Domain Hosting & Registration

So now that you have decided on your domain name (you did read the article on Choosing a Domain Name didn't you?) it's time to register your domain. Below I have listed some great domain registrars.

Registrar	Website	Domain Privacy	DNS Management	Rate It!
	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )
	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )
eNom	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )
	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )
	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )
	Visit Website			1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )

As mentioned in my previous article, Choosing a Domain Name, you do not have to register your domain at the same place that you purchase web hositng. Some host offer perks such as: free domain for life (life of your hosting account with them), but that is up to you. My advice, just to simplify life...if you own or are getting ready to purchase multiple domain names, it's easier to administer them if you have them all at one registrar.

Domain Name "Ownership"

Purchasing a domain name is more like leasing rather than buying. You "own" the domain for the length of time you have purchased but the domain can be lost to someone else if you let it expire. It is very important, if you would like to keep your chosen domain name, to renew it regularly and early. (It can be very expensive to retrieve once it has expired or could possibly not be available for retrieval) Most registrars offer "auto renew" which helps to simplify your life by automatically renewing your domain for you when it comes close to expiration. Typically you are sent a few emails, typically at 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, and 2 weeks, prior to renewal in case you no longer want/need the domain or need to update your credit card information with your registrar. Most registrars will allow you to purchase a domain name for up to 10 years in one transaction.