Lesson #07 Registering Your Domain
Written By Titmowse

The process of registering a domain name is complicated but not impossible to perform. Actually, it's very easy to do the clicking and submitting. It's the terms of service and the waiting that is the hard part.

Let's walk through the actual process of registering a domain:

Go to one of the many accredited domain registrars listed at InterNIC. For this lesson, we'll use Network Solutions (http://www.networksolutions.com) for the registrar.

The easiest way get to a registration form is to type your desired domain name in their search lookup on their front page. When you get to the results page, you will see a list of available configurations of you domain name. You much check or choose the domains you wish to register in your name. If you have enough money, it's always wise to at least buy the three top-level configurations of your domain i.e.: .com, .net and .org. Registering the .COM only is very acceptable and common amongst adult webmaters. For instance, a search for the domain name: begriffinfeldt.com comes back with available results for .com, .net, .org and even .biz and .info. I will check the boxes by the three top-level domains I want to register and then I will click the "continue" button.

On the next page, I will see the optional features I want with my registration such as URL forwarding or special packages. I choose to click a check mark by the box that says "no thanks" and continue onto the next page.

I then see a page that shows me the prices for each domain and how much it will cost to register them in one, two or three-year increments. I also get a chance to remove any domain choices from this page. I choose to register all three for a one-year period and click the "place your order" button.

From this results page, I am asked if I have registered for membership to Network Solutions site. Since I am not, I go ahead and fill out their membership form (where my credit card will be added and verified) and submit it to them. Once that is done, I am taken back to my order page. I then continue with the registration process.

As stated before, you need to have a place for your domain to reside before you can register one. The reason for this is a domain basically is just and alphabetical version of a numerical Internet address. Your domain must have a specific numbered location on the Internet for it to exist. This requires it to be on a server. You can agree to let Network Solutions be your temporary host in an address-only role until you find an adult friendly host. Changing the Name Servers associated with your domina can typically take anywhere from 24-72 hours. The best thing to do is find your host first, then register your domain.

Domain registration is a bit foggy to understand, but it's not impossible. Just make sure to clearly read all the fine print and keep your enlistment active by timely paying the fees when your site comes up for re-registration. Most registrars will notify you by e-mail about 30 to 60 days prior to renewal. Once you've taken the time to get setup with a registrar of your choice, you can register other domains much quicker and manage and update all your domain names through one account.

You will never find a way to buy a physical location for as inexpensively as you can a virtual location. You will never get the walk-through traffic to your real life store that you can get from the worldwide market of cyberspace. Think of the clever name. See if it's available and claim your space now.

Look for more Domain related links in our Cozy Academy Library or by dropping by the Hosting Helper guide on Cozy Frog!