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First off what is a domain?

A domain is a name by which a computer (website) is connected to the Internet. In example www.theexample.com would connect the user who typed it to the webmasters computer (site).

What to look for when purchasing a domain?

When registering (purchasing) a domain you will need to look for the following feature as a must have; DNS control. Without DNS control you will not be able to redirect your domain to your site. Most sites offer DNS control free with your registration but other require that you purchase it separately.

Other common features you may want is domain name forwarding and email forwarding.

Here are what you look for in a host (the person you register with):

Customer Support - You never know if something may happen that you can*t fix yourself.

Uptime - you don*t want a host who can*t even keep themselves online.

Resolve time - You domain may take time to resolve (fix to your computer/site) a good host takes less than an hour. A bad one takes about 72 Hours (3 days).

Pricing?

Most domains go for about $8.00 USD to $12.00 USD. There are cheaper domains but there are usually catches such as purchasing another item to acquire the featured price or no DNS controls.

You will also want to have a credit card ready. There are not many registrars who accept paypal or 2checkout.

Resolving Your Domain.

In order to resolve your domain you must have *parked domains* as a feature on your already existent website or you must create a new account with the new domain name.

Now here are key things you will need information about from your host provider:

Name servers

IP address

The name server is essential to point your domain towards your site. The IP address is extra insurance that it will get there.

Once you*ve received these details go to your domain control panel and go to DNS functions. Go to your Name Servers and configure them to the given info by your host.

Once you*re finished it may take up to 72 hours to resolve or configure to your site. If it doesn*t work by that time contact your host and or domain registrar.