Getting a domain name involves registering the name you want with an organization called InterNIC through a domain name registrar. For example, if you choose a name like “widgets.com”, you will have to use a registrar and pay a registration fee that ranges from $10 to $35 for that name. That will give you the right to the name for between one and ten years, and you will have to renew it at the end of that period for the same amount.
It is best to register the name yourself, so you can be sure to be registered as the owner, the administrative and technical contact. Being the owner is vital – if a web host is listed as the owner, that web host can always decide to charge you for the use of the name later, and there is little you can do.
Although many web hosts suggest that you record them as the technical contact, you may prefer to keep yourself as one, so that when you want to transfer your name to a new web host, you don’t have to wait for your old host to approve the transfer.

If you want to register a domain name, here’s what you do:

1. Think of a few good domain names that you’d like to use.

2. Obtain from your web host the DNS IP addresses and names of their primary and secondary nameservers. Don’t worry if you don’t understand what these things mean, just save the information somewhere. The information can usually be obtained from their FAQs or other documentation on their website, usually under a category such as “domain name” or “DNS” or “domain name transfer.” If you can’t find it, email their webmaster. If you don’t have a web host yet, all is not lost. Read on.

3. Get your credit card ready. This is a requirement of most if not all registrars. It will allow you to claim and get the domain name immediately on application. This is not an option (unfortunately).

4. If you already have a web host, you can just go to one of the registrars listed overleaf and apply for the domain name. Make sure you have the information mentioned in step 2.

5. If you do not have a web host, you can always use one of the registrars listed overleaf that allow you to park your domain name (usually free of hosting fees) at a temporary website specially set up for you. This way you can quickly secure your domain name and still take your time to set up the other aspects of your site.

List of Domain Name Registrars

There are numerous domain name registrars; below are just a few.

GODADDY
This extremely popular registrar offers .com domain names for $9.99 per year or $6.99 if you transfer from another registrar. They have a web interface to manage your domains, free web redirection (where people who visit your domain will get transferred to another URL of your choice), free starter web page, free parked page or free “for sale” page, and an optional private domain registration where your domain is registered in the name of a proxy company. They offer .com, .us, .biz, .info, .net, .org, .ws, .name, .tv, .co.uk, .me.uk and .org.uk.

WWW.GODADDY.COM

DOTSTER
This fairly popular registrar provides reasonably priced domain prices ($15.25 per domain), a convenient web interface to manage your domains, an optional privacy facility where your domain name is registered in the name of a proxy company, etc. They offer .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .us, .ca, .tv, .name, .cc, .de, .sr, .md, .co.uk, .us.com domains, etc. If you’re transferring a domain here from other registrars, the price is even cheaper ($8.95).

REGISTER.COM
This well-established registrar currently sell domains for $35 per year or $79 for 3 years. They offer .com, .net, .bus, .us, .cn, .com.cn, .net.cn, .org.cn, .mobi, .info, .co.uk, .org.uk, .tv, .ws, .ca, .eu, .cc, .jp, .de, .co.nz, .net.nz, .org.nz, .tw, .com.tw, and .org.tw.

MONIKER
Prices for domain names differ, depending on the extension. For example, they charge $10.49 for .com, $6.04 for .net, $10.95 for .org, $5.49 for .info, etc. Their web interface allows you to manage matters pertaining to your domain, such as DNS, web forwarding (where you forward visitors to your domain to another URL of your choice), etc. You also have the option to add “Whois privacy”, where your domain is registered in the name of a proxy company.
1&1 INTERNET
This is primarily a large web host that also provides domain name registrations. For .com, .org, .net, .info, .biz, .name domains, you are charged $6.99. They also offer .us domains for $2.99. The fee includes private domain registration, which means that your particulars are hidden from public view by registering it in the name of a proxy company. You also get a free email account, DNS management, domain forwarding and masking, and a starter website with each domain.

Note: A number of commercial web hosts will give you a free domain name if your website is hosted with them.

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