A domain is a location on the Internet and is part of every internet address. For example, in ‘www.gmu.edu’ ‘gmu’ is the domain and ‘.edu’ is the top-level domain.
Getting Started:
-
- Go to Reclaim Hosting: https://reclaimhosting.com
- Click on Sign Up and select the Personal option ($30/year for hosting and $15 for domain registration = $45).
Selecting your Domain Name:
-
- Enter the domain name you would like to use in the box next to “www.”
- You can try some form of your name, such as: first and last, first name, middle initial and last name; or some variation.
- Why your name? If you don’t own it, someone else might/will. It is the most obvious name for your domain, and one that can be used for a variety of projects.
- If privacy is a concern, you can choose another name, but remember to keep it professional.
- You can try some form of your name, such as: first and last, first name, middle initial and last name; or some variation.
- Click on the triangle next to “.com” to view a dropdown of top-level domains to choose from.
- We tend to favor .org or .net
- Some of the other options are not available to people living in the US.
- I recommend that you do NOT use .com. Although .com is not limited to commercial enterprises or businesses, many people think it is, which could cause you problems.
- Click Check Availability to see if the domain is available.
- You may need to try several options before you find one that is available
- Try changing the top-level domain (.org, .net, etc) before you change the domain name.
- When you have found an available domain, click Continue.
- You do not need to select ID protection in the next screen—just click Continue.
- Enter the domain name you would like to use in the box next to “www.”
- Registration and Payment:
- Enter your details and payment information to complete the order.
- Make sure you record the password that you use.
- Once you have completed your order, check your email for a transaction receipt and an email with your new account information. Make sure you keep that email.