What is a domain name, and how to buy it from Nepal?

 What is a domain name, and how to buy it from Nepal?

A domain name is a unique address that identifies a website on the Internet. This makes it easy to find and access any website on the Internet. It is the address of any website on the Internet, which the user can type in the web browser to reach that site. For example; Names like google.com, tech.com are domain names.

A domain name is the backbone of your digital presence. Just like your physical address or phone number, no two domain names can be the same in the digital world. A domain name can also be understood as a pointer to an IP address.

The IP address (69.63.184.142) of the domain name (such as facebook.com) that you search in the address bar of your browser is recognized by the browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) and leads to the corresponding web page.

Domain names can be bought and sold by going to online markets like Godaddy (godaddy.com), Oho domain (Ohodomain.com).

Three parts of a domain name

In any webpage like 'www.example.com', '.com' is the top level domain, 'example' is the second level domain and 'www' is the sub domain. 'Top Level Domain' is also known as 'Extension'. Some of the more commonly used 'Top Level Domains' (TLDs) are:

1. '.com'

2. '.net'

3. '.org'

4. '.edu'

Country Code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs) vary depending on the country. Like;

1. '.au' (Australia)

2. '.ca' (Canada)

3. '.de' (Germany)

4. '.np' (Nepal)

5. '.in' (India)

A 'second level domain' is your domain name linked to a top level domain (TLD). such as:

1. example.com

2. example.net

3. examples.org

Similarly, a 'sub domain' is only a part of a larger domain, it is optional. You can choose a subdomain name that you think is appropriate before the main domain name that you want to get. Like www.example.com, blog.example.com, news.example.com etc.

How to get a domain name in Nepal?

The process of buying a domain name is very simple. From Nepal you can use both international and Nepali domain registrars. In Nepal you can register .np domain name for free from Mercantile Communications Pvt Ltd website register.com.np.

If you want to buy a top level domain, there are many platforms in Nepal that can buy such domain names. If you have a dollar card, you can buy from international domain name providers like godaddy.com, namecheap.com, domain.com, hostinger.com, bluehost.com, etc. .

But if you don't have a dollar card and feel that you can't cooperate with a foreign company if you have some problems while buying a domain, Nepali companies are also an option for you. Domain name can be purchased from Host, Gorkha Host, Web Link Nepal, Web Tech Nepal, Crazy Host Nepal, Yoho Cloud, Doco Host etc.

Search and order the domain name that suits you from this platform. When confirming the order, you have to provide your name, address, contact number, email address and other details. Payment should be made after providing all the details.

Then you can create an account on that platform and use your domain name from there. This account is important for name server change, domain renewal and other management tasks.

If you want to get a .np domain, some documents are required. Submit your citizenship, passport or other identification for a domain that matches your name for personal use. Similarly, for businesses, the application must be accompanied by a registration certificate and logo.

After purchasing the domain, you have to purchase the hosting. As most of the domain providers provide hosting, you can get hosting services from the provider you have taken the domain name from.

Getting a secure place on the Internet for all website content (files, databases, images) is to get a hosting service. This makes your website accessible to users worldwide.

Shared hosting is suitable for blogs, general information or small businesses. Similarly, VPS (Virtual Private Server) or cloud hosting is suitable for e-commerce sites, websites with high traffic, which provide high-speed service and security.

Before taking the hosting service, check the duration (1 month, 1 year or 3 years) and price and choose the plan that suits your budget. Some providers also offer free domains, email hosting, SSL certificates, etc., which help reduce your costs.

Hosting providers in Nepal provide payment options such as eSeva, Khalti, bank transfer, while international hosting providers provide options such as credit card or PayPal.

Select your plan, complete the payment process by filling in the required information (eg, domain name, email address). Hosting providers in Nepal provide payment options such as eSeva, Khalti, bank transfer, while international hosting providers provide options such as credit card or PayPal.

After purchasing hosting service, you work through cPanel or other hosting management platform to set up your website You can start. Here you get the facility to upload website content, install CMS (like WordPress).

Thus, you can easily make your website available online by choosing a hosting service according to your needs. While selecting a good service provider, it is important to pay attention to customer service, uptime guarantee, security features, etc.