To discover if a domain name is available to purchase, you can go to a site such as http://www.dotster.com/go/whois and type in the desired address. Do NOT just type in the domain name into a web browser and see if a site is there. Someone may own the name and not be doing anything with it at this time. That’s why you need to check WHOIS to see if it’s actually registered.
Domain names generally cost less than $10/year, and often are included free when you purchase a web hosting package. If you are being asked for more money for a domain name, check with a web-savvy friend. Someone may be trying to take advantage of you.
Basically, you usually have two options:
- Use an all-in-one solution: Register a domain name and host it with the same company. I do this with emmaclair.com. I purchased a package from 1and1.com and it includes a free domain name, along with hosting, email, and everything else I need. (This is my recommended option - it makes things easier!)
- Use two separate providers: You can register a domain name with a registrar (such as Dotster.com) and then host it with a web host (such as 1and1.com). This is a little more complicated because you have to point your domain name to the hosting company using specific information they give you related to name servers.