<b><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6369" alt="domain-name-checker" src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/domain-name-checker.jpg" width="168" height="128" /></b>

<a title="Domain Checker" href="https://itxdesign.com/billing/cart.php?a=add&amp;domain=register">Domain Checker</a>

Before you pay the money and register your new domain name, you will need to use a domain checker. This is a tool that allows any user to see if the domain they want is available for purchase. All the major domain registrars have one built in and it works much like a search engine for domains.

<b>What will a Domain Checker do for You?</b>

When you're ready to register a domain name, you may have a specific choice in mind. However, when you use the domain checker, you find out its not available for purchase. This presents an issue, especially if you don't have a backup choice.

Most of the best domain checkers will do a few things for you to help you get the right domain name. First, they will offer suggestions similar to the domain you were trying to register. Second, they will offer the domain name with other extensions, such as .net, .biz, .us or .info. Finally, some domain checkers will tell you who owns the domain name or if it's being auctioned off for purchase.

<b>Using the WHOis Domain Checker</b>

The most popular domain checker found online today is the WHOis domain checker. It's found at WHOis.net and provides you with a few interesting options when you search for the domain name of your choice.

This site will tell you if the domain is available or if it's taken. If somebody else already owns the domain name, it will give you a few suggestions of other choices. It will also provide a "Make an Offer" button, which will forward you to a Domain Acquisition Service and allow you to make an offer to the domain owner. This is a great way to ensure you get the right domain name, if there's no other option for your website.

As you go through the registration process, the WHOis Tool may come in handy.

<b>Will You Use a Domain Checker When Opening a Hosting Account?</b>

Whenever you start a new website, you will need hosting. If this means you must open a new hosting account, you can usually get your domain name free of charge. Just about all the top hosting companies, including ITX Design, offer a free domain name with your hosting package.

Once you click the "sign up" button with your new hosting company, you will immediately be taken to a screen asking for a current domain name or a new domain you want to register. If you choose to register a new domain name, you will be using a domain checker to find out if it's available. This makes the registration process move along much smoother.

When you enter a domain name that is take, you will see "unavailable" in red letters under the Domain Name Status column. This means you cannot register that domain name. If you must have the domain, you can use the WHOis tool and contact the owner with an offer.

However, if you have a backup option or a different extension you would like, you can enter it to see if the other domain name is available. If it is available, you will see the words "Available! Order Now" in the status column in green letters.

Most hosting companies offering a free domain name will only offer it with the following extensions:
<ul>
	<li>.com</li>
	<li>.net</li>
	<li>.org</li>
	<li>.biz</li>
	<li>.info</li>
	<li>.us</li>
	<li>.cc</li>
	<li>.co</li>
	<li>.uk</li>
</ul>
The .com is the most expensive from an outside domain registrar and the best choice overall. However, if you cannot get the .com, you may want to consider any other choice except the .info domain. Domain names with the .info extension are the cheapest from other domain registrars.

<b>Get Started with Your New Website Today!</b>

Now that you know what the domain checker is, you can get started by choosing a hosting package and registering your domain name. At ITX Design, we offer shared, <a title="vps hosting" href="https://itxdesign.com/vps-hosting/">VPS</a>, <a title="reseller hosting" href="https://itxdesign.com/reseller-hosting/">reseller hosting</a> and <a title="dedicated servers" href="https://itxdesign.com/dedicated-servers/">dedicated servers</a>. All our hosting accounts are backed by 24/7/365 award-winning technical support, a 99.999% uptime guarantee and a money back guaranteed.

Choose the right package for your needs, use our domain checker, register your domain name and take your website live today.