One of the first things you should do, to get started on the web, is to register a domain name.

This is a unique address which people can use to find you on the internet. It can be used to find your website and as a place to send your email. As a rule, you should try to choose a name which is short and easy to remember. Every domain name is unique and as a result, if the domain name you want has already been registered to someone else, you will not be able to register it for yourself. When you register a name, you pay a fee which registers the name for a specific period of time, often two years. After that time, you must renew your registration if you wish to continue using the domain name. Failure to do this means that it is possible for someone else to register that name.

Domain names are divided into different groups such as .com  co,uk  org   ltd.uk etc  These domains often indicate the country of registration but also the type of organisation. Voluntary sector organisations often register .org domains which gives the viewer a clue as to the type or organisation it is.

Registration is normally done by one of the companies specialising in this service on the internet.

Creating your Website 

It is possible to construct simple static websites yourself. However, if you need to change your website regularly to keep it up to date, you are better off  with a content managed website. Once the site is set up, you would be able to modify the content yourself. This type of website needs to be hosted at a location with special facilities and it is generally better to get someone to set up the site for you and you can take it from there.