|
|
|
|
Shanga.za, O.ke: Registering your Domain Name
Do you like these domain names at the top? They are actually fictitious. The first one is for a fictitious South African tour firm (the word 'Shangaza' is a Swahili word meaning 'to amuse'). The other is a fictitious personal website for a fictitious Kenyan clown; the domain name is pronounced just like the word 'Okay'. The examples I have just given are what are termed as Domain Names.
|
|
Now, armed with your plans you can choose your website's name. It is recommended that you choose a name that matches the purpose of your website. This will help in creating a "connection" with your target audience since your name will be associated with your website's theme. Personally, I do think that sometimes UNIQUE names do work (websites such as Xanga ,Yahoo and Twitter come to mind). For those who have offline businesses and want to have an online presence your business' name is enough.
|
Do you have an Email Address?
NOTE: It is good that you have an active Email address even before you start this process. Why? Your web host (will be coming to this later) or where you will register your domain name may require to communicate to you via Email. The web host may also require you to have it so that you can log into their client support areas to view your records. This website's web host, sasahost web solutions , is just one such web host.
|
|
Prior to registering your domain name you should check whether it is available. Web hosts who also provide the domain registration service usually have "Check Domain Availability" dialogue box into which you type your preferred domain name. Once you type in the name plus its extension ( the extension of your domain name is the .com, .info, .co.ke "suffix") the program will tell you whether it is available or not. If it is not then you will have to go back to the drawing board and think of new names. For the aim of localizing your website there are special extensions which signify the country e.g. .ke (for Kenya), .jp (for Japan), .fr (France) etc.
|
|
After registering your domain name you will receive an Email which will confirm that you have been successful. Remember that the domain name is always renewed after a certain period of time which is usually counted in years. This depends on the number of years you have paid for. Once that time is up, you'll have to renew your domain name.
|
|
To register is as simple as that. Let me drop just one more funny domain name before we quit this section: www. kallipolliasellidelilywired.com (I hope the numerous "L"s did not turn you off; this is just a fictitious gift and flower distribution company). Another one: www.forthecatcalledpussey.org (a website for those who love cats).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
