A domain registry lists all domain names and their associated IP addresses, and helps find suitable names for personal or business websites. Different countries have different domain endings, and some names are reserved for specific organizations. It’s important to register your domain name before using it publicly to avoid fraudulent companies and ensure customers are directed to the appropriate site.
A domain registry is a list of all domain names and their associated IP addresses. It also acts as a registrar for new names that people want to add. When creating a new website, many variations of the desired name for your site are often already taken. Usually, new website owners need to evaluate the names used and get creative in naming their new site. Evaluating names registered on a domain registry can help you find a suitable name for your personal or business website.
A domain registry can help you find names that are used in various countries. UK websites, for example, often end in .uk. If you try to register with the main UK domain registrar, Nominet, you can try different names to see if they are already taken.
Once an acceptable domain name is registered with Nominet, that name is held solely by the owner of the website, provided that the name is re-registered each year. You typically pay about $15 US dollars (USD) a year to retain the rights to continue using each name.
Some domain names are held for specific organizations. The domain registry generally does not allow you to use a name ending in .gov unless you are building a US government website. The ending .edu is generally reserved for those sites related to education.
Often, choosing the ending can help give you more choices in domain registry. If one has a site about shoes, to which one wants to give the domain name loveshoes.com, one might find the name in use. However, loveshoes.net may not be in use and is therefore available for domain registration.
With few exceptions, the domain registry will allow you to use any name, as long as you reserve it first. The choice of name is generally first come, first served. There is often stiff competition with the choice of name, and occasionally fraudulent companies will use a very similar version of a domain name to obtain information about individuals for the purpose of identity theft.
Because identity theft is rampant on the Internet, you need to be very careful when replying to mail requesting information and be certain that your domain name is accurate. Organizations like PayPal often get nearly duplicated in the domain name. The official site is paypal.com. Identity theft sites might be listed as .org or .net, or the full name might be slightly changed, such as “paypals.com.”
Due to the level of competition for names in the domain registry, you should be sure to register your domain name before including it on business cards or giving it to potential customers. Like registering a business name within the country where you live, registering your domain before transacting will ensure that potential customers are directed to the appropriate site.
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