First, let me explain what is a domain name and why a domain name exists. The Domain Name System (DNS) was designed to make it easy for users to find specific websites or information on the Internet. Each computer that resides on the Internet has a unique address according to a set of numbers (like a street address). This set of numbers is called an IP address. IP is short for Internet Protocol. An IP Addresses can be a challenge to remember, especially considering the sheer numbers of computers on the Internet. The DNS is designed to allow you to name your domain with a string of letters (hence the domain name) that represents the IP number which makes it easier for most people to remember. So people can type this domain name (example www.domain.com) instead of the string of numbers in the IP address which is difficult to remember.

Each of these domain names must be registered to allow the DNS to correlate the name to the IP address. This huge database resides on multiple computers across the Internet and is updated often when any new domain name is registered. In the early days there was only one place to register a domain name. Up until 1999, Network Solutions handled all of the basic types of domains like .com, .org, and .net. After that it was opened up to allow others to participate and become domain registrars.

These days there are 100s of different registrars that have signed an agreement with ICANN (the governing authority who manages all these domain registrations information in what's called the registry) and are Accredited Registrars or could be authorized resellers. So When you register a domain name, your registrar makes an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computer's IP address. Now someone can type in your domain name and go directly to the known computer where your domain resides. This computer can be physically located anywhere in the world.

OK, so you want to register a new domain for a planned website. Should be pretty simple, right? Well it should be but with the rapid growth of the Internet and all the technology there are some issues that you should consider before doing anything.

The first step is to do some research on the actual name of your new domain. Then you need to decide what type of domain like .Com, .Net, .Org, and there are many more. Just what is the best naming strategy and why is one better than another? How do you find out if the name you want is available? How long do you need to purchase the domain for and why is it extremely important how you do your research? 

So once you finish your research, found the name and extension you feel is best, where do you register the domain? What's the best price and does it matter where you register your domain? Do you need any or all of the different features like privacy or special security? Do you need to register all the extensions or just the one you want to use?

Who is the best registrar and why? Is it important to get your domain and website hosting together? What are the benefits of one registrar over another and does it matter where you choose to register your domain?

These are just some of the questions we try and address and explain to first time domain buyers and even experienced domain buyers. There are a lot of what seem to be minor details until something goes bump in the night and you have a problem. Planning and knowledge of common pitfalls are very important and can eliminate any possible issues down the road after you register your domain.

If you glance over to the left you'll see we've broken out information and recommendations into several categories to help you make the best choices. It's not that registering a domain is difficult but there are some things you should understand before you do the deal. Information that can save you money and time.

We've been in the website business since 1995 and have found out many different issues to be important when registering your domain. And sometimes we found out the hard way so the lessons learned have been earned in the real world. Where there's money to be made, the con men and bad guys soon follow. And there are lots of ways to get into trouble when registering your domain.

And after you have successfully registered your domain, next up is the website hosting dilemma. Now you can get into some really murky waters and there are some big time issues if you run off the rails. Cheap is not always a good thing when it comes to website hosting since the cost is over multiple months and many people pay for 12 months at a time. So we have also provided some good advice and information on website hosting too!

I absolutely guarantee that if you take a few minutes to read our information you will save some time, money, and trouble when registering any domain or website hosting. We have no axe to grind and will give you some honest and important information that will help you make the best choices.

With a little knowledge and planning you can make an informed decision and get your website up and running in short order. And you won't have to worry about domains or website hosting coming back and biting you where it hurts most. And if you have any questions not covered in our articles, just shoot us and email with the link below. We'll be glad to help anyway we can.

Send your questions to: info @ domainregistrationadvsior.com (take out the spaces)