Web Domain Registration

When you register a domain name, you are inserting an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet. How do I register a domain name? Domain names ending with .biz, .com, .info, .net, and .org can be registered through many different companies (known as 'registrars') that compete with one another.

The registrar you choose will ask you to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar will then keep a record of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the 'Registry.' It provides other computers on the Internet with the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site.

You will also be required to enter into a registration contract with the registrar; it sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.How can I find out information about my domain and who is in control of it?Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available, to allow resolutions of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a 'Whois' site. It is, however, possible to register a domain in the name of a third party or to use a third party for technical and/or administrative contacts. This can be advantageous for renewals and management of the domain, but the registrant (you) still own and have complete authority over the domain name.

The administrative contact has management rights over the domain. How long does a registration last? Each registrar has the flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years.How much does a domain name registration cost? Each registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and prices vary significantly among different registrars.

I have seen advertisements for domain registration by companies not in the accredited registrar directory. Are these legitimate?Only registrars accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) are authorized to register domain names. Some of these accredited registrars offer their services through resellers, which provides assistance in completing the registration process, managing the domain name, and assisting with domain renewals.