How do I go about choosing a domain registrar?

About to register a web site name.

[Conscientious Reject]

Hello World.

I am want to register a domain name, and I want to best and most secure way of doing it. I am familiar with client side and server side programming but unfortunately I have never built a professional site from scratch.

I have only been in limbo studying the languages, and building free sites or paid for site services using templates. I believe I am ready to jump in head first, but I need some coaching.

The first thing I need is to register a domain name.

<snip><edit>How do I go about picking a good domain registrar?</edit>

Thanks,
Mitchell

[edited by: Webwork at 1:25 pm (utc) on Nov. 7, 2005]
[edit reason] Per Charter keep discussion of registrar issues general. [/edit]

[jonrichd]

Mitchell,

There are plenty of companies that will register your domain for you, and the one you mentioned is one of the largest.

If you are just starting to create your first original site, you might want to consider finding a hosting company you would use for your domain, and then register the domain through them. Most hosting companies offer domain registration services, and some will register the domain for free in exchange for a commitment to host the site.

Plus, they will help you set up your domain name servers, and point them to the proper location so your site will be visible.

- HTH

[davezan]

Lots of choices out there. For security purposes, try keeping your domain name with an actual registrar and your website with an actual hosting company.

Although it's sensible to keep both in one place, you might get tied down to an inflexible arrangement you wouldn't want in the first place. Compare what the registrars and hosting companies offer with your needs, then ask referrals, search in forums, etc.

Someone once suggested sending them an email at around 2AM to gauge their response. Not a bad idea. :)

[Conscientious Reject]

That is a great idea.

I was wondering how a domain name would access a seperate host?

[Webwork]

It would access a separate host by pointing the domain name servers associated with the domain to the host's domain name servers.

Domain Example.com would use Host.tld's dns: ns1.Host.tld, ns2.Host.tld, etc.

All you would need to do is to update the WhoIs record for the domain name. Your domain registrar's user interface will have a webpage for setting DNS.

[etechsupport]

After hearing so many cases of domain theft and hijacking I think it is extremely significant that you should prefer to buy your domain name from most reliable and secured registrar only.

[Conscientious Reject]

Thanks everybody,

That's some great info.