getting a domain name. [Archive]

Mhtml

09-24-2002, 04:20 AM

Ok I know about making sites and how hosting works but I've no idea about domain names apart from the fact that they redirect to a specific url..

I want to get a domain name for my url http://24.226.62.28/projectodyssey

but I've no idea about how to go about it apart from using my credit card to pay for it.

what is domain hosting?

I'm so confused, if someone can take me through the steps it would be great.:)

Spookster

09-24-2002, 05:22 AM

A Domain Registrar takes the domain that you want, the IP address(es) of the web host's server(also known as your Primary and Secondary DNS IP's) and sends the info along into a main central database. From there all ISP's update their Domain Name Servers with the information from that main database. The main database basically maps your domain name with the IP address(es) of the web host's server.

These Domain Registrars usually provide you with some kind of web based account interface that you can log into to modify and upate your information such as your contact information and the IP address(es) of your web host. When you update the IP address the Registrar sends the info to the main database again.

Typically this takes anywhere from 24-72 hours for the info to get into the main database and then propagate out to most ISP's.

Since you already have a web host what you will need from them is the Primary and Secondary DNS IP's. Once you have those find a domain registrar (there are many around cheap and expensive) and create an account with them. Before you do that though you should obviously have a domain name in mind. Once you have the domain name in mind you need to check to ensure it is not already taken. Many registrars provide a whois feature which you can use to look up a domain to see if it is available. Once you find a domain that is available. You can sign up for an account with the registrar that you have chosen and at some point in the signup process or maybe afterwards you can log into your account and find where they allow you to add your Primary and Secondary DNS IP's and put them in. (Note: sometimes webhosts will instead of giving you an IP address will give you a regular domain name of their DNS. Either is usually fine). Once you have put them in wait about 24-72 hours and your domain name should be active.