From the perspective of machines (browsers, servers, etc.), every Web site is located at a numerical address (called the IP address) consisting of four groups of digits, with up to three digits per group, like this:

123.456.789.123

Since this is "unfriendly" to humans, who cannot be expected to remember many such sequences, there is a system for presenting humans with names like this:

www.somedomain.com

When a Web-surfer types a domain name into his/her browser, it contacts the Domain Name Server system (consisting of many different DNS servers), which looks up the numerical IP address that corresponds to that name, so that the desired site can be located and loaded into the browser.

Domain names must be purchased from certified registrars, to make sure that the technical arrangements are done properly, and that each name is only sold once. Domains must be renewed (and paid for) periodically. This is typically once per year, although the first two years must be paid for to start.

Here are some domain name registrars that we recommend:

.com, .net, and .org Domains

Answerable - Accepts PayPal

Domain Site - Accepts PayPal.

Stargate Inc - Accepts PayPal.

NameCheap - Accepts PayPal.

GoDaddy - Accepts payments by checking account debit and PayPal, plus other options.

Register Fly - Payment options include PayPal and MoneyBookers.

Vivid Hosting - Accepts PayPal.

Other Domains

Domainz - The original registrar for .nz domain names.

Free Parking / WebFarm - Offers .nz names.

Other Domain Name Services

Fallen Domains - Finding and re-register recently expired domains.