The process of Internet domain registration is surprisingly easy. Anyone with access to the Internet can register one or several domain names. Boiled down to the simplest terms, one needs to select a domain registrar, choose a domain name, enter the required registration information, and provide payment, as required by the registrar. Of course, lack of knowledge of the basic terminology or about how the process of Internet domain registration is managed can make it seem anything but simple. In fact, it can be intimidating. Not everyone has enough working knowledge of the terms to feel comfortable. If you do not think you have the full concept, this article may be helpful.
Domain means the Internet website itself. The domain name is the address that allows people to access the site. 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. There are many domain name registrars available. A Web host will not only process your Internet domain registration, but will help you build and maintain a website as well. If you do not have a strong technical background, filing your Internet domain registration through a Web hosting site may be the answer.
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. The most common extension is .com, but there are several others available. For instance, www.myname.net is a sample domain name format. The name should be reflective of the website it will represent. The combination of the name and extension cannot be registered by anyone else. ICANN is the corporation which sees to the integrity of Internet domain registration. Access to the information stored from the Internet domain registration process is available on the InterNIC website. The registry itself is WHOIS.
Fortunately, most Internet domain registrars provide a search to determine availability of the name you want. The search will tell you it is available or offer suggestions. You can also continue to search until you find one that is just right. Now you are on your way. Provide the data required. Done! Your Internet domain registration is complete and your registrar will alert you when it is ready to use.
