized uses such as .museum, .aero, and .coop and are used exclusively by members of certain organizations. In addition to these common extensions, there can also be a country code extension such as .us (United States) or .uk (United Kingdom). The rules for using country extensions vary, so you need to check with your registrar to see if they are available to you.

All domains must be registered with a registrar that has been certified by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). There are hundreds of registrars and their prices vary considerably. Although registrars are closely regulated, they are permitted to offer their services through third parties; so many web hosts offer a domain name registration service even if they are not a registrar. The price of a domain name will usually be higher when dealing with these third-party services.

Domain names are usually registered for a minimum of one year, although you are permitted to buy up to a 10-year registration contract. Usually the longer the registration contract, the lower the price, so if you are sure you will be on the web for a considerable length of time you can benefit from a longer registration period. Most registrars also offer a discount on bulk purchases. If you own a number of domain names you can save money by transferring them all to the same registrar.

Copyright © 2005 Benjamin Chapi. Visit the Web Hosting Guide
http://www.web-hosting-guide.org/
for more information about domain names. To find out what your prospects are
looking for before you set up a website go to:
http://www.uniquekeywords.com/

Through my experience as president and founder of DomainPurpose.com, I’ve come to an understanding that behind every registration of a domain name lays a purpose. Further More, behind most domain projects is a story of passion, excitement and inspiration. Who better to illustrate this point then Michael Furdyk, who became a dot com millionaire in 1999 at the age of 17.

Michael Furdyk is a young man and domain name owner with a vision and a compassionate heart. He has a unique understanding that the Internet has the power to create positive change if used responsibly and with a purpose. In the Internet world, Michael Furdyk is a domain name owner who I root for. I’m excited to share his story and new domain venture with you.

Michael Furdyk is the co-founder of TakingITGlobal.org, a global non-profit online community for youth engaging members in over 195 countries. In the past, he has turned his interest of computers into a series of successful online companies, co-founding MyDesktop.com in 1997 (later sold to Internet.com in 1999 for $1-million) and BuyBuddy.com in 1999 (which closed a $4.5-million round of funding in late 2000). Over the last few years, Michael has done work for many large corporations, including Xerox, CIBC, IBM, and recently a 6-month consulting engagement with Microsoft in Seattle , Washington.

As one of the “10 entrepreneurs who shaped the year 1999″, according to Profit Magazine, and one of Teen People’s “20 teens that will change the world (2000)”, Michael has shared his experiences as a member of the Net Generation by speaking at many events, including two of Microsoft’s Anytime, Anywhere Learning Summits, the Boca Raton gathering of The Business Council, and TED11. He has made numerous media appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Time Magazine, Fast Company, Business 2.0, BusinessWeek, CNN, MSNBC , USA Today, Globe and Mail, and the National Post. He is also a frequent contributor to Canadian Business Magazine.

I asked Michael Furdyk a few questions about his new domain venture. Here’s what he had to say:

Shaun Cronrath: What is the vision for your domain?

Michael Furdyk: TakingITGlobal.org is an outlet for my passion and excitement enabling young people to become empowered users of technology, using it to conquer any inhibitions they feel about their ability to change the world. Through both a vibrant online community, and active local initiatives led by youth from around the world, TakingITGlobal.org will instigate positive global change of unimaginable impact.

Shaun Cronrath: What is the purpose of your domain?

Michael Furdyk: To inspire young people to follow their dreams. To inform young people about the wealth of opportunities that surrounds them. To involve young people in online and offline communities where members & mentors contribute to, and gain from the TakingITGlobal.org experience while fostering a sense of global awareness, collaboration, and leadership.

Shaun Cronrath: How did you think of this idea?

Michael Furdyk: Rollerblading down Parliament Hill in Ottawa Canada, my friend Jennifer Corriero and I reflected on the experiences we had racked up over the previous few years, consulting for major corporations, advising governments, speaking at big events – and being listened to. We wondered, “What if every young person was connected with the kind of opportunities we had?” TakingITGlobal.org grew out of that simple question and developed into a dynamic global network driven by youth.

Shaun Cronrath: When did you realize that sharing your passion via TakingItGlobal.org could turn into something successful?

Michael Furdyk: After press coverage about our ambitious plans for a dynamic youth-led network to augment the stagnant educational system and provide real opportunities and inspiration for youth emerged; TakingITGlobal.org attracted a crowd of support and success followed.

Shaun Cronrath: How has your life changed since you registered and launched TakingItGlobal.org?

Michael Furdyk: I love the work we do at TIG, so my life has been great! I am super committed to the work we are doing and always talk about it. Since launching TakingItGlobal.org, I’ve got to travel all over the world and meet people from all walks of life. I’ve also been able to use these opportunities to speak with diverse audiences about my passion for technology, TakingItGlobal.org and important issues affecting the world.

Shaun Cronrath: How has other peoples lives been effected since you registered and launched TakingItGlobal.org?

Michael Furdyk: TakingITGlobal.org has helped inspire over 10,000 youth members from over 195 countries to become informed and involved with their ideas and visions.

Shaun Cronrath: As a successful domain name owner, any words of advice for people who want to use a domain name as a vehicle to share their passion in life?

Michael Furdyk: Subscribe to the belief that passion and persistence will get you further than desire. Love what you do, and you’ll do it well.

It doesn’t matter what type of business you are preparing to start– if you plan to have a presence on the Internet, choosing a proper domain name is an important step that should be given serious consideration.

Take a moment and think about some of your favorite websites’ URL’s. More than likely they will have a couple of things in common: 1) they express, in some way, the content of the website and 2) are short in the number of characters utilized. These are both good points to keep in mind when choosing your domain name. Let’s take a closer look.

CONTENT OF SITE: Many effective domain names can tell a potential visitor what the website is about without even clicking on the link: I.E. Wal-Mart. Most people, if not everyone in this galaxy, know that the Wal-Mart .com domain is going to have something to do with the giant retailer. The association is immediate. This is the effect for which all online businesses should strive.

From a visitor’s standpoint, a domain name consistent with the content lends credibility to the website. Search engines may not be as concerned about the domain name given the importance of the title meta tag right now, but that doesn’t change the potential visitor’s interpretation of your URL when viewing search results. Think about it. If your search query results for “bicycle repair” presented you with a choice between two websites, one of which was “easybicyclepair dot com” and the other “mynameissmith dot com”, which one would you most likely choose? It’s basically a no-brainer.

SHORT AND TO THE POINT: If at all possible, make your domain name short. This translates to less typing for the surfers, as well as a lesser amount of recall required remembering the location of your site (just in case they forgot to bookmark it). Securing a short domain name isn’t always an easy task to accomplish. Many of the short names are already taken, so it may require a little brainstorming on your part to create something you’re happy with that’s short & also associated with your content. Though it may take a little longer to pinpoint just the right name, it will pay off in the long run.

For instance, you could come up with a domain that’s “catchy” or even “cute” with a little extra effort & time spent. This will definitely help solidify your site’s location in your visitor’s minds. Advertisers have long known this to be true & have utilized its potential through television, radio and billboard ads for years. A good domain name will do the same thing as an ad jingle: get stuck in a person’s head. If you can create something short & catchy that also points to your content, you’ll have the best of both worlds. Furthermore, if you ever do plan to advertise through those other avenues, a catchy domain name could mean the difference between a potential customer either forgetting your site or wondering why they can’t seem to get your dot com out of their head.

IN CONCLUSION: Don’t overlook the importance of choosing a good domain name as a vital step in your business-building plan. While the domain name doesn’t always mean the difference between success and failure, a short, descriptive and catchy domain name may just be money in the bank.

Copyright 2006 Craig Binkley

Craig Binkley is a husband, father and a home business owner. Visit his Work From Home Directory located at http://www.workfromhomehelper.com for legitimate work from home opportunities and ideas.