Internet Explorer first searches for a domain name with a dot.com extension. If it finds one, it connects to that site. If it doesn't, it will search for a dot.net extension and finally a dot.org extension.

If you think you have a really neat name, and dot.com extension is already taken, but dot.net is available, it may not be a good deal. People are conditioned to enter a name followed by ".com" and if you have dot.net or dot.org extension, you just may be sending your clients to a competitors site.

We recently tried to reserve a web site and checked under several names, but all dot.com names, that we initially thought of, were all taken. Rather than settling for a dot.net or dot.org extension, we continued to search until we found one with a dot.com that was appropriate for our business.

Remember - when you do a "Whois" search, dot.com name is on first.

For example, Register.com offers site building tools, a domain redirection services and email services for free with registration of a domain. If these services are useful to you, they may make up for $35 registration fee.

If you don't need any services, then Register.com may not be registrar of choice for you, as there are many other good registrars that charge much less than $35 for a single domain.

3. MANAGEMENT

Another important factor to consider when choosing a registrar is their method of domain management. In other words, once you have registered domain, how do you manage information associated with it? You may want to change contact information or nameservers in future.

Most registrars offer a control panel type interface for managing your domains. This allows you to simply log in on web and change information you want changed.

Others, however, have much more complicated systems. Network Solutions was known for its inefficient and complicated system of making simple changes. If, for example, you switched to a new e-mail address, you might have had to fax in multiple forms of identification in order to change simple information related to your domain.

4. SUPPORT

When you need to know how to do something or you're having a problem with your domain, customer support is important. Smaller sites reselling domain registration may not be able to provide same level of support one of main registrars could. Check out site's help section for its depth and check how easy it is to find an email address or form to fill out for help.

Consider these factors when choosing where to register your domain name to come up with registrar offering perfect combination of price, service, management and support for you.