How to Register a Domain Name

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Source: wikihow.com
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How to Register a Domain Name

Three Parts: Registering a Domain Perfecting a Domain Name Choosing a Top-Level Domain

Registering your domain name is the first step in establishing your online presence and reaching visitors. We'll show you how to create and register your domain, avoid some of the pitfalls that can arise, and choose the best domain name to make sure that your site reaches the most people. Read below if you want to get on your way to a successful website!

 

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Part 1 of 3: Registering a Domain


Method 1: With a Hosting Service

1. 1
   Decide your preferred route. Your website will be made with a series of files, so you'll need a place to store those files. You can do it on your own computer (without a hosting service) or store them on another company's servers (with a hosting service). Most webhosting services will also be able to register a domain name for you. Choose which route you want to take and then follow the appropriate set of instructions.

 

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2
Choose a hosting service. Choose a service to host your website, or go with the service that you already have (if you inherited a website). There are many reputable ones, and you will want to choose a reputable one, but they tend to have different customer service policies and prices. Choose what's best for you.

• Reputable hosting services include Register.com, GoDaddy.com, OnlyDomains.com and eNom.com.
• The hosting services all work with the ICANN database, which is in charge of keeping track of all domain names, so they should all turn up the same information.

 

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3
Use the availability checker. These sites will all have an availability checker, where you type in the domain name you want and they tell you if it's available or suggest alternatives if it isn't. Some will even tell you if there is a cheaper domain with a slightly different name.

 

[iowadawg]

Or just go to godaddy or namecheap or name.com etc.

 

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4
Select other services. Once you've found an available domain name, you'll want to select it and follow the instructions for that particular service. When you select your domain name, you will also have the opportunity to add on other services that the host also provides. Choose what's best for you.

 

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5
Fill out their forms. They will then ask for a bunch of information from you. This is necessary to register with the WHOIS database, where the owners of websites are required to list their information. This information can be made public or you can choose to keep in private (usually for an added fee).

 

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6
Pay them. Websites aren't free! Enter your payment information and make sure it's correct. This is why it's a good idea to choose a reputable site: because they will have your payment information.

 

[OptimaDomains]

I think most people (99%) know how to register a domain name. This is not a good way to up your post count on this forum.

 

[iowadawg]

And the worse way to ever register a domain is through a hosting company!
Which means your entire post is bogus information that all newbies should avoid like the plague!

 

[cocaseco]

I think most people (99%) know how to register a domain name. This is not a good way to up your post count on this forum.

99% on this forum yes...but outside the industry the number of people would be substantially lower. Especially outside the US. It's funny because just this morning I had an inquiry on a domain and this was EXACTLY her question.

 

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7
Use their tools. Once you're registered with them and everything is good to go, you can start using their tools to upload stuff to your site. You can also set up uploading through software programs like Firefox or Dreamweaver.

 

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Method 2: Without a Hosting Service

1. 1
   Check with your ISP. Now, the trick with hosting your website on your own servers is that some ISPs (internet service providers) don't allow this. They will block the traffic. So, the first thing to do is check with your ISP to make sure this is allowed and if you need to do anything special. If they don't allow it, you'll have to either change ISPs or change your mind about hosting.

 

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2
Choose a registrar. Choose either one of the major hosting services, or find a website that just does registration, like Domjax. You can simply register a domain name with most of the hosting companies; you don't have to also host with them. Just find a reputable and certified domain registrar.

• Keep in mind that some hosts and registrars are only allowed to register certain top-level domains (or TLDs), like .org, and so on.

 

[OptimaDomains]

99% on this forum yes...but outside the industry the number of people would be substantially lower. Especially outside the US. It's funny because just this morning I had an inquiry on a domain and this was EXACTLY her question.

OK, say you're right.

Why is he then splitting up this article into a bunch of posts, as opposed to one single one? Yes, because he is trying to up his post count. Don't be naive.

Also, it does not do this forum any good SEO-wise to simply repost content from another source. It's duplicate content.

 

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3
Get a server. You'll need a server to host your site on. You can repurpose an old computer or you can get a straight-up server...whichever suits your needs best. Just make sure that it can handle the needs of your website. If you think you're going to be getting a lot of traffic, you'll need a fast system. Your local computer store staff person should be able to advise you on the best option for your needs.

 

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4
Get a static IP address. You'll need to set up your IP address to stay the same. Usually these change, but if yours changes people won't be able to get to your site! Think of the internet like a post office, and your IP address is like your address. It needs to stay the same if you want your mail to get to you!

 

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5
Get the necessary software. You'll need software to run your server, so choose one that works for you and that you can learn to use. The most common is Apache.

 

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6
Configure your router and firewall. Both your router and your firewall will need to be reconfigured to allow your website to work. Your router will need to correctly forward connections on port 80 and your firewall will need to allow the traffic to move through.

 

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7
Route your domain traffic to your computer. Make sure that everything is correctly set up at that your domain traffic is sent to the correct location: your server! Test once you are done, both on your own computer and one at another location (like, another house) to make sure it works.