Have you ever wondered how to lookup domain information? Whether you’re a website owner or a novice to the world of website creation, you will at some time need to familiarize yourself with domain name registration and the process of domain name lookup.
This article will guide you through the basics of domain name lookup and what to look out for when doing it. By the end of this beginner’s guide, you should have a much better understanding of what domain lookup entails and how to perform it with ease.
What is a Domain Name?
Before we dive into the topic of domain name lookup, let’s quickly clarify what a domain name actually is. Simply put, a domain name is the foundation of a website’s address. It is what comes after the “www.” in a website’s URL. For instance, “google.com” is a domain name.
Domains make it easier for users to locate websites on the internet. A domain name is unique, meaning no two websites can have the same domain name. They usually end with .com, .org, .gov, or .edu, among others.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a collection of servers that translate domain names into IP addresses. This ensures that users can access websites from anywhere in the world just by typing in a website’s domain name, rather than an IP address.
How to Lookup Domain Information
The task of performing a domain name lookup can be a bit confusing, but it’s critical. You need to check if the domain you want to use is already taken, and if it is, who owns it.
Here are the steps to perform a domain lookup:
1. Choose a Domain Name Registrar
A domain name registrar is a company that manages and assigns domain names. Some popular domain name registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Domain.com.
2. Search for Your Desired Domain Name
Using your registrar of choice, search for your desired domain name. When you enter your desired domain name, the registrar will indicate whether it’s available or taken.
3. Check Domain Ownership
If the domain name you want is taken, you can check who owns it by performing a WHOIS lookup. As the name suggests, a WHOIS lookup provides information on the owner of a domain name.
To perform a WHOIS lookup, enter the domain name in question into a WHOIS lookup service like ICANN whois. This lookup will provide details such as the name of the domain owner, the period of registration, and contact information.
4. Register Your Domain Name
If your desired domain name is available, you can register it through the domain name registrar of your choice. Be sure to register the domain name for an extended period of time, even up to ten years, to avoid having to worry about losing it.
Conclusion
Performing a domain name lookup ensures that the domain name you choose is available for use and belongs to you. You gain crucial details about the domain owner and also learn how to register the domain on business-friendly terms. Hopefully, this beginner’s guide has provided you with a basic understanding of how to lookup domain information and enabled you to employ it with greater ease.
