How 2...Buy a domain name

Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writer

January 5, 2008

Editors' Note: An earlier version incorrectly the pricing of domain-name registration from Network Solutions. One year of domain-name registration costs about $35, and the price does not include private registration, which is extra.

1. Decide on the domain name you want -- preferably one that is easy to spell.

2. Go to one of the domain registering services to see if the domain name you want is available. Two of the most popular services are GoDaddy (GoDaddy.com) and Network Solutions (networksolutions.com). As of this writing, GoDaddy was offering domain registration for $10 for one year while Network Solutions was offering one-year-domain registration for $9 a year. Both services offer discounts if you register for multiple years. Type the domain name you want into the empty field and click "Go" or "Search."

3. If the .com domain is not available, pick another one or consider using .net, .org or another domain with that name.

4. Once you've selected the domain name, proceed to checkout. Both sites will offer to sell you a host of other services, such as e-mail addresses, hosting plans and the chance to buy .org or .net names. Unless you are planning on becoming a huge celebrity or politician, just buy the .com name. One option you will want to consider is whether to have a private or public registration. If you choose public registration, people will be able to enter your Web site name in a directory and find out the name, phone number and address of the person who registered the site. Network Solutions offers private registration for free; it costs extra with GoDaddy.

5. Once you've checked out, the domain is yours. Keep in mind buying a domain is like buying vacant land. If you want to put something on it, such as a Web site, or have it redirect to another site, you'll have to take other steps, through the same company you registered your domain with or through other services.