Domain Name Registration
The only way to register and
start using a domain name is to use the services of a domain name
registrar. The domain name industry is regulated and overseen by ICANN,
the organization that is responsible for certifying companies as
domain name registrars. At one time there was only one domain name
registrar - Network Solutions, Inc. - but today there are dozens of
accredited registrars. Only a domain name registrar is permitted to
access and modify the master database of domain names maintained by
InterNIC. The master database contains the documentation on all of the
domain names registered to date. .
If you come across a registrar that is not on the list it is most
likely that the organization is acting as a reseller for one of the
accredited registrars as only an accredited registrar has the ability
to modify the database of domain names.
ICANN-accredited registrars have the authority to assign domain
names for the TLDs of .com, .biz. .info, .name, .net, and .org. ICANN
does not, however, specifically accredit registrars to provide
registration services for country code TLDs.
The registrar you choose will determine the cost for registering a
domain name, but in general expect to pay a yearly fee. Some
registrars will offer discounts if you register for more than one
year, but no registrar has the authority to sell more than a 10 year
registration contract for any domain name. The registrar will ask you
to provide some contact and technical information to have on record.
This information is stored in a registry, which other computers can
access to find information on your site. While it may seem like a
privacy issue, it is best to be honest when supplying the contact
information to a registrar. The registrar can cancel a contract and
resell the domain name if it cannot contact an actual person to settle
legal issues that may arise.
There are many laws that regulate the registration of domain names,
such as registering a copyrighted name or registering a domain name
for the sole purpose of blocking someone else from using it. Check
with your domain name registrar for the laws that affect how you
register your domain name.
If you want to create a domain name and are not sure if it has
already been taken, you can check a whois server that keeps track of
all the registered domain names.
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