A domain name is a unique address used for identifying a web site on the Internet. The domain name consists of two parts separated by a period. The first part is usually text that identifies a person or an organization (such as dream-web-design). The second part briefly identifies the type of business or organization it represents - common domain identifiers include .com, .org, .info, .biz, .us, .edu, .gov, or .int.

You should pick a domain name that is similar to your business name or informative enough to represent your business on the Web.

It generally costs $8-12/year to register a domain name. You will have to renew your registration every year; otherwise your domain name will be registered by someone else.

To find out if the domain name is available you should use a domain name lookup that is available at any domain name registrar's web site. Domain names are stored in a master database by InterNIC, the organization responsible for registration of domain names and IPI addresses. Any accredited by InterNIC organization is permitted to access and modify the master domain name database.

Please check The Accredited Registrar Directory to see the list of companies that have been accredited by ICANN to act as registrars. Since all big hosting providers have domain name registration service, we suggest registering a domain name and hosting your web site at the same place to save time. You may also get a domain name at no charge as some registrars provide this option with their hosting plans.