subject: How To Register For a Domain Name - The First Step in Creating a Website [print this page] How To Register For a Domain Name - The First Step in Creating a Website
This article will briefly describe how to:
1. Select and register a domain name
2. Setup a hosting account
The first thing we need is a domain name. A domain name is simply the name of your web site. The name should be as short as possible so it's easy to remember and it should reflect the theme of your website. The extension of the name should ALWAYS be .com, it's the most recognized - avoid.net,.tv,.biz.,.info etc. These extension will be cheaper to purchase but most people don't know about them and there for won't use them.
A domain name is purchased through a registrar. There are many to choose from and can be found by searching "domain name registrar" on the internet. The cost is about $12 per year per domain name. The registrar will offer many options to your purchase of a domain name but most are not needed. Sticking with the basic plan is usually good enough for most people.
Know that you have your domain name you need a hosting account. A host is a server on which your website resides. Most hosts provide unlimited bandwidth and unlimited disk space, meaning that your site is not restricted by how large it is or by how many people come to visit. Finding a host is similar to finding a registrar, do a search for "hosting accounts" on the internet and you will find several to choose from. Most accounts are about $12 per month. Some of the larger registrars also offer hosting and you could get a package deal and maybe save some money.
If you choose a registrar and a hosting account through two different companies, as most will, you will need to change your nameserver at your registrar - this only needs to be done once. A nameserver is a program that links your registrar (your domain name) with your host (where your web site physically resides), so when your type in your domain name your browser will be directed to your website at your hosting account. When you sign-up with a host the nameserver information will be emailed to you, don not lose this information - it contains your user name, password and nameserver.
If you are having trouble accessing your site once you have purchased both a domain name and a hosting account:
Have you changed your nameservers with your registrar.
The domain name may not be propagated to the new host. The changes you made to the nameserver on the registrar may have not taken effect. The changes can take a few hours or a few days.
Check that the nameservers are spelled correctly. It would be best to cut and past the nameservers (which can be found in the email from your host) into your registrar to eliminate the chance of typos.
That's basically all there is to creating a domain name and a hosting account. I hope this doesn't sound difficult. It's much easier than it appears. Getting things up and running may take a few tries, don't let that discourage you. This is a big step and once.
Know that you have a domain on the web you are ready to start building your website.
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