How to register a domain name

Once you have decided to secure your domain name the first thing you must do is to select the best name. The section on choosing a name will help to explain the range of options available.

The next stage is to check that the domain name is available. We can do this for you by telephone in a matter of minutes or you can do it on-line using our search facility. This is important since domain name registration covers the globe and your first choice may not be available.

The process of registration can be carried out by telephone, fax or via our online registration form. In every case you must provide us with all the information requested.

Generally domain name registrations are completed inside twenty-four hours.

In all cases the customer will receive a confirmation as soon as the registration is confirmed.

Choosing a domain name

We cannot stress too highly the importance of securing your name now, even if you are not yet connected to the Internet. If you don't it may be registered by someone else before you act.

If you wish to have a presence on the Internet the single most important point for finding you is having a domain name that is easily remembered. Choosing a domain name is an art, not a science - therefore we can offer advice, but not a strict formula that will work every time. Why not try our Multiple Search for Ideas.

There are several issues to consider when choosing a name. Firstly it is worth stating some of the restrictions set by the naming authorities and the technical limitations of the Internet.

. A domain name can only consist of alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and the punctuation mark dash (-). However, it must begin and end with either a letter or number.

. A domain name is not case sensitive, so it doesn't matter whether you type in upper or lower case characters.

. The Internet does not recognise gaps between letters or words so they must be removed or replaced by hyphens in both domain names and email addresses.

. It is advisable for practical and aesthetic reasons to limit a name to less than twenty characters.

. Using a zero is allowed but we would caution you that it could be confused with the letter 'o'.

As a general rule the shorter the name the easier it is for your clients to remember. But what is more important is choosing a name that is relevant to you or your business. The British Broadcasting Corporation uses examples of successful abbreviated names for two of its domains - BBC.co.uk and Beeb.com.

It is becoming more likely that your domain name will be the first contact prospective customers and/or suppliers will have with your company so it should reflect your business name or products. If a domain name is chosen wisely the result is an easy to remember name that perfectly represents you.

Should your first choice name already have been registered, or if your trading name does not lend itself to being a domain name, you may consider a generic name. E.g. BoatBuilders.co.uk.

The next choice is the suffix. In the vast majority of cases domain names will end with either.co.uk.or .com Both of these cover companies, individuals and organisations. The difference between the two is that .com domains are registered in America and seen as International domains and, co.uk domains are registered in Britain.The .co.uk suffix is becoming the norm for UK based individuals and companies.