How to register a good domain name for free with website hosting

Register a domain name for your brilliant idea before someone else takes it.

How do domain names work?

When you type a domain name, a request goes out to find out which server on the Internet has that site. The domain name is then changed into a set of numbers identifying that machine. The table that tells which domain name goes with what numbers is called a "registry". So to get a domain name, you need a registrar. ICANN (Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers) assigns a registrar for every domain. Verisign handles .com, for example. In turn, Verisign authorizes other companies to act as registrars, like GoDaddy. Different registrars offer different prices and different web services.

Next, you need to search to see if is is available. If it is, you can buy the domain. Almost all registrars will try and sell you other services, but you really only need to register the domain name. Enter your name and an address, like a P.O. Box because your address will be listed on the Internet. You might also choose a website hosting provider so that you can begin to create pages and email addresses for your new domain name. Be sure to shop around for a website hosting provider because there are a lot to choose from.

Choosing a domain name

Free domain names with website hosting

It may sound confusing, but it isn't. Basically, you just need to find a reputable website hosting company that can register your domain name at the same time you sign up for website hosting. And some website hosting firms will offer you free domain name registration if you sign up for web hosting for one year.

So get started with your online business idea before someone else grabs it!