First-time Buyer's Guide

Registering a unique domain name provides a memorable way for your customers, family, or friends to find you online. Once you've registered a domain name, you can use it as the "address" for a Web site or to receive personalized e-mail (for example, [email protected]).

While years ago a person had to be relatively computer-savvy to register a domain name, NameSecure now makes it easy for anyone to stake their claim to an online name.

What can I do with a domain name registration?

Technology has come a long way in the past few years, but Web sites still don't build themselves, and e-mail doesn't just "happen." If you're reading this, you probably already have an account with an Internet service provider (ISP) -- such as EarthLink -- that lets you receive your e-mail and maybe gives you a Web site – but neither are personalized.

Registering a domain name gets you the online equivalent of a vanity license plate -- a unique identity that's independent of the e-mail you probably got when you signed up with your ISP (such as [email protected]) or the Web site they gave you. After you register a domain name -- and set up certain services to go with it -- people will be able to reach you using your new name (for example, via e-mail at [email protected] or on the Web at http://www.mydomain.com).

NameSecure offers a full-featured suite of services with every domain name registration that lets you put your new domain name registration to use right away. Forwarding Services let you attach the domain name to an existing Web site and e-mail address. If you don't have a Web site set up, you can create one using one of our One-Page Mini-Site designs.

Our E-mail Services let you set up personalized e-mail boxes at your domain name. They let people send you e-mail at your registered domain name (for example, [email protected]). They also let you to view and respond to your e-mail using a POP3-compatible e-mail client (such as Microsoft® Outlook) or a Web browser (such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer). You can choose from various mailbox sizes to ensure you never run out of e-mail storage space.

How do I choose a domain name registrar?

In 1999, the domain name registration process changed. InterNIC, the agency originally charged with managing the domain name system, was replaced by ICANN, the Internet Committee for Assigned Names and Numbers. Thereafter, a variety of companies, including NameSecure, were accredited by ICANN to register domain names.

In this new, deregulated domain name registration marketplace, selecting a domain name registrar has become the customer's choice. As you compare providers, be sure to consider the following:

• "Authorized" Status: To be sure you're dealing with an accredited registrar, look them up on the ICANN Web site. If they are not listed, they are not accredited by ICANN to register domain names.NameSecure was one of the first regitration companies to be accredited by ICANN.
• Security and Privacy: Read and examine the provider's published privacy policy. At NameSecure, we take pride in protecting our customers' privacy. We don't sell our customer data to third parties, and we safeguard it with commercial-grade security solutions. And, unlike many registrars, NameSecure offers customers a WHOIS Name Privacy Service. The service masks your personal registration information in the public WHOIS database from mass marketers, spammers, and other prying eyes.
• Customer Support: While some aspects of domain name registration are fun and easy, others can be more challenging. If you ever need to make changes to your account, transfer a domain, or renew your registration, you may feel the need to contact a customer service representative. Check the provider's site carefully for contact and support information. On the NameSecure site, you can contact customer support using our convenient Support Request form.

CONTINUED: What if the domain name I want is already taken?