| Free domain name basics
Creating a web site, and choosing a domain name, can be lots of fun for individuals, and it is a must for anyone doing business on the internet. Whether you want a site to share pictures of your family or to sell your great new product, there are a number of places where you can get a free domain name and create a free web site. When looking for a place to get a free domain name, there are a number of important considerations, including: Is the free domain name truly free or is it paid for through advertising and pop up ads? While these ads do lower the cost of a domain name, they may be annoying or intimidating to friends, family members and potential customers. This consideration is even more important to those trying to run a business on he web, as many free domain name registration services do not give the owners of the site control over the types of ads presented. Is the free domain name free forever or only for a specific period of time? A domain name is more akin to a lease or rental agreement than to an actual purchase. All domain name registrations have an expiration date, and it is important for web site owners to keep track of those expiration dates. There are companies that do nothing other than prowl the web for expired domain names, and it can be costly and time consuming for web site owners to recover a lapsed domain name. Is the company offering the free domain name trustworthy and legitimate? There are a number of large companies, such as Microsoft, Yahoo and others, offering free domain name services. In addition, there are a number of smaller players in the industry as well. It is important to examine the online reputation of the free domain name service you are considering. Is the domain name you want still available? Many popular domain names, including most common words and phrases, have already been registered. Coming up with a catchy, easy to remember free domain name may require some creativity. Does the free domain name service allow you to register additional names, such as the .biz or .net version of your domain name. Many web entrepreneurs register such names to avoid having their online identity usurped by a competitor. The search for a free domain name does not need to be difficult. As a matter of fact, you may already have access to a free domain name and free web site and not even know it. Many internet service providers allocate space for their customers to create a web site, and then host such sites free on their web servers. If you are unsure if your internet service provider offers such a free domain name, be sure to contact their customer service department. In addition, many of the major search engines and software companies offer free domain name services. These free domain names can be a great way for a new user to get familiar with building and updating a web site. In addition, many new businesses take advantage of these free domain name services to test the waters when it comes to selling online. No matter what your reason, you may find that the internet provides unparalleled advantages for your business and your life. | 
