Getting the Domain

You should start by checking whether or not the domain name you want is already registered by someone else. Both dig and whois should be consulted. dig will tell you something only if the domain registration is complete. If it is in progress, or somehow incomplete, whois should, or could, have some information.

Because each TLD registrar has different requirements you must meet to get your domain registered, you need to pursue IANA's TLD listing and contact the registrar or find the needed information on its Web site to ensure you know what it requires.

If something legal such as forming and registering a legal company is required, it will probably be time consuming and a bit expensive. Therefore, you should start the required activities immediately.

Another common requirement is having working nameservers for the domain before the registration is finalized. You will need to set up all, or at least the required number, of your redundant nameservers. They will all need to be authoritative for your domain. To do this, simply follow the guidelines in Chapter 2, "DNS in Practice"

After you have met all these and any other requirements, you will get your new domain delegated. Not too long after that, it should be known all over the Net.

Slave Servers

You will be required to run at least two nameservers for your domain. This is for your own good because it ensures that your domain is robust and can handle failures. Strictly speaking, the requirement can be fulfilled by setting up two machines in the same room on the same Internet connection. It would be better, though, if you were able to get another company or even your ISP to run your secondary service. The more remote your domain's slave servers are, the more robust your domain will be in case of a failure somewhere.

When Your Domain Is Taken

You might find yourself in a situation in which the domain you want is unavailable to you because someone else has already registered it. This someone might be a domain pirate or an entirely benign person pursuing whatever it is people pursue.

This is a situation that requires diplomacy. whois will tell you who owns the domain, along with his address, phone number, fax number, and email address. You can approach him and possibly reach an agreement. Or, you might have to resort to the TLDs conflict resolution policy, which usually requires involving a lawyer.