Domain registration - and all about that

WHAT IS A DOMAIN NAME?
Before we talk about that, it's important to know what is a domain name?
Let me explain . . .
Recently, I went to a lawyer to change my name for some administrative purposes. To my surprise, the lawyer told me that I can change my name to anything I want. And I can certainly change it again and again with just a small fee!
However, he told me with a serious expression that I cannot change my ID Number!
Though all of us have an ID Number and a name, we remember people by their names and not their ID Numbers. It's just so much easier to remember my name, Roger Loh, rather than by a long string of numbers, don't you think?
On the other hand, computers on the Internet communicate via Internet Protocol (IP) address. Each computer is identified by an IP address in this format:
eg. 192.168.100.1
Thus, strictly speaking, when you want to access a certain web site for information, you have to remember and type in the string of numbers that is the web site's IP address!
Thank goodness someone came up with the concept of domain names. In short, the Internet now use a Domain Name System (DNS) that converts domain names to IP addresses.
eg rogerloh.com -> 192.168.100.1
(Note: this is just an example and not the real IP address)
Now, all you need to do to access my site is to type my web site address [www.rogerloh.com] and the DNS will convert that to the actual IP address so that you computer can find my site.
So, a domain name is the part that comes after the "@" in your email address, or after the "www" in your web site:
Eg. A person with an email address of someone@rogerloh.com has a domain name of rogerloh.com
Eg. A person with a web site address of www@rogerloh.com has a domain name of rogerloh.com
Each domain name is also UNIQUE. Thus, since I have registered my domain name 'rogerloh.com', you cannot register it even if your name is the same as mine.
HOW TO CHOOSE A DOMAIN NAME
Before you register your domain name, here are some pointers on how to choose a domain name:
1) Choose a name that is easy to remember
2) A short name is better than a long name. However, short 1-word names are already mostly taken up. That's one of the reasons why you should go for other domains beside .COM (such as .NET .BIZ .INFO .WS)
3) Instead of 1-word names, you can create domain names by joining 2, 3 or even 4 words together (such as my domains, ‘ViralMLMLeads.ws' & ‘ViralMLMLeads.com'.)
Note that the capitalization is to capture the attention of humans easily, especially when we advertise the domain name.
In other words, domain names are NON-case sensitive. You can type in viralmlmleads.ws or VIRALMLMLEADS.WS or ViralMLMLeads.ws.
4) Some gurus advocate the use of hyphens in domain names. (So, a domain name can be viral-mlm-leads.com)
However, it is not conclusive that the hyphenated domain name is superior to the non-hyphenated name in terms of search engine ranking.
In fact, some gurus advocate that we must NOT use hyphens. They argue that when you tell someone your domain name verbally, it can be misleading and confusing! It's better to leave the hyphens out, especially when you do an audio recording or tele-seminar or advertise in the printed media.
5) The name should contain keywords that you are targeting for your online business. Keywords are search words or phrases that people typically type into their search engine when they look for information on the Internet.
Eg. Let's say I provide a solution to generate leads for MLM through a funded sponsoring franchise. Thus, it makes sense for me to include the terms like ‘MLM' and ‘leads'. That's how I got my domain name ViralMLMLeads.com
6) Before you go about registering a domain name, make a list of names on paper first. You can start with at least 10 to 20 names by brainstorming. Then cross out those that you don't want and prioritize those that you want. Next, attempt to register those you want according to your priority.
7) Think about how it would look on your business cards. Your domain name must be relevant to your business.
Eg. Do not choose a name associated with dog training if your online business deals solely in dog food
8) If you have a choice, secure a .COM domain name instead of any other extensions. Some people have tested that a .COM always rank higher on the search engines.
you?
Free Pre-Registration of sg-domains at Second Level

Cologne,13 August 2004. ICANN accredited registrar Secura announces today, that he company is accepting free pre-registration of sg-domains at second level. (https://www.domainregistry.de/sg-domain.html)
Singapure is the financial centre of the Far East. The registry has decided to introduce sg-domains at second level since 15 September 2004.
Part of the rule that gives priority to register 2nd level names of ?.sg? is the ownership of an existing 3rd level name (.com.sg / net.sg / org.sg / edu.sg / per.sg). The cut off date for 3rd level name to be entitled to the priority to register 2nd level names is 6 September 2004 before 5 pm. Therefore all 3rd level name had to be registered before this period to enjoy the priority in this category.You can influence the chance to get a second level sg-domain by registering now a third level domain. (Please note that there are other priority before this category which will be explained in details under item 3.3)
3. SUNRISE PERIOD
3.1 During the Sunrise Period all individuals and entities are eligible to apply for any second-level domain name. Applicants will be required to submit a declaration form (form to be published soon) together with supporting documents, if any, indicating their status (i.e. trademark holders, Unregistered well-known trademark Holder, government bodies, existing registrants or new applicants). This form has to be submitted to +49 221 2571213 via fax.
The sunrise period is 1 ½ months for the application of second-level domain names under the top level domain of .sg. Applications for second-level domain names during the Sunrise Period will not be processed on a first-come-firstserved basis but will be processed subject to the requirements and procedures set out in the following guidelines.
3.2 Where there are two or more applicants for the same second-level domain name the priority for allocation will be determined at the end of the Sunrise Period in the following order:
a. Holders of registered trademarks. Holders of word marks which are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
b. Unregistered Trademarks, which belong to Holders of well known trademark holders
c. Government Organisations that have a current Registrant Agreement with SGNIC in relation to a current third level domain name registered under the ?gov.sg? category and is identical to the second level domain name that they want to register. For example, in the case of holder of ABC.gov.sg, the second level domain name it wants to register would be ABC.sg.
d. Applicants that have a current Registrant Agreement with SGNIC in relation to a current third level domain name registered under the ?com/org/net/edu/per.sg? categories and is identical to the second-level domain name that is under application (i.e. existing 3rd level registrants). For example, in the case of holder of XYZ.com.sg, the second-level domain name it wants to register would be XYZ.sg. The third-level ?.sg? domain name with SGNIC must be registered before 5:00pm on 6 Sept 2004. The name applied under the 2nd level must be exactly the same as the one under the 3rd level and the organization name and/or first name, last name (for the case of .per.sg) must be an exact match of the one provided by the 3rd level domain name. In addition, the domain must be in ?Active? status. Submission for domains in ?Expired? or ?Deleted? status will not be considered for application.
3.3 Where there are two or more applicants for the same second-level domain name within each of the Group, a bidding will be conducted to allocate these second-level domain names.
3.4 All individuals and entities are eligible to apply for second level ?.sg? domain name. Foreign-based registrants have to appoint a local administrative contact or register through their local office.Secura is providing automatically the local administrative contact.
4.1 The restrictions on the types of domain names to be registered are the same as the 3rd level domain names specifically:
a. Names, which contain certain words such as ?Temasek?, ?Singapore?, ?Singapura? and its variation, ?Singapore Government? or ?President? or any other words that can mislead people to think there is link to the Government; Names, which contains ?SGNIC?, ?NIC? and its variations; Names, which are obscene, scandalous, indecent or contrary to law, or morality (e.g. ?sex? or any connotations with sex or any sex-related activities);
b. Names, which are geographical names or names of countries (e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, etc.);
c. Abbreviated names (either on their own or in combination with other characters) of existing generic top-level domain name (gTLDs) (i.e. .com, .org, .net, edu, .gov, .per, .aero, .coop, .biz, .info, .museum, .name and .pro) and any other gTLDs created or to be created by ICANN in the future; Names, such as ?www?, ?http?, ?https? or ?http-www?; Names, which are similar or identical to domain names registered under other domain name space and which SGNIC deems undesirable; and Names, which consist of all numerals.
5.1 ALLOCATION RESULTS
SGNIC does not guarantee that all applicants will get a second-level domain name based on their current corresponding identical third level domain name registered with SGNIC even if the applicants apply correctly and on time. This is either because another applicant with a higher priority may have also applied for the same secondlevel domain name or the second-level domain name applied for has been reserved by SGNIC not to be available to the general public.
6. OBJECTION PERIOD
6.1 An objection period of [14 calendar days] is provided for the public to raise objections
6.2 A person raising an objection to an allocation result shall provide evidence that the second-level domain name allocated by SGNIC during the Sunrise Period did not comply with the Guidelines.
6.3 All disputes in relation to second-level domain names (except disputes arising from the allocation results announced during the Sunrise Period) will be dealt with in accordance with the Singapore Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, Rules and Supplemental Rules (?Dispute Resolution Policy?) referred to in the Registrant Agreement regardless of when the second-level domain name was registered. All applicants shall not commence any court proceedings or administrative proceedings under the Dispute Resolution Policy during the objection period or if the person had filed an objection with SGNIC.
Finding a domain name for sale
Before buying a domain name, it is important to understand the procedures of finding domain names. Plenty of options are available in this area. Finding domain names for sale can be done over the Internet. By searching the database by category you can find a range of possibilities.
As several types of domain names are available today, you must use creative and innovative methods in finding domain names for your business. When choosing a domain name, choose keyword that is best suited to identify your business, goods or service. This helps to attain more search engine results.
Consideration and extensive thought are required in buying a good domain name for your product. It is better to purchase a domain name that is backed by a reliable registrar. You can make a quick search by visiting any domain and hosting sites. Name boy is one naming search site, which provides domain name creation, domain name lookup, and domain registration. Here you can search and find the most appropriate one within seconds. You can also view the respective owner of the domain. In addition to this, you can find contact information, purchase date, and expiration date.
If they prefer to choose a domain, it is important to check the expiration date. By utilizing online search tools, domain lookup and monitoring this can be easily performed. Individuals can purchase expired domain names through online and automated monitoring systems. You also find domain names for sale from domain name resellers. Some research must be done prior to purchasing a domain name from these resellers. Check out the credentials and history of the company.
A lot of companies are offering domain names at reasonable prices. Most of them offer consulting services in order to select the right domain name that suits the business requirements of the customers.
Before making an investment, consider the future of your domain. Also, maintain a record of expiration date, registration, names you registered, and so on.
Domain Names For Sale provides detailed information on Domain Names For Sale, Business Domain Names For Sale, Cheap Domain Names For Sale, Top Level Domain Names For Sale and more. Domain Names For Sale is affiliated with Free Domain Name Searches.
More on registering domain names
One of the most important things you can do for your Web site to ensure higher
placement in the search engines and an easier way for people to find you is to
register a domain name.

What this means is that instead of using someone else's domain name, like you do
when you join a free hosting service, you will use your own. When you register a
domain name you can choose any word or series of words that you like and use it
after the http:// in the URL with a .com or .net, or something else, at the end as
long as it is still available.

You can also purchase and register a domain name for someone else which means
that you can use them as gifts. If you know someone who has a Web site that they
are really involved in and you want to get them something for their birthday,
anniversary, holiday or just to say "I love you" then register a domain name for
them as a gift.

Picking A Domain Name For Your Web Site

Choosing a domain name for your Web site is one of the most important things you
can do for it.


Not only should the name you choose be descriptive of what your Web site entails but
it should also be easy for people to remember so they can come back to it easily.
If possible choose a domain name that will also serve as a keyword for your Web site so the
domain name will show up higher in search engines when people are looking for Web sites
like yours.

For example, if your Web site is about cats then you could choose to register a
domain name like cats.com, but if that one is taken you might want to try allaboutcats.com
, ilovecats.com, catscatscats or something like that.

Availability and Registering
Finding out if a particular domain name is available is easy before you go to register it.

First go to InterNIC and choose a domain name company. There are so many of them these
days that you may want to look through them first to see who has the best deals. After you
choose the company you can begin your search for the perfect domain name.

On the domain name company's main page there will be a search box. Type your first choice
into the box and click on "Search". You will now receive a message telling you whether the
domain name is available to register or not. Just for fun I typed in "catscatscats" from my
example above and was notified that "catscatscats.org" and "catscatscats.com" are both taken
but "catscatscats.net" is available.

If your first domain name choice is not available keep trying different domain names until
you find one you like that is available. Now click on "Register" and fill out the form. Now you
are on your way to owning your own domain name.
Things to know to register a good domain name
First, make sure your domain name has not been registered by someone
else by doing a "whois" search. Most domain registration sites maintain
a whois database, but you canuse VeriSign.com .

Enter the domain name you want to check into the online form. Do not
enter "www."

Some "whois" search forms make you enter a code contained in an on-screen
graphic. This is to prevent overuse of the system by automated systems.
If you are asked for the code, enter it.

The results of the whois search will tell you if anyone already owns the
name. If the name is taken, you will have to select another one. If it is
unregistered, you can proceed.

Select a Domain Name Registrar. This is the company that will manage
the domain registration for you

Enter your desired Domain Name on your Registrar's web site.
Select the number of years you want to pay for. Paying for more than one
year in advance may save you a little money.

Enter your contact information. There are four types of contacts: the
registrant or owner, technical, billing, and administrative. You may
use the same name for all if you wish.

If your registrar offers you the option, select a private or public registration.
A private registration costs more, but will protect your identity and may
cut down on the amount of SPAM you receive.

Point your new domain to a Web server or "park" the domain. If you have not
yet built a Web site, you should park the name with the registrar. If you have
built a site, you must tell the registrar on which Web server the site is located.

This information is provided by your Web host.
At this point, you are probably done! It may take up to 4 to 8 hours for .com
and .net domains to become active and about 24-48 hours for other domain extensions.