A Domain Name is the word-version of a lengthy set of numbers that makes up an Internet address (called an IP address).

That address and corresponding Domain Name locates a computer that is connected to the Internet and may host your Web site. Sometimes it is referred to as a Web address or a URL. An example would be http://www.americahosts.com

There are two types of Top Level Domains. The most common type is Generic or gTLDs, such as .com, .net, .org. New gTLDs are such as .nom, .info and .biz. (We now register  .com / .net / .org / .biz / .info / domains.) .TV upon application.

The maximum number of characters that can be placed in the global database for a Domain Name is 67 including the extension. (.com etc)

If the name you want is not available, you can try searching for a different name or a variation of the name you desire (sometimes a slightly different spelling or incorporating a hyphen will work) or back ordering it. If it's extremely important to you to own a particular name, we can contact the owner of the Domain Name to try to negotiate purchasing it from them.

You must also provide DNS information about the servers that will point to your Domain Name, unless you host your site with us or just free park your domain on our servers.

Once your payment clears and the global database alerts us that your name has been accepted, you own your name and the database should reflect the information within 24-72 hours. You can now access your website via your domain name if you have a hosting provider.

Basically, these are the steps:

1. Search the database to find out if the name is available.

2. Register online with our secure order form.

Enter your name servers into our comments field on our order form (If required).

3. Choose length of registration 1 - 10 years.

4. Submit our form and pay for Domain Name registration. Under the rules for TLD registration, payment must be made before the name is registered.

Yes. Domain Names can be registered and "parked" on our server until you are ready to launch your Website. You do not have to provide DNS, we can do that for you.

DNS information is not required, we can park your domain name on our name servers or you can provide your own if you are already hosted with someone else.

Yes. Domain Names can be "parked" at AmericaHosts at no additional cost for as long as you like. Once you've registered a Domain Name, it will automatically be parked on the default server until you've chosen a hosting service and launched your Web site.

From the time you settle on a Domain Name that is available, to the moment you become the owner is usually a matter of minutes, for online registration. Domain registrations with Hosting sign ups are usually completed within a few hours, with a guaranteed 24 Hour maximum.

We will register, account and other payment terms i.e. Check and wire transfer, upon clearance of funds into our account. Your domain will be set up immediately upon clearance of funds into our account.

A Domain name is your internet identity, your Virtual Real Estate, it is the only way of letting people find you and your business on the web. With careful choice of your Domain name, you will find it easy to promote your goods and services.

In our view, everyone should have their own Internet identity. It is our job to provide that service to you. Register your Domain name today, before it is taken.

If you don't use our Virtual hosting services, AmericaHosts doesn't "do" anything with your Domain Name other than assist you in registering it in the global database and updating your information if you need to.

The "owner" is the legally binding holder of a Domain Name and in this case the person listed as the Registrant contact when the name was registered. The administrative contact is the person authorized to make changes to the information related to the Domain Name. The billing contact is responsible for billing issues and the Technical Contact is the one who is authorized to edit zone details etc. (Usually us or your web host)

We currently register Domain Names for 1 - 10 years. 

No. Once you've registered a Domain Name with us, you can make changes to the contact or DNS as often as necessary.

There is no easy or simple answer to this question, however, as a general rule: if you are registering a Domain Name that is the same as a registered trademark for the purposes of trying to mislead that trademark holder's customers or profit from their name, you may be heading for legal trouble.

There are numerous legal issues involved with trademark and copyright infringement and how it relates to the Web, so you need to be educated.

e.g.. If your business is called "Internet Building Merchant" you wouldn't want to try and register "IBM" as a name.