Domain Names

What is a domain name ?
A domain name is a name that is used to identify a computer or computers on the internet, the name is a component of a web sites URL, this type of domain name is also known as a hostname.

Hostnames are the most common type of domain name and they provide more memorable names, such as syntaxsandbox.co.uk which is easier to read than if it was a numeric IP address such as 137.212.187.126 which is definitely not memorable or as easy to read.

The use of domain names allows internet users to easily search, locate, navigate to and comunicate with web sites or other server based services that they may wish to visit or use on the internet.

Domain Name Registration

The cost of registering a domain name varies widely and depends upon the domain names TLD (Top Level Domain name) or domain extension, every domain name ends in a top level domain name, which is either one of a small list of generic names (gTLD) that contain three or more characters, for example .com or .name or a two character country code name (ccTLD), such as .uk or .fr

The .co.uk and .com TLD’s are usually the cheapest to register and cost less than £3 a year, when you register a domain you pay for 2 years registration, this does not mean that you actually own the name, but it does mean that nobody else can use or register it until you stop paying the fees.

It is always a good idea to use the same hosting company when you register a domain name and buy a hosting package because it will make their administration and maintainence a lot easier having them both in the same place, plus many hosting companies regularly offer FREE domain names when you buy a hosting package, although they are usually restricted to the .co.uk and .com TLD’s.

If you need to register a domain name and buy a hosting package, but the task seems rather daunting or you just don’t know where to start, I can carry out a search for a domain name and then register the domain name of your choice and purchase a suitable hosting package on your behalf and then forward all the registration details for the domain name and the hosting package as soon as they are available, there is an administration fee of £20 for this service.

When I need to register domain names and purchase hosting packages for clients I use SupaNames because they are a well established and very reliable and reputable company, they are UK based and provide top quality serivces and support at very affordable prices, in fact I use them to host this site and I have not had any problems at all over the past couple of years.

Domain Name Search

If you would like to check to see if the domain name that you would like to register
is available please use the link below to open a new window where you can search for domain names by simply entering the name of your choice into the search form.
Domain name search

Search Tips

First check to see if the domain name that you wish to register is actually available by using the link to the search form above.
Think about an alternative domain name just in case the one that you preferred is unavailable.
Try to choose a domain name that is short and easy to remember that actually describes your web site or business if possible for example a web site selling fitted kitchens could use a domain name such as www.customkitchens.com