Registering Domain Names

What is a domain name? Do you need a domain name? Where can you register a domain name? Registering a domain name is a snap after reading this tutorial about domain names and registration. Keep reading for more on registering domain names.

What is a domain name?
To keep things simple, a domain name is the way users find your web site on the internet. When a visitor types in your domain name in their web browser, such as www.yoursite.com your site will pop up. Registering a domain name is the process of choosing and signing up for a domain name for your site.

When registering a domain name you have many options for domain extensions (the letters following the dot) such as: .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .us, .ws, etc. Domain extensions help the viewer know what kind of site it is, for example: a .com is a general web site or commerce site, .net refers to internet or computer services web site, .org is reserved for organizations, .biz is a new one for businesses, etc. You will have the opportunity to choose the domain extension, as well as the name of your domain when you register. Be aware that prices for registering domain names may vary by which domain extension you choose.

Do I need a domain name?
You must register for a domain name before you can secure a web host for your site. If you want a web site, you need a domain name. Registering domain names can be done in one of two ways:

1) You can go to an actual a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy.com, to choose, sign-up and pay for a domain name. The advantages to registering with an actual domain registrar are, it is usually cheaper and you have access to the domain name no matter who you decide to host with.

2) Many web hosts give you the opportunity to register a domain name directly previous to signing up for web hosting, during the sign-up process. Registering for a domain name with your web host is the easiest way to register a domain name because the host takes care of all the dirty work and you are set up quickly with a domain name and web host all in one blow. However, registering a domain name with a web host isn't usually the cheapest way to go.

Where can I register for a domain name?
See our listing of web hosts who offer domain name registration with web hosting.

HostMonster

• $3.95 Month
• Free Templates!
• Unlimited Space
• Frontpage Hosting
• Fantastico Enabled
• Unlimited Domains!
• 
  [ Visit HostMonster ]

iPage

• $3.50 Month
• Unlimited Storage
• Easy Site Builder
• FREE DOMAIN!!!
• PHP/MySQL Database
• Ecommerce Tools
• 
  [ Visit iPage ]

• $3.82 PROMO!
• 10 GB Storage
• 300 GB Transfer
• 3 Month Billing!
• Cheap Domain Name
• 10% Off in Cart
• 
  [ Visit GoDaddy ]