| Registering domain names is generally pretty easy if | | | | institution that has been accredited by one of the US |
| you're looking for something that ends in .com, .net, | | | | Department of Education's recognized accrediting |
| .org, or one of the many other domain suffixes | | | | agencies. |
| available out there. However, it you want to register | | | | Regarding .edu domains and search engine |
| a .edu domain, you'll have to do more than just find a | | | | optimization, it's noteworthy that Google gives special |
| name nobody else has yet. If you've tried to register | | | | consideration (more weight) to links that come from |
| a domain ending in .edu through one of the rank and | | | | .edu domains. Knowing that the requirements (an |
| file internet registrars, you're likely quite aware that | | | | accredited college or university) to obtain a .edu |
| they're not so freely available. | | | | domain are significantly more stringent than those (a |
| Domains ending in .edu must be registered through | | | | valid credit card and billing address) for purchasing a |
| Educause, a non-profit organization that was set up | | | | .com, .net, or .org domain, it makes sense that links |
| to promote higher education and information | | | | to your website from an educational site carry more |
| technology. The United States Department of | | | | weight than those from a more watered-down |
| Commerce awarded a contract to Educause in 2001 | | | | content base. |
| that makes them the governor of handing out .edu | | | | By the way, in case you're wondering, the same |
| names for now. Setting up a website on a .edu | | | | principle applies to .gov domains as well, which have |
| domain requires you to have a postsecondary | | | | to be registered through dotgov.gov. |