| If you want to buy a domain name as an | | | | If you don't have an idea about the exact domain |
| investment, or for a web site, or because you have | | | | you want, you can also use services like Godaddy to |
| had an idea and want to reserve a likely name, then | | | | help you. To do this, decide on the theme of the |
| you need to find out what domain names are | | | | domain name you want. For example, if you wanted |
| available. | | | | to own a domain name about the subject of baseball, |
| There are three main ways of finding available | | | | then just type 'baseball' into the domain search field. |
| domain names. | | | | Of course, was taken long ago, but Godaddy will |
| The first way is simply to type the domain name you | | | | suggest a series of available names you could |
| want to check into the address field of your | | | | register, such as easycollegebaseball.com, and so on. |
| browser. This is handy if you already know the | | | | You will also see currently registered domain names |
| domain name you want, and just need to see if it is | | | | related to baseball which are up for sale, and their |
| still free. | | | | prices. These names may give you ideas - many |
| When you do this, you will either be taken to the | | | | hyphenated word combinations related to your |
| site (meaning the domain is already registered and | | | | theme will still be free and able to be registered. |
| has a web site associated with it) or you will get a | | | | Remember that registering a completely new name is |
| message like this - 'Internet Explorer cannot display | | | | always cheaper than buying a currently registered |
| the web page' or 'Server not found'. This means that | | | | domain name. |
| the domain name is most likely still free, though there | | | | The third way to check available domain names is |
| is still a small chance the web site was simply not | | | | most useful if you want a 'generic' name which is not |
| available due to server issues at that moment. | | | | linked to any particular subject. Use a service like |
| The second way of finding available domain names is | | | | Godaddy and simply browse the domain names which |
| the go to one of the domain name registrars, such | | | | are for sale there. This is known as the domain name |
| as Godaddy, and type in the name you want there. | | | | aftermaket. You will be able to buy domains which |
| You can use the prominent 'Start a domain name | | | | are for sale, and to bid on expired domain names, or |
| search' box for this. Within seconds, you will see if | | | | simply make an offer to the owner for a domain |
| the domain is available to register. | | | | that you want. |