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The Name Game

A personal domain name is the ultimate Web handle. Here, Dave Cook shows you how to stake a claim - before it’s too late!

By the year 2003 there will be over 500 million Internet users world-wide. It’s a scary thought. What’s even scarier, though, is the fact that many of these users will want to declare a presence on the Web by registering their own domain name.

If that sounds familiar, you’re right. It’s the great American gold rush all over again. Only instead of prospecting for the yellow stuff, everyone wants a piece of the Web in the shape of their very own dotcom domain.

But what exactly is a domain name? Well, a domain name forms part of a Web site address that’s technically known as an URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Many companies, and probably just as many individuals, boast their own Web site.

One way to reach a Web site is to log on to AOL, for example, and enter a valid URL into the Address window. Take a look at www.d-cook.co.uk and www.strange-brew.com to see how two members of the Practical PC team have used domain names to get their message across.

Registering

Domain names are available in a variety of extensions. Domains ending with .com, .net, and .org are considered top-level names, while .co.uk and .me.uk extensions, for example, are classed as second-level domains.

The type of extension available depends on the registrar you’re dealing with. Some registrars typically offer only top-level domains, while others are only too pleased to offer a variety of domain levels.

To register a top or second level domain name, head for an online registration service provider such as www.netnames.co.uk. For more information about domain registration, visit the Nominet site at www.nic.uk.

The act of registering a domain name couldn’t be easier. Typically, you enter a name into a Search engine and within seconds the registrar will inform you whether or the not the domain name is available. Note that a domain name can be made up of standard alpha numeric characters ranging from A to Z, right the way through to 0 (zero) and – (dash).

Hosting

Once a domain name has been registered, a process that can take just a few hours, you’ll probably want to find a home for it. Otherwise, no one will be able to see it. This is where a Web Hosting company or an Internet Provider (IP) comes in, since a host will point Web traffic at - and forward e-mail to - your domain. Depending on the company, hosting is either free or made available for a small surcharge.

Having found a host, you will of course need to physically create your site. A site can be as simple or as complex as you wish, and you’ll find some excellent guides on creating your own Web site right here on Practical PC.

Alternatively, if you want to find a host later, you can register and “park” your domain through a registrar such as DNbuy (www.dnbuy.com). Typically, registration is less than ten dollars a year, and free parking is included at no extra charge.

DNbuy also provide free e-mail forwarding, which allows you to create multiple e-mail addresses using your domain name. For example, if your domain name was mydomain.com, you could create the e-mail address "me@mydomain.com" and instruct DNbuy to forward that mail to any one of your AOL usernames.  

Beware!

Finally, a word or two of caution about registration: be aware that you’re not buying the domain name outright; you’re merely registering that name for one or more years. By allowing your registered name to expire, you run the risk of someone else stepping in to claim your domain. So keep an eye on that expiry date!