What Is a Domain Search

What Is a Domain Search?

Photo by Jade Colley - downloaded from http://www.sxc.hu

A domain search is the act of searching for information about a particular domain name on the Internet. Domain searches can tell you if a domain name has been registered or is available for you to use.

From Quick Guide: Domain Name & Registration Guide

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More: See All Articles in this Quick Guide

Domain Availability

1. Each domain name that exists on the Internet must be unique. When someone registers a domain name, that name is reserved and is no longer available for you to purchase. A primary use of domain searches is to check if a domain name you wish to reserve is available.

WhoIs Searches

2. Performing a domain search, known as a "WhoIs" search, will return all public information about the domain, including the registrant's name and address, the administrative and technical contacts, and the expiration date of the registration.

Procedure

3. Domain searches can be performed for free on numerous websites; all that is needed is the domain name or IP address.

Domain Extensions

4. Most domain search engines will check all extensions of a domain (for example,.COM, .NET, .GOV ) and tell you which ones are available. However, some extensions are restricted and cannot be registered by the public.

Warning

5. Some people believe that unscrupulous domain registrars will make note of which available domain names are searched for and then register them for themselves. If you search for a domain name you want and it is available, you should register it