Domain names

[Zan de Man]

I'm starting a new company in the UK. The registration documents are with Companies House as I write. I'd like to register a .co.uk domain name for the company, but don't know how to go about it. Can any of you webmonkeys help?

[Dave]

Zan there are many companies you can use to register a domain name. It depends on what package you are looking for. If you are looking to host it yourself then try somone like www.thebigwhois.com who can register .co.uk names. They do not provide much space though - hence it is best to host the domain yourself once they have registered it for you.

I'll find out who we are work use in the UK and I'll let you know.

Unfortunately the company I used to register this domain does not offer .co.uk registration.

[Zan de Man]

Thanks Daav. I've just registered it through 123. I left my hosting options open.

[Zan de Man]

The information I got from 123 says I have to "ensure that the domain you purchased is present in your control panel and on whois information within 24 hours". WTF does that mean? Is there something I should be doing before their feckin' helpline opens tomorrow morning?

[Dave]

Go to www.thebigwhois.com and do a lookup on the domain you have just purchased. It is self explanatory on their page as to what you need to do, to find out whether your new domain is active.

As for control panel - hmmm depends it could come with some online software to configure your name server records. You'll need to check with them I'm afraid/

[Zan de Man]

Thanks Daav. It seems the name isn't listed yet.

[Dave]

It takes at least 24 hours after registration for the information to propogate across the internet.

[Zan de Man]

I've emailed their helpdesk.