When purchasing a domain name (Your_Company.com or Your-Rockband.com), keep in mind that ".com" is still the most recognizable extension available. Also, when it comes to domain names, shorter is better.
Purchasing a domain name is a simple process, more complicated, is choosing the domain name to purchase. I recommend using DirectNic.com to purchase your domain name. DirectNic charges a reasonable annual rate (around $15 per year at the time of this tutorial) and has excellent administration tools that will come in handy later on in the setup process.
Step-By-Step - Domain Name Registration
a. Log in or sign up as a registered user. This requires a short process of providing contact information, billing information, username and password. Becoming a registered member is free, and is required to purchase a domain name.
b. Search for an available name. A short simple name is preferred over a name that can be misunderstood or misspelled.
c. When your search returns "domain name available" you are given the option to "click here to add to cart". Add the domain name you wish to purchase.
d. Now look for the option to "Click here to check out"
e. Verify that the domain information is correct and select the number of years you wish to purchase the domain name. Then select "Continue Purchase"
f. You will be required to provide contact information for the domain including: Organization Contact, Administrative Contact, Billing Contact, Technical Contact. In all cases unless you have made arrangements with someone else, all of this information should point to you.
g. You will also need to provide Domain Nameservers information. This information currently defaults to something line "ns01.directnic.com" & "ns02.directnic.com". Leave this information at it's default, we will be changing this information later. Select "Continue to Purchase"
h. Finally, fill out the payment method type (credit card) and finalize your purchase.
Congratulations, you now own a Domain Name. Later we will put it to use by registering with a Domain Name Server. More about this later.
