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The first step in getting a Web site set up is to register a unique domain name. To do that, you need to first make sure that it's not already taken.
The best place to check for domain name availability is a whois server. "Whois" gives you information about a domain name, including who owns it, who runs it, and a few technical details. There are many whois servers available on the Internet, including Internic http://www.internic.net/whois.html. Type in the name you want to register. If the message you receive is "No match for," it indicates that the name is available.
The authoritative list of domain names is maintained by The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). (A more complete discussion of this issue can be found at http://www.internic.net/faqs/authoritative-dns.html.)
So, you've found a name that isn't taken. Now do you just go ahead and grab the name? Not necessarily. In some cases, it's wise to do a trademark and/or patent search on the name. MyEZsale will be covering trademark searches more thoroughly in an upcoming issue.
The next step is to either register the domain name on your own or through your Web hosting company. If you just want to grab the name but don't need or want a Web site right away, you can easily do that. Find a registrar you like (a full list of ICANN registrars can be found here: http://www.icann.org/registrars/accredited-list.html), and register your name.
It's important to realize that not all registrars are equal. Some are more expensive than others. Some require you to register the name for at least two years. Some offer a free one-page Web site or a free email address with your registration. Shop around for the mix that appeals to you.
Another option you have is to allow your Web hosting company to deal with the registration issues. If you're ready to get going with your Web page, this might be the best choice. Many Web hosting companies can offer "free" domain name registration (of course it's not really free; they just build the cost of registration into your Web site fees) or $1.00 registration, or some other discount.
If you choose to let your Web hosting company register your domain, make sure they list you as the administrative contact for the domain name. This is important! If they don't do this, you don't really own the name, and in the event you become unhappy with their service, your domain name is at their mercy. The administrative contact is the true owner of the name and is authorized to make DNS changes for the name (for example, moving from one Web host to another).
Once the name is registered, you'll need to find a Web hosting company. I'll be covering Web hosting companies in an upcoming article.
NOTE: See sidebar:
http://www.myezsale.com/cab/abu/y203/m06/mes0002/s04
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