Internet Domain Registration Is A Simple Process
Posted 05/15/09
The process of Internet domain registration is surprisingly easy. All it takes to register one or more domain names is an internet connection. The basic requirements are a domain registrar, a domain name, entry of essential information, and payment to the registrar. However, if one is not familiar with these terms or the basic management of Internet domain registration it may not seem so straightforward. This can result in a reluctance to initiate the process. Registrar, domain, domain name...what exactly does it mean? Fortunately, all this can be put into perspective.The term domain refers to the actual website. Domain name is the location of the site, often referred to as the Internet address. A domain registrar is an approved company, or website, which will collect the required information for Internet domain registration, submit your domain name to the central database, and maintain your domain registration records. You have a broad choice of sites which function as domain registrars. A Web host will not only process your Internet domain registration, but will help you build and maintain a website as well. Using a Web host for Internet domain registration may be a more comfortable option for those with limited technical knowledge.
Sometimes the part of the Internet domain registration that seems the easiest, like creating your domain name, may be the more difficult than expected. Like postal addresses, Internet domain names must follow a specified format and be unique. The format requires two parts: the name, usually preceded by www., followed by an extension. Today there are many extensions to choose from, but you are probably most familiar with .com or .net. An example might be www.myownwebsite.com. It is wise to choose a name that indicates the nature of your website. The combination of the name and extension cannot be registered by anyone else. The Internet has a governing body, ICANN, which ensures each domain name is unique, and that the required information is collected during the Internet domain registration. Access to the information stored from the Internet domain registration process is available on the InterNIC website. This database is called WHOIS.
Fortunately, most Internet domain registrars provide a search to determine availability of the name you want. If your choice is not available, the search may provide alternate names, which you can select. You can also continue to search until you find one that is just right. Once you have selected your domain name, the rest is easy. Provide the data required. Done! Your Internet domain registration is complete and your registrar will alert you when it is ready to use.