Searching your Name:

Below are a description of what a domain name is, things to think about when it comes to selecting a a name, and the process involved in establishing a website.


For those of you who are ready to start your search, just jump right in, and Good Luck! Once you have found one you are happy with, don't let it go!

Domain Name:

A domain name (web address) serves as your company’s or products identity on the Web, it is the Internet equivalent of a physical business address, only more powerful. Every domain name contains two or more components separated by periods or "dots." The last word is called the "top level domain" or “extension.” The most popular extension is the .com, used for commercial entities. Other examples include .net, originally used for networking organizations, .org, designed for other organizations, in particular non-profits. However, anyone can register a .com, .net or .org domain.

There are also two-letter country code domains, such as .uk and .ca, that correspond to a country or other geographic location. The policies for registering such domain names vary; some are reserved for use by citizens of that country. Other top level domains (such as .Web, .firm, etc.) are currently under consideration.


To the left of the top-level domain (the YOURCOMPANY part of YOURCOMPANY.com) is what is called the "second-level domain." It is also possible to have sub-domains such as "Newsletter.YOURCOMPANY.com."

Choosing a name:

A domain can have a maximum of 67 characters, including the dot and extensions. A domain name can contain numbers, letters or dashes, but cannot start or end with a dash or contain weird characters.


There are many places to check the availability of your desired name, we use Register.com. If the name you want is available, get it, because somebody else, anywhere in the world could be attempting to register that same name, and in the net world, it is first-come, first-serve. If the name you want is taken (and many are), you can choose an alternative domain name, try to purchase the name outright from the original owner (auctions), try to wait out the existing owner to see if they activate a site, or let the name drop at renewal, or register the name in a different domain. If you feel that you have a right to that domain name by way of an existing trademark, you could follow the domain dispute policy to try to regain it.

Registering your domain name:

After selecting a domain name you are comfortable with as your on-line identity, you should select a registrar, who will ask you to provide various contact information which makes up the domain name registration data. The registrar keeps this data on file and sends components of this data to the central registry as well. All registrations begin with a search of the domain registry to check the availability of your name.


The recent monopoly on domain name registration has been opened up to competition. ICANN is the non-profit corporation responsible for managing Internet domain names. More information about ICANN, as well as a list of approved registrars, can be found at ICAAN


Registrars vary on customer service and on the legal rights your registration gives you. Previously, the going rate for a domain name registration was fixed at $35 per year, but now can range to only $15 to free. Some companies offer discounted or free registration services in connection with other offerings, such as Web hosting. Registrars offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years. The Domain Name Buyers Guide rates all ICANN-approved registrars available. Each company has different policies, so read the terms carefully when you register your domain name!