Webupon

If you are thinking about getting a Web site someday it is vital that you own the Web address in your name. What is a Domain Name?A Domain Name is:

• The address that people surfing the Web use to locate Web sites. It is usually finished by .com
• Other versions are .co.uk, .co.nz or .com.au
• The last bit indicates a regional address – the United Kingdom or Australia.

Why does it matter?

If you want a Web site then the Domain Name is the most important part of it.  The most vital type of Domain Name is the dot-com or .com.The dot-com:

• The best Domain Name to have, e.g. jamesdevere.com
• You can also register .net, .biz or .us but the dot-com is the most important one for several reasons
  • It sounds better
  • It goes with your branding and image
  • It is what many search for when looking for Web sites, almost automatically

How do I go about securing it?

Step 1 - Do a general search on-line for your Domain Name  

Step 2 – Check the radio boxes and press SEARCH. You will be prompted. 

Step 3 - You will be told what is and is not available

Step4 – Go and register. I recommend a firm - ipower.com – for my Domain management. They are super efficient with 24/7 telephone support.  

Cheap!Cheap!

Holding your Domain Name is super-cheap. Mine only costs me US$6 per year.  If someone else has beat you to it then it could cost you a lot more. Registering Domain Names is big business. Why there is probably someone scanning Triond for your Domain Name right now! Who me? Not me! So be wary and beat them to it, to secure your Web Address (Domain Name) now.

• Surprisingly the dot-com is the least expensive, which is why people grab them
• Prices range from $1.99 to several thousand dollars if you are a famous writer
• Regional names are costly -  [ .com.au ] is $AU140 for two years

Secure Online Payment

There are many firms that want you to register your Web address or Domain Name.

• Pay for the Domain with a trusted payment method such as Pay Pal
• I feel IPower to be very secure, so I have bought mine through them, as I trust them
• Be wary of Domain Name registrants asking for the secure code on your credit card. 
• This is a small three-digit code on the reverse of your credit card - it leaves you open to fraud if you give it over the Internet

Important Privacy Issue

When you buy your dot-com your name and address may be registered on the WhoIs Register.

• The WhoIs Register is a place to find who owns a particular Web address
• Firms will offer you a privacy option, which will mask your details
• Take the privacy option or your address will be revealed to the World
• It is only an extra dollar but it is worth it.

Well, I hope I have encouraged you to grab your Web address. It’s a simple thing, so necessary if you want your own Web site one day. I’m writing this because a friend of mine, a prominent Australian, had his Domain Name registered by a Domain Name merchant in the USA. His dot-com is gone. He will have to buy it back from them, the scoundrels!

Synonyms for Domain Name

• Uniform Resource Locator ( URL )
• Web site address
• Web address
• dot-com ( .com )

Related Web sites

• http://writinghood.com/online-writing/google-docs-the-new-beast-in-town/”>Google Docs: The New Beast in Town
• http://writinghood.com/writing/the-write-stuff/”>The Write Stuff