Yahoo Domains - Thoughts From A Happy Customer

Yahoo Domains is great. I have had an amazing experience using Yahoo
to register and maintain my dot com domain name. Before I had my
website, I was looking at the elements I needed to get started and
wanted to make all of the best selections in terms of the best
registrar, website hosting, and design.

I did not want to cut any corners so I did my research before I chose
Yahoo Domains. I looked at other companies, what they offered, and the
kind of support they would give after the sale. I, of course, also
considered the price point as a factor before I made my selection.

Price isn't everything, though. Yahoo is not the most expensive, but
it's also not the least expensive in terms of registrars out there.
However, they do have the greatest value; at least that was my
conclusion after I researched the other popular registrars on the
market today.

Yahoo does more than basic, even with their lowest price domain
registration. That is why I like Yahoo Domains. Other companies the
offered lower prices than Yahoo did not tend to include as much as
Yahoo did with even their basic domain registration.

Yahoo Small Business of course has lots of options for your small
business, including website building and things of that nature. Some
of these tools and support are included with all of their packages,
but some of them are only in the upgrade (higher priced) type packages.

Having these options is what really did it for me. I did not want to
be limited to basic domain registration. I wanted the extras and I
wanted Yahoo's world class service and support that they have been
known for through the years. This way, when trouble strikes, I won't
be left feeling helpless. I will get the help I need in a short period
of time and with dependable results.

Real work-at-home jobs

Computers and high-speed Internet access mean new, better-paying
choices for people who want the flexibility and convenience of careers
that don't require an office-building cubicle.By Liz Pulliam Weston

LiveOps, a Palo Alto, Calif., call center that hired people to work
out of their own homes.

Within two years, she was earning about $2,000 a month working 30 to
35 hours a week from her home in Columbia, Md. — about what she'd made
previously as a counselor. Her shifts can be as short as 30 minutes,
although she typically works five-hour blocks while her 6-year-old is
in school, plus some nights and weekends when her husband, a certified
public accountant, can take over child care.

Opara said she still faces the challenges familiar to every working
parent: how to work enough hours, spend enough quality time with her
family "and still figure out how I'm going to clean my house, make
dinner and do the grocery shopping." Not having to commute or pay for
child care, however, are big bonuses.

"It's fit in perfectly," Opara said, "and we also like the flexibility."

Technology is opening up new opportunities for parents and others who
want to work at home. Finding and landing legitimate, profitable work
still isn't easy, but here are a few venues to try:

A call center in your home
In recent years, you've heard a lot about companies routing their
customer-service calls to workers overseas, but a less-noticed trend
is the growth in home-based call-center workers.

Thanks to the Internet and better call-routing technology, more
companies are finding they can outsource their order-taking, sales and
problem-solving calls to home-based workers, said LiveOps board member
Bill Trenchard. LiveOps not only runs an outsource operation,
Trenchard said, but it also provides technology for companies that
want to set up their own home-based call centers.

Home-based workers tend to be better educated and more loyal than
their counterparts at traditional call centers, according to
Trenchard. Most of LiveOps' workers have college degrees — Opara has a
master's — and turnover is low.

The flexibility that Opara likes also benefits companies. Home-based
operators are typically contractors who are paid for each minute spent
on the phone, so companies can quickly gear up to meet high demand
without having to pay for idle workers during slack times.

The job isn't without drawbacks. Pay usually starts around $8 an hour,
assuming you get enough calls, which can come slowly at the beginning,
Opara said. The jobs that simply require taking orders often pay the
least, while the better-paying jobs typically require that you have
sales skills.

Call centers usually have no tolerance for audible distractions, so a
crying baby, barking dog or ringing doorbell could get you fired.
(Some companies require their workers have dedicated offices with
doors to minimize potential distractions.) An operator also needs a
dedicated phone line, a computer and high-speed Internet access.

Some call centers that employ home-based workers:

•Alpine Access
•LiveOps
•Arise
•West at Home

Start a Web business
Paul and Alison Martin, who met while they were students at Stanford
University, decided to launch a Web-based baby-product business
shortly after the birth of their twins, Ainsley and Sierra. The couple
launched Noss Galen Baby in February 2004, just before Paul graduated.

By May 2005, Paul said, the site was profitable enough to support the family.

The Martins had some distinct advantages. Paul had programming and
start-up experience from a stint at PayPal, so he built and maintains
their Web site. The couple also moved from expensive Menlo Park,
Calif., to more reasonable Albuquerque, N.M., which keeps down their
living costs.

Perhaps even more significant, the Martins were able to capitalize
their business with stock-option money from Paul's time at PayPal. But
Paul said initial inventory costs were just a few thousand dollars,
and he could have gotten a small-business loan or worked a part-time
job to keep the venture going until profits came in.

difficult times when we were wondering if we were ever going to turn
the corner."

The Martins' business isn't the only thing that's expanded. The couple
had their third child, Dax, early last year.

If you find a concept that works, you might make additional money
teaching other people what you know. Tamaira Sandifer of Sacramento,
Calif., launched a service called Fun Mail for Kids that sends
customized packets, complete with stickers, personalized letters and
crafts projects, to kids via the U.S. mail.

As with any small business, it can help to draft a business plan. The
U.S. Small Business Administration has a free business set-up guide on
its Web site.

Online auctions
Online auction sites have helped people do more than empty their
attics (or fill them up again). The largest online auction site, eBay,
says it is home to more than a million "professional sellers" who
report the site as a primary or secondary source of income.

Downloading Software From The Web

You can download a wide range of useful software over the Internet.
The following summaries provide information on download management,
tips, web sites, and other resources.

Management. Some software installs over the web using a custom install
application, in which case you should simply follow the directions,
and there is very little management required on your part. However,
many applications require you to download the software and then
install it locally. The following four steps will help you efficiently
manage the download process:

Download folder. If you don't already have one, create a folder called
Download Files (or something similar) and store it on your desktop.
Download software. Download the software into your Download Files
folder (see tips below).
Decompress. Open up Download Files and double-click the downloaded
file. One of two things will happen:

It starts up an install program, in which case follow the directions
to install the software.

It decompress a folder of files, in which case look for a file called
"Readme", and if there is one then double-click it and read it. Then
look for the startup file, usually called "setup", or "install",
double-click it, and follow the directions to install the software. If
your system needs help decompressing the file, try using the WinZip or
Stuffit applications.
Delete. When the installation is finished, unless you want to save the
original downloaded file to perform additional installations later,
delete the file to save disk space.
Tips. When you click on a link to download a file, some browsers try
to load the file into the browser window instead of downloading the
file onto your computer. These techniques can help:

Internet Explorer. Right-click on the link and select "Save Target
As...", and then save the file to your download folder.
Mozilla Firefox. Right-click on the link and select "Save Link As...",
and then save the file to your download folder.

Sites. The following sites are good sources for free software downloads:

Google - Freeware
Google - Shareware
Yahoo - Shareware
CNet -- Download.com
CNet -- Shareware.com
File Transit
IT Pro Downloads
Nonags.com
Rocketdownload
Shareware Junkies
Simtel.Net
Strouds CWSApps
Tucows.
Resources. Additional downloading resources are listed below:

Common Internet File Formats
Graphics File Formats
Virus Protection Software.

Downloading Software From The Web

You can download a wide range of useful software over the Internet.
The following summaries provide information on download management,
tips, web sites, and other resources.

Management. Some software installs over the web using a custom install
application, in which case you should simply follow the directions,
and there is very little management required on your part. However,
many applications require you to download the software and then
install it locally. The following four steps will help you efficiently
manage the download process:

Download folder. If you don't already have one, create a folder called
Download Files (or something similar) and store it on your desktop.
Download software. Download the software into your Download Files
folder (see tips below).
Decompress. Open up Download Files and double-click the downloaded
file. One of two things will happen:

It starts up an install program, in which case follow the directions
to install the software.

It decompress a folder of files, in which case look for a file called
"Readme", and if there is one then double-click it and read it. Then
look for the startup file, usually called "setup", or "install",
double-click it, and follow the directions to install the software. If
your system needs help decompressing the file, try using the WinZip or
Stuffit applications.
Delete. When the installation is finished, unless you want to save the
original downloaded file to perform additional installations later,
delete the file to save disk space.
Tips. When you click on a link to download a file, some browsers try
to load the file into the browser window instead of downloading the
file onto your computer. These techniques can help:

Internet Explorer. Right-click on the link and select "Save Target
As...", and then save the file to your download folder.
Mozilla Firefox. Right-click on the link and select "Save Link As...",
and then save the file to your download folder.

Sites. The following sites are good sources for free software downloads:

Google - Freeware
Google - Shareware
Yahoo - Shareware
CNet -- Download.com
CNet -- Shareware.com
File Transit
IT Pro Downloads
Nonags.com
Rocketdownload
Shareware Junkies
Simtel.Net
Strouds CWSApps
Tucows.
Resources. Additional downloading resources are listed below:

Common Internet File Formats
Graphics File Formats
Virus Protection Software.

Downloading evolved with Metalink

Anyone who has tried downloading a popular software or Linux
distribution on or just after release day, knows of the pain of the
phrase "connection timed out". Getting the software can be quite a
struggle, despite all the mirrors and BitTorrent Samaritans. Anthony
Bryan's Metalink is an open standard that makes downloading easier,
faster, and more reliable by helping users extract the last drop of
juice out of their connection.

I emailed a set of questions to Bryan to understand what separates
Metalink from other run-of-the-mill download accelerators and listen
in awe as he explains how Metalink combines traditional HTTP and FTP
methods of downloading files along with BitTorrent.

Mayank Sharma: Let's begin with the traditional what is question --
what is Metalink? Is it another way to download "stuff"?

Anthony Bryan: Yep, Metalink is a way to download "stuff." But it's
not a new transfer protocol like FTP or P2P method. It attempts to
make the traditional download process simpler by automating advanced
features and hiding complexity where possible. It's something that
download programs like Web browsers, FTP programs, download managers,
and P2P clients support. Information about the files to be downloaded
is stored in a simple XML file with a .metalink extension.

MS: So how exactly is using a metalink beneficial over other
traditional methods of downloading?

AB: In general, it should be easier and be error free. It can also be
much faster. The information a download program would need is in a
machine-processable format in the .metalink file, stuff like all the
different ways to download a file (from multiple mirrors to P2P) and
other things like the priority and geographical location of the
mirrors, checksums, publisher, license, OS, language, etc. More the
information, more the things that can be done!

So, instead of a single link to a file, you have many links. This
means higher availability. If many servers are down or very busy (like
on a release day), your download program can automatically check links
and see which ones are good. You don't have to manually gather and
check each link. This improves usability. Some programs can use the
multiple links to download different parts or segments of a file from
many places, which is called multi-source downloading. Usually, your
download will be much faster, but that all depends on your connection.
A single source download usually can't offer as fast download speeds.

Metalinks can also contain checksums or repair information to fix
corrupted downloads, either files downloaded with other programs or
repairing the download in progress. You can repair downloads with
rsync and some P2P, but with Metalink you can do it over regular
FTP/HTTP.

These benefits are mainly seen in large downloads like ISO files
(CD/DVD images), which can range from 500 MB to 4 GB or larger. Time
is money and sometimes you need things downloaded before you can get
work done. If there was an error in one of these files, it could be
painful to need to re-download it. This could be very helpful to movie
and music downloads, where (once this technology is included in
browsers) you'll be able to download huge files and recover from
errors, and download a whole album or multiple albums in one click,
within a browser and not some special application. For instance, when
you buy a bunch of albums on Bleep.com, you can download the files
individually or in an archive. The archive takes up resources on the
server and on your computer. With Metalink, you can list all the files
and have them added to a download queue in one click. This is also
useful for software like KDE that is available in multiple files.

MS: Whoa, those are some advantages. While it's good for the person
downloading, what about the person offering the download? Any reasons
why he should make a .metalink for his downloads?

AB: As we've already discussed, Metalink should offer your downloaders
an improved experience - more reliable and without errors.

This translates to cheaper bandwidth bills and support costs. Not very
exciting unfortunately, but something that needs to be done since it's
simple and can be automated. You can give different mirrors or P2P
sources a priority. If you list FTP/HTTP mirrors and P2P, the mirrors
can be used in case the person can't access P2P or if the file is no
longer on the P2P network. This can be handy in situations where a
business or university may block P2P because of copyright concerns or
that they don't want someone continuously uploading and using
bandwidth, or because of configuration issues with routers, etc. In
the end, you want people to be able to download whatever you are
distributing.

MS: Great! So how does one create a .metalink for their downloads?

AB: The easiest way to create a .metalink is with the Metalink Editor
which has a graphical interface. If you're going to be making a bunch,
you may want to use the automated tools which have a command line
interface or server tools which are meant to be run on mirrors. This
article on osresources details the non-graphical methods for .metalink
creation.

MS: Right. So do I need a special application to use a metalink
download? Won't it work with wget?

AB: Right now you do need a special application that supports reading
the .metalink file and using that info. Luckily, most download
managers support it right now, but no Web browsers natively. Support
in Opera and Firefox would make the benefits way more accessible to
regular people. wget doesn't support it yet, but aria2 is a similar
command-line program that does. The beauty of free and open source
software is that if people are interested enough, then support can be
added to a bunch of download programs quickly and easily.

MS: Do you track the number of projects using Metalink?

AB: Yes, mostly free and open source projects use it right now, but
some proprietary companies and game makes use it. OpenOffice.org,
openSUSE, cURL, Arch Linux, DesktopBSD, blag linux, StartCom Linux,
Berry Linux, PC-BSD, Linux Mint, Ubuntu Christian Edition, redWall
Firewall, GoboLinux, TrueBSD, PuppyLinux, UniProt Consortium, Eiffel
Software, and Ankama games have used Metalink.

MS: Any new feature Metalink users, both offering and downloading
stuff, should keep an eye out for?

AB: I view Metalink as basic infrastructure and hopefully it will get
to the point where people don't even know they are using it. Metalink
as it is now is Wave One (or maybe .5) of coming improvements. I think
we can build on it and offer some really cool things, which will again
work transparently for people. Not all clients support all the
features of Metalink, like using repair information - that's a really
important feature.

Phex is the first program with Metalink support that is primarily P2P
(other BitTorrent clients like aria2 and GetRight support it). You'll
be able to export your library, or parts of it. If you want to share
something with a friend, you can just email a .metalink or put it on a
server for download, and they'll get the same exact files since
they're identified with checksums. No weeding through search results
searching for similar files will be needed.

MS: Thanks for taking time out for the interview. Please share a
little information about yourself and your life outside of computers.

AB: I'm 29, just finished my Master's degree, and looking for work
related to Metalink with open source projects. :) I live in
southeastern Florida, in Pompano Beach. I'm pretty laid back and I
love the ocean. I'm really into music, mostly instrumental, from
electronic to Indian, dub, jazz, and even normal stuff. I like old
books and movies and I'm interested in technology and how it affects
our lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayank Sharma is a freelance writer from New Delhi, India. He is blown
away by the power of Free and Open Source Software and its usefulness
to developing nations.

Check out his blog at http://www.geekybodhi.net/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware?

In the Mid 1980's Bob Wallace developed a word processor program
called PC-Write. To further describe his program, Wallace came up with
the term Shareware. Many users in the industry consider Jim Button,
the creator of PC-File - a database program, and Andrew Fluegelman,
the author of PC-Talk - a communication program, are considered to be
the "fathers" of the Shareware concept. However, the three of them
clearly established the Shareware model to be the viable marketing
method for their software.

In the early days of software distribution, it was a standard practice
to share computer programs across a global bulletin board system. This
allowed users to share and exchange them with other users that may
have a need for it to accomplish or simplify daily tasks. As the
progress of the software industry continued to develop, software
authors and vendors started to request small payments for their
software in order to help support continued improvements and offer
technical support of the software.

Computer software was distributed and shared between friends and
colleagues; however, it wasn't until the development of the Internet
and e-commerce, when the concept of Shareware really took off and
became more popular than one could have ever imagined.

As the Internet became more popular, so did the use of Shareware,
Trial Software and Freeware. In the early 90's the Internet lead to a
new software distribution model that revolutionized the software
industry and the way software was distributed. This new found method
of distribution has been so successful over the past 20 years, that
now almost every software development company uses it today to bring
about awareness of their software.

To make this network of Shareware and Freeware distribution even more
powerful, Webmasters began making Website archives based on the
software that was available to download. These massive libraries of
software are commonly known as software download sites.

What is Shareware?
So what exactly is Shareware? Shareware is software that is
distributed on a trial basis with the understanding by the users of
the software, that there may be a small charge by the author to
continue to use it. Most Shareware is delivered free of charge by
downloading it from the Internet; either from the authors Website or
from a software download site. By registering the software and paying
the small fee, you become registered with the author and you can
receive technical support and updates of the software when they become
available.

You can copy Shareware and pass it along to friends and colleagues, as
long as it is the trial version of the software and not the registered
version. They too are expected to pay a registration fee if they
intend on using the software regularly beyond the trial period.

The trial period of the computer software is entirely dependent on the
software author and can vary a great deal. Typically, the trial period
can be anywhere from 10 - 30 days or even 45 - 60 days. I have also
seen some software where the trial period was based on usage and only
allow you to use the program an X number of times. So there are many,
many variations of trial periods and usage time for you to evaluate
the software before you buy.

The functionality of the software can be limited as well; some authors
will release fully functional software and others will offer a limited
or a lite version of the full program. For example, all of our
software here at CoffeeCup is offered to users to try out the fully
functional program for a limited amount of time. You can download
coffeecup software here: http://www.coffeecup.com/software/.

Trial Software vs. Shareware
What is the difference between Trial Software and Shareware? There
really is not much of a difference. Shareware is an older term that is
becoming superseded by the term Trial Software. Back when Shareware
first evolved, it meant that Shareware could be shared freely with
each other, friends and colleagues. Many users started to think that
it was ok to register the software and then share it with others; this
is simply not the case. To avoid this problem the term Trial Software
was introduced. The term Trial Software is more precise and means
exactly what it is - Trial software.

Freeware vs. Trial Software
What exactly is Freeware? Freeware unlike Trial Software, is software
that is completely free for anyone to use or pass along to other to
use. The difference between Freeware and Trial Software is that
Freeware is just that - Free. You never have to pay to use Freeware
and can pass it along for others to use too free of charge. This is a
huge advantage for using Freeware.

There are a few disadvantages of using Freeware as well. One
disadvantage of using Freeware software is that the author may no
longer be developing it and improving it. So if you use a Freeware
program on a regular basis, check with the developer of the software
to see if they are still going to be developing it and offering
updates. Another disadvantage of Freeware is that you may not get the
help or support you are in need of to use the software. Of course,
this is dependent on the developer on what exactly is offered with the
Freeware version of the program, you should check directly with the
company to see what the policy is regarding the software.

Where can you get Trial Software, Shareware and Freeware?
Often times you can download programs that offer Shareware, Trial
Software and Freeware versions directly from the authors Website or
software download sites. Software download sites are archives of
thousands of different programs; such as educational software, web
design software, network software, and so much more. Best of all, it's
available all in one place.

Websites such as www.tucows.com will review the software and make sure
that it works properly, and will also give it a rating based on a set
of criterions that the software must meet to receive a rating. Other
sites such as www.download.com will have their editorial staff review
the software but also allow users to comment and give feedback on the
software. This can be especially useful to get other opinions before
downloading and trying out the software.

Software vendors will often submit the latest version of their
software to these download sites so that the users of these sites can
be sure they are getting the latest version of their software.

The Advantages
So what are the advantages of Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware?
Well, the advantage of Freeware is just that - it's free. For
Shareware and Trial Software, however, the big advantage is that you
can try the software before you buy it. Using Shareware through the
trial period allows you ample time to test out the software before you
buy it.

With Shareware, you can try out several different products and see
which one best suits your needs for the project or task you need it for.

Another advantage of Shareware or Trial Software is that it is usually
a lot less expensive that store bought software. Software authors
don't have to pay the extra overhead for packaging and printed
materials which allows them to sell the software and at much lower cost.

Overall, the distribution of Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware
continue to improve with new methods of marketing and more vendors are
producing software for users to try before they buy. With the support
of users, authors are continually developing Trial Software versions
of their software to make their software even better to meet the
growing needs of their registered users.

Articles tagged “Links”

Tips for Downloading Software Online
Do you ever find yourself surfing the Internet, looking for software
to complete a task you need to do, or to get something accomplished
faster than you are now? I'm sure we all have at least...

Tags: Downloading Software, Shareware, Software

Article ID: 516 | Published On: Jan 30, 2005 | 437,433 views | Rated 5
stars by 2,481 people

What is Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware?
In the Mid 1980's Bob Wallace developed a word processor program
called PC-Write. To further describe his program, Wallace came up with
the term Shareware. Many users in the industry...

Tags: Downloading Software, Shareware, Software

Article ID: 514 | Published On: Feb 23, 2005 | 3,468,317 views | Rated
5 stars by 2,349 people

How Do I Upgrade My Software?
To redownload your software, log into your account . Enter the e-mail
address you signed up with and the password you chose when you signed
up. If you never provided us with a password,...

Tags: Account Information, Downloading Software, FAQ, General

Article ID: 239 | Published On: Dec 31, 1996 | 2,763 views | Rated 2
stars by 329 people

Tips for Downloading Software Online

Do you ever find yourself surfing the Internet, looking for software
to complete a task you need to do, or to get something accomplished
faster than you are now? I'm sure we all have at least once, and if
you haven't, well, that's inevitable; eventually we all will do it at
least once. If you use your computer regularly to get things done,
there are loads of different software packages out there than can
simplify even the most complex tasks.

Many times you will come across software companies that are very
well-known and their outstanding software has won several awards, and
to top it off, the features or benefits of the software seems to fit
what you are looking for. However, if you are on a budget like me,
then chances are you will want to download the software first to make
sure that it is exactly what you need to get the job done. The
unfortunate thing about it is that not all companies offer software
downloads of their programs. So now you have to make the decision to
take the chance and go ahead and purchase the software, or you can
look around a bit and see if there is any other software downloads out
there that may fit the bill.

Some of the places you can check to download software is the
manufacturers' Website; like CoffeeCup Software, or you can look at
some of the software library sites on the Internet like Tucows or
Download.com. These are all reputable sources for downloading software.

If you are new to the Web, or have not downloaded anything before,
downloading software and testing it out can be fun! There are many
programs out there that can suit your needs and perhaps it can also
help you to define more of what you maybe looking for; you may
download a program that has a particular feature that you didn't think
of which could be very useful to you.

When downloading software from the Internet there are some things you
should keep in mind. Here is a brief listing of the most important
Do's and Don'ts on downloading software from the Internet:

Do - Make sure that you read the installation instructions. Some may
require that you uninstall the previous versions before installing the
new one, or you may need to have another type of software installed.
Do - Make sure that you download software that is compatible with your
operating system. There may be several different versions available
for download; such OS X, Windows or Linux. If you don't download the
correct version, you could run into troubles or the software may
simply not work; leading to frustration and wasted time for you.
Do - Backup your system just in case something doesn't go right. If
you are using Windows XP there is a rollback feature that will allow
you rollback your system to a previous restore point; make sure that
you've created a restore point before downloading.
Do - Make sure that you scan the file before opening it even if it is
from a trusted source. Typically you can do this by right-clicking the
file and selecting scan from the pop up menu.
Don't - Download software through a file sharing program, you have no
idea what you may or may not be getting.
Don't - Install software that you don't own. There are many sites out
there that distribute registered software which violates the license
agreement, downloading from these sites can lead to trouble.
Don't - Download software through e-mails unless it is from a trusted
source. Most software companies do not send their software as
attachments in email.
Don't - Download from unreliable sources. To avoid getting bad
software you should download software from a trustworthy site; such as
the developers Website or a download software archive library.
How to Download Software
When you have found the right software and you are ready to download,
the site you are visiting will more than likely have a download link
in which you can click on to start the software download process.
After you click on the software download link, a box will pop up and
you will be given the option to Run, Save or Cancel the download. It
is very important that you choose the Save option so that you can save
it to your computer in the place that you want, and so that you can
run it at a later time if you wish to. If you choose run, it will
download the file to a temporary folder and automatically start the
installation.
When you click on Save, you will be prompted to save it in a specific
directory on your computers hard drive. You should download it into a
directory on your hard drive so that after you download the software
it will be easier for you to find. The simplest way I have found to do
this is to create a download folder on the desktop and download the
software into that folder. Or you can simply download the file
directly to your desktop. This way, you know exactly where the file is
and it can save you time from trying to hunt down the software on your
computer.

Once you've downloaded the software, you can then double-click on the
.exe file and it will start the installation process. Do understand
though that some of the software you download may also be in a .zip
file. A .zip file is a file that has been compressed to make it
smaller in size so that it is faster for you to download. In this case
you will need to have unzipping software installed on your computer to
unzip the file first, and they you can run the installation file
During the installation process, you will be asked questions as to
where you want to install the software, what program group you want to
add it to etc. Unless you have a personal preference where it
installs, I would suggest sticking with the default settings.

Once you are done installing, and depending on the software, you can
choose to have a desktop icon created so that you can simply click on
that to start the program. The desktop icon will allow you to quickly
start the program and save you the steps from hunting it down on the
Start menu.

The best place to start with your newly downloaded software is the
help file. The help file will walk you through the steps of using the
software, and many help files often have a Quick Start Guide included
so that you don't waste all your time reading and can start using the
software right away.

Removing Software
Once you've installed the software and decide that it's not quite what
you are looking for you can uninstall the software from your computer.
There are a few different ways you can do this.
First, and probably the easiest way to remove software from your
computer is to use the uninstall feature that is built into the
software. Typically, the uninstaller is installed as an option in your
program group. You can find this by clicking the Start > Programs >
Program group name > Uninstall.

If the software you installed doesn't have an uninstaller, you can use
the add/remove programs option in your control panel.

If you have a program that you like and decide to purchase it, you
should uninstall the demo version that you have on your computer.
Running two different versions can cause your program not to run
properly and causes conflicts in your system.

Sometimes, companies will give you access to download the full
version, while others may offer to upgrade your trial version that you
already have installed. Normally, the upgrade is done with a
registration key sent to you by the company.

By following the simple outline above for downloading software from
the Internet, you should have loads of fun testing out different
software applications without harm to your system.

Final Note
Downloading software from the Internet can be a little scary at first,
because you really have no idea what to expect. Once you have
downloaded a few programs and start to gain experience, you can really
have fun testing out many different software titles that are available
to you.

Website You Must Register A Unique Domain

When you launch a new website you must register a unique domain name with an authorized registrar. When the internet was first starting, all domain names and IP addresses were registered through one organization, Internic. Eventually Network Solutions took over the role as "keeper" of the internet domain names. Today, there are hundreds of websites where you can register your domain name but Network Solutions still maintains the main database of domain names. Some websites charge as little as $2.95 per year for your domain name while others charge as much as $35 per year for the exact same service. Some even offer one year free if you register your domain name with them and host your website on their servers. Why pay $35 when you can register your domain name for much less at another website?

So why does Network Solutions charge $35 a year if they are the keeper of the database and their resellers charge a fraction or even nothing? Who knows and who cares! Register your domain with one of the cheaper providers and you'll be fine. A word caution - be care that you choose to host your website. Getting a free year of your domain name isn't worth it if your webhost is unreliable and your website is down more than it's up.

You pay for your domain name on a yearly basis. It's a separate charge from your webhosting bill. When you register your domain name choose the autorenewal option if it's available. This way your domain name will not expire if you forget to renew it. If your domain name expires, it's free for anyone else to register so you need to stay on top of when it's expiring. Also registering your domain name for a 3 to 5 year term will often save you money. For example, godaddy.com charges $8.95 a year for your domain name but only $7.25 a year if you register for a 5 year term.

When you register your domain you can create different contact names. The three contacts are Administrator, Technical and Billing. Most of the time the same person is all 3 contacts. If you web designer registers your domain name for you, make sure you are designated as the Administrative contact. This gives you control over the domain name and you must be notified if someone is trying to make changes to your record. If you aren't one of the contacts then someone can transfer ownership of the domain name without your permission.

To see a record of your domain name, go to www.networksolutions.com and use their WHOIS utility which is located in the bottom left corner of their home page. Simply enter your domain name and click Search. You'll see the complete record of your domain name, where it's registered and where your website is hosted. For a complete video of how to use WHOIS, visit www.valiss.com/video/whois/whois.html.

When you register your domain name you'll have to the option of making it a private registration. I highly recommend paying the additional fee to make your information private. If you leave your registration public anyone can look up your domain information which includes your home or business address and your email address. Many spammers scan public domain registration records to find valid email addresses to spam.

I always use a yahoo or hotmail email account when registering my domains. This way if spammers to find my email address, I can just get a new "throwaway" email address and I won't receive spam at my primary email address.

Always make sure your domain record remains locked. Locking your domain name is a feature implemented a few years ago. When you want to transfer your domain name to a different registrar you must unlock it. Once it's unlocked the new registrar can "pull" your domain name from your current registrar. Once the transfer is complete, the domain name will be locked to prevent anyone else from "pulling" your domain away from you

Domain Names Become Premium Web Real Estate

The following article presents the very latest information on Domain Names. If you have a particular interest in Domain Names, then this informative article is required reading.
See how much you can learn about Domain Names when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Everyone should have Amy Schrier's problem.
For six months, she resisted selling the domain name Blue.com for $200,000. Using a formula she devised to fetch the highest market value for cheap domain names, Schrier eventually convinced a private party that Blue.com was worth $500,000. Since the name was sold in March, its site now includes links to sexual material and airfare ads.
"The market will really explode when people realize they are sitting on premium real estate," says Schrier, 37, an entrepreneur in New York who bought Blue.com for $65,000 in 2002.
Dan Taylor, 54, an industrial designer in Toronto, stumbled onto his domain riches. In the 1990s, he bought Realtone.com with the intent of developing online content for skin care products. As Taylor's luck would have it, that was before ringtones became available on cell phones. When Universal Entertainment in Germany came calling for the domain name last year, Taylor sold it for an undisclosed amount.
So now you know a little bit about Domain Names. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.
Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Domain Names? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about Domain Names.
The information about Domain Names presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Domain Names or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.
Schrier and Taylor are among an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 individuals who make a living buying and selling cheap domain names, though about half prefer to remain anonymous to avoid competition, says Ron Jackson, editor and publisher of Domain Name Journal.
'A long-term investment' Most domainers buy and own names. They "park" on sites, where they develop content in the form of Web links and ads, to generate income and increase the value of their virtual real estate.
"It's a long-term investment, like owning a home," says Lawrence Fischer, vice president of business development at SmartName.com, a company that owns and manages thousands of cheap domain names, including Stockquotes.com. "But if a major brokerage firm came along with a big offer, I would be willing to listen."
Plenty have been willing to pay. Sales of 5,851 cheap domain names generated $29 million in 2005, compared with the sale of 3,813 names for $15 million in 2004, market researcher Zetetic says.
Venture-capital firms, too, are betting on cheap domain names.
Like a lottery ticket
"It's like buying a lottery ticket, but the odds are better," says Ken Carey, 50, a longtime autoworker in Grand Rapids, Mich., and part-time inventor who owns 200 cheap domain name. "All you gotta do is hit the right niche, and you're well on your way to being a millionaire."
When a technology is about to take off, if you buy a domain name that pertains to it, the more generic the name, the better its value.
Sometimes, the payoff is huge.
Sometimes, it lands the owner in legal hot water.
A surge in online ads and Web viewing have made cheap domain names a serious business proposition. Online ad revenue is expected to reach $13.6 billion in the U.S. this year, up 14 percent from last year, according to Jupiter Media. Overall, 153 million people in the U.S. use the Web, up 2.5 percent from a year ago, Nielsen//NetRatings says.
"Those who understand domains and what they represent, can and have done very well," says Schwartz, 52, who sold Men.com for $1.3 million in late 2003, a huge profit from the $15,000 he paid for it in 1997. He bought Property.com for $750,000 last year.
And Schrier, who sold Blue.com for more than twice what she was originally offered, may soon offer advice. She intends to market her formula for getting the most value out of cheap domain names.
There's no doubt that the topic of Domain Names can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Domain Names, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.

Ultimate Solution for Ecommerce Websites - Yahoo Store Design

The Internet presents endless opportunities for retailers of all types. In order for retailers to maximize online results, it is critical that they possess a well-framed online store. Yahoo store development can be the perfect solution to all the complexities associated with virtual stores Yahoo store design is a fantastic option for newly launched online stores. It presents ECommerce website design in a manner that has the capability engaging target customers, holding their attention, and pursuing them to make a sale.

A wide range of services are available through online yahoo stores, thus increasing their appeal among ECommerce website owners. They are the most widely used and popular portals for shopping sites, comprising more than 17,000 merchants. Yahoo store design has the capability to take care of basic start-up to RTML templates with ease. Domain names, web hosting, marketing and ECommerce are all covered in yahoo store development.

There are many companies offering quality yahoo store design and re-design services. If you have an existing ECommerce website and want to switch over to a yahoo store design, it can easily be done. A specialized and customized yahoo store design can be developed for every unique business to set your products/services apart of competitors. Online yahoo stores have various added features such as an unlimited number of web pages, website construction tools, and 24/7 strong customer support.

Whether your online store is small or larger, yahoo store design can accommodate your needs. Even if you have 50,000 products, a yahoo store design can create a website that has a professional, organized, and well managed look. Some companies prefer FTP programs, which are a third party tool. Such inclinations can also be met through yahoo store development. It also provides the facility of a tax calculator and shipping, through a multi page checkout system.

Hiring talented yahoo store designers will take your ECommerce business to new heights. They are trained and skilled to design professional and attractive online stores, and provide strong back-up support. Above all, a yahoo store design is a very effective and affordable medium for online retailers.

Who Has the Lowest Domain Prices

Recently, domain registries VeriSign, Afilias, and Public Interest Registry (PIR) notified all ICANN-accredited registrars that they will be raising their wholesale prices. As a consequence, consumer domain prices will increase about 50 cents at most public domain registries such as Enom and Godaddy.com. Who has the lowest domain prices? We checked 10 different ICANN approved registrars in the US and got the following results -
Registrar, .com Price/yr, .net Price/yr:
BestBulkRegister, $7.60, $6.49
1&1, $6.99, $6.99
Estdomains, $7.19, $5.89(promo)
Domain Name Superstore, $7.85, $9.45
Hostway, $7.95, $7.95
aPlus, $8.40, $7.95
NameCheap, $9.29, $9.29
Yahoo! Domains, $9.95, $9.95
Active Domain, $9.95, $9.95
Go Daddy, $9.99, $10.99
Depending on what services you want, what extension you are looking for (.com, .net, .org, country extensions, etc.), and what domain name you wish to register, the prices will vary among registrars. The prices listed are for registering one .com and .net domain name for one year. Some registrars provide different services which means a variation in prices. For example, buying more than one domain name at a certain site can give you a special deal on prices. Some sites, such as Go Daddy, offer domain names for as low as $1.99 if you purchase a non-domain product or service from them (i.e. web hosting, SSL Certificate). Certain extensions will cost more than others, with .tm and .travel on the pricey side as you can see in the chart below. Registrars also often have sales and promotions on domains. Search around and see what services and sites best fit your needs.
The table below shows average prices for various TLDs
Extension, Average Price:
.WS, $14.11
.SH/AC/IO, $61.64
.TM, $157.53
.US, $16.24
.HK, $24.66
.INFO, $7.67
.NAME, $8.63
.WS, $14.11
.TW, $30.14
.TV, $40.55
.CC, $35.34
.MOBI, $15.48
.TRAVEL, $177.53
.ASIA, $18.95
Some sites cater specifically to those looking to buy in bulk, such as eNom and BestBulkRegister. At BestBulkRegister.com (http://www.bestbulkregister.com), you will find the lowest non-promotional price for a .net domain at $6.49 each. eNom offers different packages for those looking to resell domain names. eNom's setup fees range from $195 to as much as $1,595 depending on the level of reselling. The sites listed above also have different prices for buying in bulk, but may not offer reselling tools and services.
Claiming and registering domain names can be inexpensive, and as the availability of domain names becomes more limited, the price of domain names on the resale market can be huge. JupiterRealEstate.com, a relatively ordinary domain name, recently sold for $17,500. Investors have taken note of the potential ROI on reselling domain names as some companies now offer financing for domain name purchases. Domain Capital, for example, claims to be "the first and only financial services company to offer financing to businesses based on the inherent and recognized value of premium domain names." Financing is extremely helpful for those without the resources to buy high-priced domain names or a large number of domain names in bulk to resell. Scott Fish writes a good blog about reselling different types of domain names (http://www.scottfish.com/domain-prices-are-going-up-and-down/). In his article he explains his take on the market for Generic Domain Names, International Domain Names, Typo Domain Names, and other factors such as financing and the dissemination of knowledge.
Most .com domain names that have potential for high value, however, have already been registered. But there are other potential markets for investment, such as the new .asia TLD. Experts predict that the Asia-Pacific region will soon be the largest Internet market in the world, and the .asia TLD gives access and exposure to that market. As opposed to country code domains, the .asia is a TLD that gives exposure to the general region as a whole and separates country and political associations, thus making the domain generally more appealing for businesses. Prices are relatively cheap for .asia domains. BestBulkRegister (http://www.GoBBR.com), mentioned earlier, sells the .asia extension for $18.95 or less depending on volume. As such, .asia has the promise that .com's previously had, but more knowledgeable investors and the option of financing blows the game wide open

Domain Name, Web Hosting & Websites

Are you starting a business and need to register a domain, obtain web hosting and need a website? When we started our vacation rentals website Hess Lake Rentals, we turned to Website Tonight, a "do it yourself, easy to use" program, without spending a fortune.

Russell Domain & Web Hosting, offers domain registration, web hosting, websites, podcast, express email marketing, traffic blazer and much more.

Domain name registration come with many free extras such as "free parking" (our parked domain)where they will host your domain name until you get your site up and running, and free starter web page, all for just $8.75 per year.

Russell Domains & Web Hosting takes the uncertainty out of hosting - and puts service, performance and value back in. No matter which hosting type or plan you choose, your site receives 24/7 maintenance and protection in our world-class data center. And you get the expert, friendly service you deserve. Plan start at just $3.99 per month.

Your Russell Domains & Web Hosting email account is fast, ultra-reliable and secure. It’s POP3 configured and advertising-free. It offers unique you@YourPersonalDomainName.com personalization. It allows you to send and receive email using popular email clients like Microsoft® Outlook®, Outlook Express and more. Email accounts are free when you register your domain name.

Most Web site traffic and online purchases come from search engines like Google®, Yahoo!® and MSN®. Get your share of Internet business with Traffic Blazer®. Promote your business online, increase your online visibility and make money on the Internet...in a few simple steps! NO technical expertise is necessary. If you can type and click, you can use Traffic Blazer! Plans start at just $19.95 per year.

Think you don't have the time or know-how to build your own Web site? Think again!
Website Tonight makes it fun for ANYONE to create their own site -- without spending a fortune! It's so easy-to-use -- we've even included Hosting (with 99.9% up time guarantee ) and Email at no extra charge. Plans start at just $4.99 per month.

We use and recommend Russell Domains & Web Hosting for all of our domain registrations (we have 12 now) and all of our websites (3

4 Key Guidelines to Locate an Ideal Web Host

No doubt, making a web site is not a playing sort of job. However, selection of web host is even more serious decision and cannot be taken lightly. Due to presence of several web hosts in the market of various ranges, it is quite difficult for the user to select out the ideal one. For selecting the best host the user should keep several alternatives in his/her hand and user should possess a clear mind set about the expectations from the host. Next are the four guidelines which make the user’s way to select the top web host a lot easier.

1. One should take the help of search engines like Google and Yahoo through keywords like “web host.” If the user carefully analyzes the search engine output then he/she can get the precise idea of types of web hosting options available in the market. Some category of people may think that the top ranking web hosts are no doubt the best, but this is not obligatory. Proper time devotion in the analysation of search results will provide the user an ample amount of hosts for comparison.

2. One should possess the knowledge of working nature of the site. Puzzled!!!! But it is an unavoidable fact that the user should have the information about the objectives of his/her site. If the user requires a site capable of loading a huge amount of large files, then his/her search ends on a host which offers huge amounts of space. Bandwidth is another factor to consider. Another important question arises is whether the site is a personal site, or a commercial site? If the user plans to produce revenue from his/her website, than doing more investment for ample storage space and bandwidth is an advisable thing. If the user possess an intention to make the site a blog and wishes to host it with a service like TypePad, then the user should search for a web host which provides him/her the facility of domain mapping.

3. The user should have a budget in his/her mind. Knowing about the actual budget will not only help the user to make quick decision but also saves a large amount of time. In the condition when a particular web host seems to be very much expensive, then one can rightly move onto the next one without any problem. Moreover, if the user knows about the budget contained with him he/she can easily select the best option (web host) in that particular price range. As few of the web hosts proposes additional space for $20 as compare to others who do for the same price.

4. At the end, the user should ensure that the web host support should match his/her requirement. If the user is building the web site for the first occasion, then he/she may need a host who is eager to advice on the proceedings of building new sites. Some web hosts offers several sorts of help to the inexperienced users. While several others web hosts simply let users with anything they want to do without much indulging in the work.

One of the most crucial things is that, the user should be aware about his/her expectations from the host, while searching for it. The service of search engines like Google and Yahoo makes the search a lot easier, as the user know what he/she is exploring for. It is a matter of fact that, every web host offers something outstanding than others. The user should give priority to a web host which passes in the measurement of simplicity and customer service. One should always keep in mind that severely expensive and top most ranking of the host is not the passport of satisfaction of the customer. The user should begin the journey of searching the web host with a clear, sound and informed mind because then only he/she can reach to the desired speculation.

Who Else Wants A Totally Free (.com) Domain Name.

Free domain names in this case are domains names in this format
"www.yourname.com", "www.yourname.info", "www.yourname.net" and
www.yourname.org.

You can often find deals that offer a free domain name registration
with a paid specific hosting package but that is not what you are here
for.
Everyday thousands of people search "free domain names" on the search
engines, and never find it.

If you need a free domain name .com .net .info or .org, I stumbled on
a site that gives out free-domain-names at zero price. You will not
spend a dime to get your free domain name.

In this age, having an on-line presence is important, and there are
many services on the web where you can get a free domain name.
However, the drawback about these domain names is that they are long
and ugly plus they are not domain names but subdomains or URL redirects.

Organisations such as www.freedomain.co.nr and www.dot.tk provide URL
redirection services and not free domain names while
www.awardspace.net and similar companies provide sub-domain names.

If you are serious about your presence on the web, you should be
serious about getting your own domain name because internet users will
love you for it. To find out how to get your free .com .net .org or
.info domain name visit absolutely-free-domain-names for guidelines.

By: Monasor

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Yes, you will get a free domain name without paying a dime. My name is
Jay Monasor: Online business researcher and music lover.

Comparing Web-based Television Sites

Since the creation and wide-spread usage of the internet by people all
over the world, information and creativity, as well as the
distribution of both, has blossomed immensely. One facet of this
spreading creativity is that of the web-based television show. This
medium has a tendency to be comedic in nature, being the genre most
easily expressed and digested in the common short episode times
featured. Unlike its mainstream broadcast counterpart, the web-based
television series is historically noted for its low production values,
most shows starting out in a YouTube sort of fashion or featured on
independent websites. However, over the years, web shows have grown in
general popularity. A notable example of this is 'lonlygirl15,' which
eventually received commercial attention and sponsorship. Before its
end, 'lonelygirl15' garnered over 100 million views in a little more
than two years. Web television has risen still further in popularity,
with numerous spin-offs and other ideas thrown into the mix. It now
even has its own awards program, called the Streamy Awards.

Among the countless web programs in existence today, there are a few
that stand out. 'Homestarrunner.com' is a flash-cartoon series based
upon unique characters and their interactions. Most notable about this
site is that they have never utilized any method of sponsorship. Their
popularity has been spread entirely by reputation, and they have
become self-sustaining on merchandise. The series has several
features, most popular being Strong Bad Emails, but does numerous
other short 'toons' with the other characters. The show is quite
successful in its humorous attempt, but it tends towards young-adult,
clean humor. Very little can be found offensive about it, but that is
not always what people are looking for.
A more raunchy or risque style of humor can be found in the machinima
series 'Red vs. Blue'. There is foul language and violence to be had
for the viewer who prefers it. The series is based upon and filmed
using the video game 'Halo,' and has had numerous seasons. It provides
an example of a show that is not self-sustaining; it is intensely
popular, but the various creators still retain their own jobs.

Breaking into the middle-ground of this is the live-action
web-television series featured on YouTube known as 'The Guild.' It is
another comedy show based upon a 'World of Warcraft' guild that meets
in real life and is put together by a group of improvisation artists.
The jokes in the program do not always succeed, and some fall entirely
flat, but overall the show is generally funny and compelling.

One of the few web programs to escape from the comedy genre is the
science-fiction/fantasy story 'Sanctuary.' This live-action show,
created by the producer and director of the 'Stargate' series, follows
the story of terrifying and monstrous creatures both human and not and
the struggle to confine the malicious ones and protect the benign. The
show's success lead the Sci-Fi channel to pick it up for traditional
television broadcast. However, typical of the genre, sometimes the
acting leaves something to be desired.

Since its creation, web television has seen remarkable changes. Even
though today there are still dozens of ignored or fledgling shows, a
few have broken through and become intensely popular. As the internet
continues to expand, this style of programming can do nothing but grow.

By: Jack Yang

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Market analyst for Web 2.0 Acobay Networking service. More on TV
Reviews, visit Acobay. More on free pictures, visit Acobox.

Domain Parking For Dummies

As a web surfer, I really do not like it when I come across a site
that sounds promising in Google, click on it and discover nothing but
ads. What is the purpose of such a site? Well, this practice of
putting up a site on the web without content is known as domain
parking, and can serve many purposes.

1. Later development - developing a web site takes time, and like any
business starts with a simple idea. Along with that idea, you have
discovered that the ideal domain name is available. You know that it
will be quite a few month before you can do anything, but you can't
let the desired URL slip through your fingers. Who's to say that it
will be available in six months? So you buy the name, and now it is
parked, just one simple page, online.
The company that you purchased the name through, the domain
registrants, will usually offer domain parking for free. But once the
page is developed, you will have to pay for hosting (with domain
registrant or another company). While parked, your page can be
monetized. Usually, this means ads by someone such as Google or Yahoo!
If anyone happens upon your parked domain, and clicks on an ad, you
make a little money. With a bit of research, you can find other ways
to monetize your web site with other types advertising and affiliate
links.

Now, here is the interesting part. I have a domain that I purchased a
year ago that I have done nothing with, I haven't even used domain
parking to pick up a little jingle. But, the company I purchased it
through has parked it, are advertising their services on it, and have
monetized it so THEY are making a little jingle from MY parked domain!
So, if you have to use domain parking for awhile before development,
make sure you are the one making the jingle. Also, post a sign saying
"Under Construction" or "Coming Soon" so that those who are interested
can check back later.

2. Redirection of Web traffic - Sometimes there are web addresses that
are similar to your own that you may want to purchase and then use
domain parking to redirect to your web site. For example, if you had
xyz.com, you may want to purchase xyz.net and then redirect all
traffic from that site to your .com domain. This type of domain
parking serves a purpose, they move you right on to the actual web
site, so are only a minor inconveniece if they do not move you on fast
enough.

3. Re-sale - Some people will buy a domain name for the sole purpose
of reselling it to someone else. While waiting for a buyer, they use
domain parking to make a little extra money, and to advertise the
domain as being for sale.

In the early days of the web, a lot of people purchased thousands of
domain names with the hope of reselling them at a later date for a
profit. Though the prime names are gone, there are still many people
who are holding onto domain names and hoping to resell them, some of
these names have gone for thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This especially occurred in the early days of the web when domainers
purchased trademark names and then sold them for exorbitantly high
prices to the company. However, laws were eventually passed that
protect trademark names from this practice, which is referred to as
cybersquatting.

But when it comes to Search Engine Optimization, a key word domain
name is king, so these are hot names which, if not being used for a
web site, are often monetized and available for sale.

So, domain parking can serve multiple purposes, and as a web surfer I
don't mind the web sites that are under development or the ones that
redirect me since it is usually quick, but the last type of web site
is the one that I am most frustrated to come across!

By: MJ Marks

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

MJ is a free lance writer for Click Shops, Inc., which offers a unique
opportunity for URL's that utilize domain parking for monetization at
www.domainprofitsharing.com .

Buying And Selling Domain Names For Profit

Getting Domain is buying and selling domain names for profit of your
business. Good and low cost domain names are easy to find. To find a
cheap domain name registration service is not easy. Almost all major
registration services charge eight to ten dollars for registering name
for .com or .net domains. Search for "cheap domain registrar" to find
cheap domain registration that will give a lower price for cheap
domain name purchase. Many of registration services will provide lower
price for bulk domain registrations, it means more than 5 or 10
domains registered same time. But they charge about $8 for bulk domain
registrations too.

For many domain registration services, some coupon codes or discount
codes float around on Internet. They are used for getting discount on
the price, but even after r using coupon codes you l still pay at
least $8 or so for registration. So the availability of affordable
domain name is something rare and of a scarcity in today's Internet
ages. But still such services exist; only find out where they are
located on the Internet.
You may check the availability of cheap domain name to purchase and
then register the names available for registration. Internet marketers
are known for buying and selling cheap domain name for making cash and
profit. A very important aspect of getting profits from internet is
buying domain name. A domain name is the pathway to whole World. You
can buy domain names and register them in your name or address. Many
people buy domain name in bulk and then they sell to get profit from
them. The selling price is off course higher than the cost of domain
name registration charges. This called "domaining" and people who do
it are known as domainers.

It's a very profitable with potential business gain and value. To get
cheap domains has been much easier and affordable that now every one
from a youngster to an old business man everyone tries to get one for
their business. There are many companies that offer cheap domains with
easy and affordable registration charges. Only thing is to get a good
domain name and select one. The offers of cheapest domains are grabbed
by marketers and they make hay out of it. So you also make hay when
the sun shines and buy cheap domain names. To buy domain name at
cheaper rates you need to find good domain registration services too.

By: Jay Barker

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

I run a domain name registration company where people can buy cheap
domain names or buy domain names cheap.

My Personal Experience With Yahoo Domains

I have been using Yahoo Domains (through Yahoo Small Business) for
several years now, and I have to say that I am very satisfied with my
experience with Yahoo. At the time that I chose my domain, there were
only a few reputable registrars on the market, and I have seen many
either spring up or become more popular since then (such as GoDaddy,
for example).

One thing that is great about choosing Yahoo to register a domain is
that they have been in business for over a decade with their search
engine and other great products to service not only average consumers,
but also small businesses and big businesses alike. Because they have
a reputation for quality, it's easy to trust them as a domain registrar.

The thing I really like about Yahoo personally is that you can
register your domain and maintain other aspects of your site's setup
easily and effectively. To make things more enticing, Yahoo provides
excellent 24/7 customer service and support, so you are never left in
a lurch should you encounter any questions or problems.

Getting my domain was easy and straight-forward. I simply created my
Yahoo Small Business account, searched for the domain that I was
interested in securing - and it was available so I purchased it! For
only like 10 bucks a year, you really can't go wrong. That may be a
bit more than some of the competition but Yahoo makes it worthwhile
with their additional services and features that they include with
registering your domain through them.

You have a few options that vary in terms of cost, depending what you
are trying to do with your Yahoo Small Business account. For example,
if you want to simply register a domain and do basic things like
redirects and so on (which I do, actually) you can do that with their
most basic plan. However, if you're looking to do some more
sophisticated things like basic or advanced website building, you can
opt to pay either a little more for basic or a lot more for advanced
services.

I like the flexibility of being able to upgrade my account if I choose
to use Yahoo for more than just domain registration. That makes me
sure that as my small business grows, I will be able to stay with
Yahoo and upgrade as my updated budget allows.

Overall, I've been quite happy with getting Yahoo Domains through
Yahoo Small Business. It's been a good experience and I would
recommend this to anyone who wants dependable and secure domain
registration. There are competitors on the market, so it's up to you,
but don't overlook Yahoo, if you want my opinion.

Learn more about Yahoo Domains and read reviews at
http://smallbusiness-domain.com/yahoodomains

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

One Person's Perspective On Yahoo Domains

Are you running a small business? Do you have your website's domain
name registered through Yahoo domains? If you have a website or are
considering getting one, you'll need your domain name (that is your
www dot whatever dot com, or dot net, etc.). Years ago, I purchased my
dot com domain name from Yahoo domains and have never looked back.

The first thing I liked about the experience was that Yahoo was
already a company that I trusted from previous encounters with them.
This included using their products such as Yahoo Search, Yahoo Mail,
Yahoo Instant Messenger, and Yahoo Music.
I had had good experiences with all of these aspects of Yahoo on a
personal level, and everyone I knew had also enjoyed working with
them. So this company was already in good standing with me and the
people whose opinion I trust.

Yahoo is a reputable name in the world and one of the most successful
Wall Street businesses as well. So it's no wonder that they do so many
things so well, and that helping people maintain their website domains
is one of those things.

Another advantage I found with purchasing a website domain name from
Yahoo domains is that it was easy and affordable. I just went to their
website and within a few clicks I had my dot com. It was such a good
feeling to know that I owned that name for my website, and that it was
that quick and easy.

The price was right. It was a very reasonable yearly fee to own and
keep this domain name. It was actually one of the most inexpensive
aspects of my entire website budget. What a relief!

Yahoo domains also has a very straight-forward interface (control
panel, if you will) to help you set up redirects and things like that.
I also one time was confused about some stuff and called their
customer service. They helped me out so quickly and easily, it made my
head spin.

Clearly, Yahoo reached their top position in so many markets for good
reason. I'm certain they have some of the best customer service in the
business, bar none.

If you didn't notice by now, I highly recommend Yahoo domains over
most or all registrars in the business. There are other big names you
can check out, but I'm happy with my Yahoo domain. For the record, I
am an average customer and was not paid by anyone at Yahoo to write
this article. It is a sincere description of my experience as a
website owner and I truly just wanted to share.

By: Roberto Bell

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Get yahoo domain names at smallbusiness-domain.com

Domain Name Registration for a New Enterprise: Tips to Have a Catchy Domain Name

By: Smit

According to some studies, there are more than 60 domain names being
registered worldwide per second. No doubt, it is very important to be
creative and choosy in case of domain name selection. Being short,
logical and accurate does make the domain name catchy and memorable.

If a new enterprise needs to register its domain, it must certainly
contact a domain registrar. The process of domain name registration is
fairly simple. The first step is to decide what kind of domain needs
to be acquired. While the most common choices are .com or.net, a
company can also opt for .info or .biz for its website. The next step
is to determine the period. Most registrars have certain plans which
range from one year to ten years. Companies are also offered for
contract renews once it expires.

Another significant aspect of domain registration is the cost involved
as per the length of contract. It is always recommended to snoop
around or search for domain name registration referrals before opting
for a registrar. Beware of some established domain name registrars
that provide domain registration at rates which are 200 percent more
expensive than what standard registrars charge.

Opting For an Appropriate Domain Name:

Choosing a domain name can sometimes be tricky. However, following
some useful and simple tips can result better traffic and minimize the
chances of duplication.

Be Short: Lengthy domain names are more prone to spelling errors while
typing into the browser. It is a fallacy that long domain names tend
to be more descriptive. Actually, long names are difficult to
remember. A short, but catchy domain name does the best trick for
attracting traffic.

Be Logical: During the process of domain registration, it is very
important to register a name that logically matches the theme or
purpose of the website. For example, if a site is all about digital
cameras, one should register bestdigicams.com. One can even use the
name of the enterprise as a domain name. For instance, if the name of
the company is XYZ, one should register as xyz.com.

Be Accurate: Being accurate with domain name is crucial, especially if
the domain name registrar has a minimum qualified period for refund.
One should always spell check before the domain name registration
process. However, registrars refund within 5 days of registration if
there is something wrong.

Besides, it is essential to know the different aspects of domain
registration to acquire a new domain name. A good knowledge about the
domain name registrar is important, which is an organization that acts
as middleman between the registry and the client website. Your domain
name registration service provider helps you by offering the right
options for selecting a suitable web address or host name.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Smit Mathur is an expert for writing Articles and currently working
for Broadway Domain. For more information related to domain name
registration, domain name, domain registration please visit:
www.broadwaydomain.com/

Why Are Domain Names You Buy Used Instead of IP Addresses?

By: Sherrie Chastain

Many people wonder why you need a domain name at all. They are really
a unique address to be able to find a web site anywhere in the world.

When you register a domain name a web site does not automatically
appear by typing the domain name into the browser. You have to build a
web page then upload the file using an ftp provider. This ftp provider
should come with your hosting provider.

This is why you must always consider the hosting when you buy a domain
because it is easier to host where the name is registered. The process
of transferring a domain name to another place to be hosted will be
discussed in a future article. It is just always the best practice to
look for to highest uptime guarantee and very accessible customer
support and buy domains at the same place. It is easier to manage
everything with it centrally located.

When you choose hosting the account will be assigned a numeric
address, called an IP address, this will be used for your web site.
This is a series of numbers. Your domain and IP address will be stored
in a database with all other domain names and IP addresses.

When visitors enter your domain into the browser, your domain name
will work like an address forwarding service by forwarding visitors to
the IP address where your web site is stored. Domain names are used
instead of the actual IP addresses because most people would find it
too difficult to use the long numeric IP address.

This is why when choosing good domain names to buy always try to pick
something that is easy to remember and to spell. People do not always
type the address into the browser when they are looking at someone's
website advertisement.

When you buy domains you can also do other things than just create a
website. Many creative people will search for valuable domain names to
buy and resell like property. Domains can be a very good investment.

You can place the domains you buy for sale and you can also park them
while you wait for someone to make an offer. Parking the names you buy
can also generate some income by the parked google ads people click on.

Another creative way to use the domain names you buy is to forward
them to a domain you are using and funnel the existing traffic of the
domain names you buy to your existing website. Many marketers use this
strategy to pick up lots of traffic at a very reasonable price.

Always remember that when searching, choosing and registering domain
names to buy no matter how you use the domain names, the reason they
are used instead of an IP address is a domain name is easier to
remember and use.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Sherrie Chastain
Buy Domains starting at $1.99 and get an Extra
$141 Web Goodies at no additional cost
Search now at
Best Cheep Web Hosting and Domaine Names

Domains Yahoo Review

By: munfaridon

Domains Yahoo is an (affordable and reliable domain name registrar).
Something cheap but worthwhile. I was looking around and noticed that
domains yahoo was doing a promotion and offering domain name
registration at a very good price. $ 4.98. How can you beat that?

After looking things over a bit I then registered my new domains yahoo
name through Yahoo. (The truth was that the entire process could not
have been easier. My domain was ready to go instantly). I could not
believe how smoothly things went.

Here are the good points regarding Domains Yahoo Registration:

Yahoo! Domains: $4.98 for a Year
Yahoo! is running a deal where you can get a .com, .net, .org, .biz,
.info, or .us for $4.98 a year. Yahoo!Domains include 24/7 support,
web page and forwarding. The second best deal on the net was $8.95
from GoDaddy.

For the most part this is a great service they are offering.

In my opinion "domain registration through Yahoo! Small Business is
the easiest."
Yahoo! Domains Features
$4.98 /year

The most popular domain name extensions
(.com, ,net, .org, .biz, .info, .us)
24-hour toll-free customer support
Domain name registration terms from 1-5 years
Easy-to-use control panel with DNS management
Domain forwarding so you can point to an existing site
Email forwarding to a free Yahoo! email address
Bonus starter web page to post online until you are ready for a web site

Domain name registration

To create a web site or custom email address, you first need a domain
name. A domain name, such as widget-designs.com, functions as your
address on the Internet, just as 1234 Main Street serves as the
address for your home.
Most people choose a domain name that reflects their business or
organization name or personal interests. You should try to come up
with a unique and concise name that is easy to say, remember, and
spell. But don't worry, we have tools that will inspire your
creativity or suggest names if you're stuck.

When you register a domain name, you can choose from an assortment of
web address extensions, including .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz and
.us. You can purchase just one, or return to purchase the rest later
to protect your domain name from competitors.

Domains yahoo allows you to register a domain name for up to 5 years
and offers all of the major domain name extensions at affordable
prices. Here is a complete list of available extensions and their
requirements.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Avoid free Domain Names

By: John Hutchinson

While a "free website" may sound like a good thing, especially for
someone who is setting up online on a shoestring budget, there are
several compelling reasons why it is better to buy your own domain
name and pay for web hosting.

When you buy a domain name, you are the owner, and, provided that your
choice is available, you can use any name you like. But with a free
web service you are not completely free to choose the name of your
website. The name you choose will be attached to the URL of the main
website.

When you set up a contract with the fee-based Web hosting service, you
are effectively renting some real estate on the Internet. However,
with free web hosting service you simply borrow space.

OK, let's look at the detail why it is much better to spend some money
buying a domain name when you set up on the Internet.

First, if you buy your own domain name you can use it to brand your
Internet business. You will not be able to do this with a free domain
name. A free domain name is not really a domain name at all. You see,
what you really get is a URL that is an extension of the host
provider's domain name. What that means is that every time you promote
your website you are also giving your web host provider some free
publicity.

With your own domain name, you can take it with you when you change
your web host. Nobody who visits your website will be aware that you
have changed web host. You won't be able do that if you have a free
website that provides you with a free domain name. If at some time you
do want to move your site, you'll lose your domain name and all the
traffic that came with it.

If after reading this article you still wish to set up on a free
website, at least use a service such as bravenet.com, where you can
combine a free website with a domain name of your own.

Some free websites insist that your web pages carry their
advertisements, whether or not they are appropriate to your site
content. You may have to post a banner ad at the top or bottom of your
home page, or even on every page of your website.

Before you set up a free website, ask yourself whether you really want
to post advertisements on it for companies that you might not endorse.
But that is how a free web service makes its money - by advertising
and other means. When you pay for your own site, you get to post ads
of your choice and you get paid for posting them. However, with a free
site, the web hosting company will make money off your promotional
efforts. And you won't get one penny of those profits.

Another objection to free domain names is that they can look really
tacky. Free domain name shouts "MEAN" loud and clear to your visitors.
All they have to do is glance at the domain name to know that it is a
free name that you have been given by your web hosting company. You'll
seem like the sort of person who expects people to pay you, but you
won't pay others. Think about whether that is the message you really
want to be conveying on the Internet. No matter how good your website
is, a free domain name sends out the wrong message.

In short, a free domain name makes you look stingy and amateurish.

And here's another problem with freebie sites - they don't have much
space. Hopefully your website will get bigger and attract more
visitors. Now you are going to run out of expansion space. Now you
will be required to pay for the extra space you need.

So one way or another, if you are determined to build a popular
website that looks professional and has room to grow, "free" is simply
not an option for you.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Let John Hutchinson, the Oldie Newbie assisit you with interNETwork
marketing hereand with Internet marketing <here

.Tel Domain Names Available for Sale Now

By: Gen Wright

Recently, the blogosphere stirred up quite a bit due to the release of
.Tel domain names. Remember how the .Com age took the Internet by
storm? Literally thousands of businesses and individuals spent lots of
time and money acquiring domain names on Internet. Some register these
names for their own use, while others do it to make a profit.

For sure, there are some lessons to be learned here. That is, if you
want to secure the domain name that you desire, you must act quickly.
If you don't, they could be registered by someone else the next day.
Today, if you visit any domain registrar and make a quick search, you
will find that almost all the valuable properties are taken up. It's
very hard to find a good virtual property.

And that is exactly what a name becomes once you own it - it is a
piece of real estate in the cyber world. If you are running a
business, and you know that your name helps bring in sales for you
because of the reputation you have worked so hard to build, you know
that you must absolutely own this name. You don't want to wait until
someone looking to make a quick buck register for the name and then
try to sell it back to you for a few thousand dollars. Happens all the
time to .com domains.

With the release of .Tel domains, you once again have the opportunity
to own the name that you really want. The main difference between a
.Tel and a .Com is that you get a web presence immediately the moment
you are the owner of a .Tel. In other words, there is no need to sign
up for web hosting, hunt for Content Management Systems, or hire a web
designer. All you have to do is to logon to your account, and fill in
the details.

There is a .Tel for business, and there is a .Tel for individuals. The
key difference between the 2 product lines is that you can setup
different locations for business plans. For individual plans, the
process is more straight forward. Simply go through the wizard, fill
in all the information, and you have a website online.

The best part is, you don't just get a website to go with your .Tel
domain. You get a traditional website, and a mobile website. That
allows you to reach out to a wider audience. Your prospects and
customers can reach you anywhere as long as they are connected to the
Internet. If they are connecting from the office, they can browse your
traditional website. If they are traveling, they can logon to the
Internet using their latest 3G mobile phone and access your mobile
website.

This is great news for many business owners because the new service
essentially eliminates the need to be technically savvy. Anyone can
get a web presence immediately with zero knowledge about HTML, FTP,
HTTP, HTTPS, Editors, etc.

A .Tel domain costs just $21 and the price includes the hosting. If
you buy in bulk, you get to enjoy incredible discounts. With bulk
discounts applied, the cost of a domain name can go down to as low as
$12.25 per name.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

For more information on .Tel and .Tel domain names, please visit our website.

One Person's Perspective On Yahoo Domains

By: Robert Thomson

Are you running a small business? Do you have your website's domain
name registered through Yahoo domains? If you have a website or are
considering getting one, you'll need your domain name (that is your
www dot whatever dot com, or dot net, etc.). Years ago, I purchased my
dot com domain name from Yahoo domains and have never looked back.

The first thing I liked about the experience was that Yahoo was
already a company that I trusted from previous encounters with them.
This included using their products such as Yahoo Search, Yahoo Mail,
Yahoo Instant Messenger, and Yahoo Music.

I had had good experiences with all of these aspects of Yahoo on a
personal level, and everyone I knew had also enjoyed working with
them. So this company was already in good standing with me and the
people whose opinion I trust.

Yahoo is a reputable name in the world and one of the most successful
Wall Street businesses as well. So it's no wonder that they do so many
things so well, and that helping people maintain their website domains
is one of those things.

Another advantage I found with purchasing a website domain name from
Yahoo domains is that it was easy and affordable. I just went to their
website and within a few clicks I had my dot com. It was such a good
feeling to know that I owned that name for my website, and that it was
that quick and easy.

The price was right. It was a very reasonable yearly fee to own and
keep this domain name. It was actually one of the most inexpensive
aspects of my entire website budget. What a relief!

Yahoo domains also has a very straight-forward interface (control
panel, if you will) to help you set up redirects and things like that.
I also one time was confused about some stuff and called their
customer service. They helped me out so quickly and easily, it made my
head spin.

Clearly, Yahoo reached their top position in so many markets for good
reason. I'm certain they have some of the best customer service in the
business, bar none.

If you didn't notice by now, I highly recommend Yahoo domains over
most or all registrars in the business. There are other big names you
can check out, but I'm happy with my Yahoo domain. For the record, I
am an average customer and was not paid by anyone at Yahoo to write
this article. It is a sincere description of my experience as a
website owner and I truly just wanted to share.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Get yahoo domains at smallbusiness-domain.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

"I need to create my own website in PHP.. can anyone tell me how to
register a good and cheap domain and how I can make it more efficient...
Please help me out as I am a learner and I want to learn more about
Web technologies...!!"
see this forum at: http://forums.devstart.com/showthread.php?p=9559

Link to a forum : ' Choosing Effective Domain Names '

Domain names are no longer a web address these days. Many profitable
companies have been built around their domain name making it the brand
and the company. Choosing the right domain should be as important as
naming your product. Given that status, here are some pointers how to
find a name that will see you through it all.

Branding vs. Keywords

This is probably the most difficult to determine. Yet, should be the
first place to start because the rest of the considerations will one
way or another relate to this. There are two schools of thought. One
group believes you should have your keywords in the domain so that
search engines pick up on the keywords and rank you better. To what
extent this really affects your search engine ranking is not clearly
known or proven. Consider why you are putting the website up in the
first place. Most likely it's for your customers or visitors. So
choose a domain that also puts your audience first.

The other group believes a webmaster should go for brand. Most
successful companies start off with a brand, including online
companies. Brands make the product memorable, create differentiation
and encourage loyalty. In the early days of the Internet, everyone
wanted a generic domain like searchengine.com, books.com, auctions.com
and the likes. Today, very few of those are truly successful sites
that rival Google, Amazon and eBay.

A branded domain also ensures consistency throughout your marketing
efforts. As one web user describes, "Every time the company tells me
to visit their generic website, they lose the opportunity to reinforce
their brand name in my mind".

Whether you use keywords or brand for your domain depends much on what
you aim to do. If you plan to build a business or website that is
going to have staying power, branded domains are a better choice. It
might not be easy or cheap to build a brand but there are no shortcuts
when it comes to branding either. It's a slow process that can be very
rewarding if done right. Don't choose a domain simply because of its
keywords. First class content, links in and clever optimization are
more important to good ranking than anything else. Having said that, a
brand name made up of keywords could be best, and you would have the
best of both worlds – literally. Take CancerComforts.com. Owner Kathy
Browning chose the domain because of its keywords. But apart from
being keyword rich, CancerComforts.com is also very marketable and can
be a strong brand.

If you are building a resource website, a website for affiliate
programs or one that's temporary in nature, keyword rich and generic
domains would be a better choice. Finally, there is no harm in buying
both branded and keyword domains that point to the same site. Just
make sure you only use one for submissions, directory listings, link
exchanges and promotion. This way you build your link popularity.

You should also, make sure the site title or name matches your domain.
If your domain is ExtremeBiking.com and your site name is Smith
Brothers Biking Tours this makes visitors and directory editors wonder
if this is the correct website. It also causes confusion. People who
know you tend to look for a domain that reflects your brand and not
extreme biking. If you have yet to establish a company name or a site
name, it might be a good idea to name it after you find a domain name.
This is sensible, consistent marketing.

Company Name

This is the most common because in today's increasingly small and
competitive world, businesses tend to have rather creative and catchy
names. On the other hand, if your business name is very nondescript
such as The Smith Brothers, you might want to take the approach that
combines part of your company name and a keyword. Although the
importance of brand name was emphasized earlier, here the situation is
slightly different. Non-descriptive company names aren't particularly
helpful to audiences. Someone looking for you would find it difficult
to differentiate your company and the other company with a similar
name. In this case, keywords tied to your name are worth considering.

Domain Length

Short domains are supposed to be best but it's increasingly difficult
to find one without paying someone a lot of money to take over the
domain. There are alternatives though, such as expired domains which
we will explore a little later on.

Just because a domain is a little longer doesn't make it bad. For
example, TrashToTreasure.com is meaningful, to the point and memorable
even though it is rather long. On the other hand,
ThisIsAnExampleOfAVeryLongDomain.com is too long, difficult to
remember and prone to errors. The other extreme is needless
abbreviation. TTT.com is meaningless because TrashToTreasure.com works
much butter. Aim for some balance while taking into account ease of use.

.Com, .Net, .Info

Most people will agree a .com is best. A web user told us, "Whenever I
can't remember the domain name but I know the site name, brand or
company, I'll try for a .com first". If you have no good .com
alternative, start with .net and .org first. Also, be sure to
consistently promote your website as a .net or .org whatever you may
choose.

Hyphens, Suffixes and Prefixes

Hyphens aren't necessarily evil especially if it's in your brand name
or is the correct way to write a word. However, they are difficult to
remember, type and prone to user input mistakes. Avoid them as much as
you can.

Suffixes and prefixes are i's, e's, the's and numbers usually
suggested by domain search tools when your desired domain is
unavailable. If you choose such a domain, be very consistent in your
promotion. Promote the domain as a whole, do not leave out the suffix
or prefix. You might also want to avoid domains with very little
difference between them. These are usually between plurals and
singulars. Aim for singular names whenever possible. For example,
petfood.com and petfoods.com; If petfood.com is taken, resist the
temptation to opt for petfoods.com because people tend to leave out
the 's'.

Can You Say It?

This isn't always a top consideration but it makes sense you should
have a domain name that can be verbally communicated. Take your list
of chosen domains and tell it to someone. Does it confuse them? Do you
find yourself having to constantly repeat it or spell it? If that is
so, move on or go back to the drawing board.

Copyrights and Trademarks

In this day and age, many companies particularly those with strong
brand names are increasingly protective of their trademarks. Avoid the
trouble and expense of a lawsuit by spending some time to research
your chosen name. Start by looking up the name with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office (http://www.uspto.gov/) and your state's
trademark database. A More in depth look at this issue can be found
here (http://www.bcentral.com/articles/legal/109.asp).

Expiring Domains

Anyone who has looked for a domain name finds out soon enough more
than half the desired names are taken. If you cannot find a suitable
one despite numerous searches, why not explore expired domains?
Expired domains are those whose original registrant fails to renew
commonly are due to website closings or companies going out of
business. Within the list of expired domains are some real gems. There
are many services that allow you to monitor expired and soon to expire
domains for a fee. Before you sign up for them, a good place to start
researching for free is DeletedDomains.com
(http://www.deleteddomains.com).

Some believe recently expired domains with good traffic and rankings
allow you to benefit from someone else's hard work and give your site
a head start. Theoretically, that may be true. Realistically, you
shouldn't expect that to last. People consistently return to a website
for a reason. If your topic is very different from the original site,
visitors will stop coming back because the information or resource
they previously had access to is no longer there. If you assume such a
domain and want to convert as many visitors as possible, make sure
your content is very closely related or similar to that of the old
site. You might want to also check that the old site has completely
ceased operations. If the previous site still exists under a different
domain, loyalists eventually find their way back there; Word gets
around among them and could create a negative image on the old domain
that's now yours.

Ownership

When you do register as domain, have it registered under your name or
your company. If you are registering through your host, remember a lot
can happen within a short space of time. Companies go out of business
or you change hosts, scams, scandals and more. Making sure you own the
domain reduces the risk of losing your domain name in the future.
Check your host's domain registration policy. If there are unnecessary
expenses to transfer your domain, try to register it yourself instead.
Registering a domain is a very simple and straightforward affair. Some
good registrars to try are Enom (http://www.enom.com/) and GoDaddy
(http://www.godaddy.com).
Finally, when you do find the best available domain, get it
immediately. Any delays no matter how minor may cost you. Finding the
right domain is not easy. It takes a lot of brainstorming, patience
and creativity. Once you find it, don't let it slip.

Boris
HostVoice
"

see this forum at : http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=312988